Dental Sedation Consultation

Why Might You Consider a Dental Sedation Consultation?

A dental sedation consultation may be appropriate if you experience:

• Dental anxiety
• Dental phobia
• Needle phobia
• A hypersensitive gag reflex
• Anxiety about prolonged dental treatment
• Concerns about intensive dental procedures

The consultation is also an opportunity to discuss previous experiences, concerns and any questions you may have about dental sedation.

What Happens During a Dental Sedation Consultation?

Discussing Your Concerns

Your sedationist will discuss what makes dental treatment difficult for you. Understanding your concerns helps the team consider the most appropriate approach.

Reviewing Your Medical and Dental History

Your medical and dental history will be reviewed as part of assessing whether conscious dental sedation is suitable.

You should provide information about relevant medical conditions, medications and previous reactions to dental sedation or anaesthesia.

Discussing Your Dental Treatment

The proposed dental treatment will also be considered. Different procedures may have different requirements, so your sedationist will discuss whether dental sedation is appropriate for the treatment you need.

Explaining the Dental Sedation Process

You will be given information about what to expect before, during and after dental sedation, including any preparation and aftercare instructions.

What Dental Treatments Can Be Carried Out with Dental Sedation?

Depending on your individual circumstances, conscious dental sedation may be considered for procedures including:

• Fillings and other restorative treatments
• Root canal treatment and extirpations
• Crowns and bridges
• Extractions
• Some procedures requiring oral surgery input

The suitability of dental sedation is assessed on an individual basis.

Will I Be Awake During Conscious Dental Sedation?

Yes. Conscious dental sedation is intended to create a relaxed and calm state while you remain conscious.

You may feel sleepy or less aware of the procedure, but you are generally able to communicate with the dental team.

Your sedationist will explain what you can expect during your consultation.

How Can Dental Sedation Help Nervous Patients?

Dental anxiety can cause people to delay or avoid necessary treatment. For suitable patients, conscious dental sedation may help make treatment more manageable.

It may be particularly useful for patients who have previously found dental appointments difficult because of anxiety, a needle phobia or a sensitive gag reflex.

Dental sedation does not replace the dental treatment itself. It is used as part of a planned approach to help an appropriate patient tolerate the procedure.

Is Conscious Dental Sedation Safe?

Conscious dental sedation has been used in dentistry for many years. Appropriate protocols are followed to help manage potential risks.

A detailed consultation takes place before treatment so relevant factors can be identified and discussed. This also gives you an opportunity to ask questions and understand the proposed approach.

Dental sedation is only provided when it has been assessed as appropriate for the individual patient.

Preparing for Treatment

If dental sedation is considered suitable, your dental team will provide specific instructions before your appointment.

These may include information about eating and drinking, medication and arrangements for getting home after treatment. Follow the instructions given by your dental team carefully.

What Happens After Dental Sedation?

You will receive aftercare instructions following your appointment. Dental sedation can temporarily affect alertness, coordination and judgement, so you must follow the specific guidance provided by your dental team.

The recovery process varies between individuals.

Dental Sedation Consultation at GreenTree Dental & Implant Clinic

At GreenTree Dental & Implant Clinic, we understand that dental anxiety can affect patients of all ages.

A consultation gives you time to discuss your concerns in a supportive environment and understand whether conscious dental sedation may be suitable for your proposed treatment.