In IV conscious sedation, an Anaesthetist administers small doses of medicine through the drip to produce relaxation, reduced perception of pain and drowsiness.
Many patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep and the vast majority have little or no recollection of the procedure.
Local anaesthetic will also be administered to numb the areas of your mouth being treated and to further control discomfort.
Unlike a general anaesthetic, you will not be put to sleep, or made unconscious.
IV conscious sedation helps produce relaxation, drowsiness, and reduced perception of pain during treatment.
Local anaesthetic is also used to numb the treatment area and help control discomfort.
IV conscious sedation is different from general anaesthetic. You will not be made fully unconscious.
Many patients become very relaxed and may have little or no recollection of the procedure.
You must not eat or drink for six hours before your dental appointment. The only exception is a mouthful of water to swallow medications that you normally take.
If you are diabetic, do not take your normal diabetic medication on the day of surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Serious complications may occur if there is food or liquid, including water, in your stomach.
Please refrain from smoking for at least six hours before sedation.
You must not drink alcohol for twelve hours before and twenty-four hours after the procedure.
You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you until the effects of sedation have worn off.
You must not drive a motor vehicle or operate dangerous machinery on the day you receive sedation.
For your safety, your surgery will be rescheduled if these instructions are not followed.
Do not eat or drink for six hours before your appointment.
Only take regular medication with a mouthful of water. If you are diabetic, do not take your normal diabetic medication on the day of surgery unless instructed otherwise.
Avoid smoking for at least six hours before sedation. Do not drink alcohol for twelve hours before and twenty-four hours after the procedure.
A responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you until the sedation has worn off.
Rarely, complications may be associated with IV conscious sedation. These include pain, bruising or discolouration at the site of IV placement, inflammation of a vein, also known as phlebitis, nausea and vomiting, or allergic reaction.
To help minimise risks and complications, you must disclose to Dr Willis any and all drugs and medications that you are taking.
You must also disclose any abnormalities in your current physical status or past medical history. This includes any history of drug or alcohol abuse and any reactions to medications or anaesthetics.
For females, you must inform us if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to your arms on the day of your procedure.
Rare complications may include pain, bruising or discolouration at the IV site, inflammation of a vein, nausea, vomiting or allergic reaction.
You must disclose all drugs, medications, medical conditions, and relevant medical history before sedation.
Please inform us if you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to your arms.
Following sedation, the patient may be less aware, less alert, less co-ordinated, and slower in reflex actions.
The sleepy state following sedation may remain for the next 24 hours. Therefore, it is important that the following instructions are followed during this period.
Ensure the patient is not left alone and is always under the supervision of a capable adult.
The patient must not drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle. They should not operate machinery, cooking appliances, or climb ladders.
The patient should not make important decisions, such as changing their will or selling property. They should not be the carer of children.
The patient must not cross any roads without the aid of a carer. When travelling, angle the car seat back slightly to prevent the patient’s head from slumping forward and obstructing their airway. Assist the patient when walking to and from the car or if they need to use stairs.
If the patient needs to use the bathroom, do not allow them to lock the door. Check on them if they take a long time to ensure they have not had a fall or drifted off to sleep. Bathing and showering is permitted only under direct supervision of the carer. No smoking for 24 hours.
The patient must not do anything which ordinarily requires complete alertness or coordination, or which may compromise themselves or anyone else. NB: A carer is a responsible adult over the age of 18 years.
