ON THE DAY OF TREATMENT

Who will sedate me?

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You will be sedated by either a doctor or a dentist who has had further post-graduate training in anaesthetics / sedation. Also present will be the dental surgeon who will carry out your treatment, a dental nurse and a recovery nurse who will monitor you until you have recovered sufficiently to go home.

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Are there any risks involved in conscious sedation?

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All drugs carry some risks. The risks associated with conscious sedation are very small, particularly when compared with general anaesthesia. There is negligible risk if you follow the instructions on this sheet.

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How long will I be drowsy?

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Usually drowsiness lasts no more than 8 hours. Some people sleep heavily following sedation. Very occasionally some patients feel drowsy the following day.

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Is it as good as general anaesthesia?

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We cannot guarantee total oblivion with conscious sedation, but most people cannot differentiate between general anaesthesia and conscious sedation' with 'Conscious sedation is different to general anaesthesia, but most people cannot differentiate between them.

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On the Day of Treatment - Before

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• Remember that you must be accompanied to the clinic by a responsible adult who will stay at the clinic during your treatment and accompany you home.

• Remember that you cannot travel home by public transport.

• Arrive for your appointment approximately 15 minutes early so that any pre-treatment documentation can be completed.

• Remove contact lenses.

• Remove ALL make-up, particularly lipstick and nail varnish.

• Remove ALL jewellery.

• Tie back long hair.

• Continue to take routine medicine unless the dental surgeon /sedationist has advised otherwise.

• Tell the dental surgeon / sedationist if you have been to see your family doctor or attended hospital since your consultation appointment.

• Give details of any medicines, tablets or pills which you are taking, prescribed by your doctor or not, which you have not advised us of before.

• Wear loose fitting and comfortable clothing. It is particularly important for sleeves to be loose.

• Inform the dental surgeon / sedationist if you are breast-feeding.

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DO NOT...

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• Have anything to eat or drink for 2 hours prior to the appointment. This is extremely important - the only exception is routine medication, which can be taken with a little water.

• Drink any form of alcohol on the same day.

• Bring anyone with you other than the responsible adult who will take you home. Please do not bring any children with you.

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On the Day of Treatment - After

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• Do rest for a few hours and spend the rest of the day quietly

• Do eat light and easily digestible food for the rest of the day.

• Do take any medicines, tablets or pills, which have been prescribed for you.

• Do not drive any vehicle, operate any machinery, use cookers, kettles or irons or make any business decisions for 24 hours following your sedation. Your reflexes and judgment may have been temporarily affected.

• Do not drink any form of alcohol until the following day.