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If the thought of a dental appointment makes you feel uneasy, you are not alone. Many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. For some, anxiety, a fear of needles or a difficult experience in the past can make it hard to book an appointment at all.
Conscious dental sedation is one way that suitable patients may be helped to feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment. In this article, we explain what conscious dental sedation is, who may consider it and what to expect if you would like to find out whether it could be appropriate for you.
Why Dental Anxiety Matters
Dental anxiety can cause people to delay or avoid necessary treatment. When appointments are put off, small problems that could have been addressed early may go unnoticed, and treatment that might once have been straightforward can become more involved.
Feeling anxious is nothing to be embarrassed about. Telling your dental team how you feel is a helpful first step, because it gives them the opportunity to understand your concerns and talk you through the options that may be available.
What Is Conscious Dental Sedation?
Conscious dental sedation is used to help suitable patients feel calmer and more relaxed during dental treatment while remaining conscious. It is not the same as being put to sleep. You may feel sleepy or less aware of what is happening around you, but you are generally able to communicate with the dental team throughout your appointment.
It is also important to understand what dental sedation does not do. Dental sedation does not replace the dental treatment itself, and local anaesthetic may still be used where it is required. Instead, dental sedation is used as part of a planned approach to help an appropriate patient tolerate the procedure they need.
Who Might Consider Conscious Dental Sedation?
Conscious dental sedation may be discussed with patients who experience:
- Dental anxiety or dental phobia
- A fear of needles
- A hypersensitive gag reflex
- Anxiety about longer dental appointments
- Concerns about more intensive dental procedures
- Difficulty tolerating dental treatment in the past
Depending on your individual circumstances, conscious dental sedation may be considered for procedures such as fillings and other restorative treatments, root canal treatment, crowns and bridges, extractions and some procedures requiring oral surgery input. The suitability of dental sedation is always assessed on an individual basis.
Starting with a Dental Sedation Consultation
Conscious dental sedation is not automatically suitable for everyone, so the first step is a conversation. A dental sedation consultation gives you time to discuss what makes dental treatment difficult for you and to find out whether conscious dental sedation may be appropriate for your circumstances.
During the consultation, your sedationist will usually:
- Talk with you about your concerns and any previous dental experiences
- Review your medical and dental history, including relevant medical conditions and medications
- Ask about any previous reactions to dental sedation or anaesthesia
- Consider the dental treatment you need, as different procedures can have different requirements
- Explain what to expect before, during and after dental sedation
The consultation is also your opportunity to ask questions. Understanding the process in advance can help you feel more prepared, whatever you decide.
What Is IV Dental Sedation?
Intravenous (IV) dental sedation is a form of conscious dental sedation in which sedative medication is given through a vein, usually using a small cannula. The medication is intended to help you feel calm and relaxed, and its effects can be managed by your sedationist during the appointment.
You remain conscious during IV dental sedation, and the dental procedure itself is carried out separately using the appropriate local anaesthetic and clinical techniques. Everyone responds to dental sedation differently, so your sedationist will explain what you can expect at your consultation.
Is Conscious Dental Sedation Safe?
Conscious dental sedation has been used in dentistry for many years, and established protocols are followed to help reduce and manage potential risks. A detailed assessment before treatment is an important part of the process, as it allows relevant factors such as your medical history and current medication to be identified and discussed.
Dental sedation is only provided when it has been assessed as appropriate for the individual patient. Your sedationist will discuss any relevant risks with you and answer your questions before treatment goes ahead.
Preparing for Your Appointment
If dental sedation is considered suitable, your dental team will give you specific instructions before your appointment. These may include information about eating and drinking, your usual medication and the arrangements you need to make for getting home after treatment.
It is important to follow these instructions carefully. If anything is unclear, contact the practice before your appointment.
After Dental Sedation
Dental sedation can temporarily affect alertness, coordination and judgement, so you will receive aftercare instructions following your appointment. These will explain what to avoid while the effects wear off and the support you may need once you are home.
Recovery varies from person to person. Follow the guidance provided by your dental team, and get in touch with the practice if you have any questions or concerns afterwards.
Other Steps That May Help
Dental sedation is not the only way to make dental visits more manageable. You may also find it helpful to:
- Let the team know you feel nervous when you book
- Mention anything that has made previous appointments difficult
- Ask your dentist to explain what will happen before treatment starts
- Ask questions at any stage if you are unsure about something
Your dentist can talk through the approach that may suit you, whether or not dental sedation forms part of your care.
Speak to Our Team in Paignton
At GreenTree Dental & Implant Clinic, we understand that dental anxiety can affect patients of all ages. If worry about treatment has been holding you back, a dental sedation consultation gives you time to discuss your concerns and find out whether conscious dental sedation may be suitable for you.
To arrange a consultation or ask a question, call our team on 01803 559028 or visit us at 31 Hyde Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 5BP.
