Intravenous sedation is used to help you relax during minor surgical procedures.
- The sedative is given by injection into a vein (intravenous) in your arm or the back of your hand.
- You will remain conscious at all times and able to talk and respond to instructions.
- You will also receive local anaesthetic (an injection into your gums) so that the treatment can be carried out.
- Afterwards you will probably have little or no memory of the procedure.
- Usually drowsiness lasts no more than 8 hours. Some people sleep heavily following sedation. Very occasionally some patients feel drowsy the following day.
- This is not a general anaesthetic, and you will be awake, but very relaxed, throughout the procedure.
If you are having intravenous sedation there are some rules that you must follow for your safety:
- A responsible adult (friend or relative) must stay in the practice during your treatment and drive you home or take you home in a taxi afterwards; if not, you cannot have sedation.
- Please note that we cannot start your treatment until your escort, and driver if a different person from your escort, are present and able to stay in the clinic until your treatment is finished.
- Please do not arrange for someone to come and pick you up later on.
Remember to tell your oral surgeon before your treatment of any changes in your medical history or your medication, and if you have asthma or any allergies.
If you have asthma or angina please remember to bring you inhaler or spray with you.
On the day of your treatment:
- You can have a light meal before your treatment if you wish.
- You can drink fluids and take any medicines as normal unless you have been instructed otherwise.
- Do not drink any alcohol.
- Do remove all nail varnish and lipstick, before your appointment.
- Do wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. It is particularly important for sleeves to be loose.
- Treatment and recovery time is usually 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
After your treatment under sedation:
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- A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you for at least 8 hours following the treatment. You must not travel home by public transport such as a bus.
- Your escort must be able to give you their full attention to get you home safely and must not have the additional responsibility of caring for small children. Please do not bring any children with you.
- You should stay at home resting quietly for about 24 hours.
- Do not drive a car, drink alcohol, use machinery (such as a kettle or a bike), do any work or make important decisions for 24 hours, to allow the effects of the sedation to wear off.
- You can eat and drink normally as soon as you feel like it.
- If you have any pain, then do not hesitate to take the painkillers as directed.
If you are not exempt from NHS charges we will be very happy to provide you with an estimate of your treatment cost. All accounts must be settled on the day of treatment.
This is a long appointment and special facilities and staff will have been arranged for you. Please give at least 2 working days notice if you need to cancel your appointment, as unfortunately we have to make a charge of £30 for cancellation at short notice. A charge of £60 will apply for failed attendance or cancellation on the day of treatment or failure to follow the instructions necessary for your safety.
We aim to make your treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible. If you have any queries or concerns regarding your treatment please contact us on 0141 553 1212.