Sedation

At The Perfect Smile Clinic we are pleased to offer inhalation sedation, which is a form of conscious sedation. It can be an invaluable service for nervous patients and is a form of anxiety control to make treatment more pleasant.

Sedation offers a modern alternative to general anaesthesia for most dental procedures. This means breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen (‘gas and air’), which quickly leads to a pleasant and calm feeling.

Although you may feel a little drowsy, you will stay conscious at all times.

For some patients, dental treatment can feel very stressful or difficult to manage. If other methods to help you relax aren’t enough, IV sedation may be offered as an alternative to make your treatment more comfortable.

What IV Sedation Is

IV (intravenous) sedation involves giving a sedative medicine through a small injection in your arm or the back of your hand. The medicine most commonly used is called midazolam, which belongs to a group of medicines known as benzodiazepines.

Midazolam helps you feel deeply relaxed and calm, while still remaining conscious — this is sometimes called “conscious sedation.”

You will not be asleep, but many people feel drowsy and may not remember much, if anything, about the procedure afterwards. This effect can be very helpful for people who feel anxious about dental treatment.

What Happens During IV Sedation

1. Before the appointment:
   • You’ll have a discussion with your dentist about your medical history, medications, and suitability for sedation.
   • You’ll be given clear instructions about eating, drinking, and aftercare before your visit.
2. During the procedure:
   • A small needle (similar to a blood test needle) is placed in your arm or hand, and the sedative is given slowly.
   • Your level of sedation is carefully controlled throughout the procedure.
   • Your breathing, oxygen levels, and heart rate are monitored closely at all times.
   • Local anaesthetic is still used to ensure you don’t feel pain.
3. After the treatment:
   • You’ll rest until you are fully awake and the effects of the sedation begin to wear off.
   • Because midazolam can cause drowsiness and affect memory and coordination, you’ll need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
   • You should avoid driving, working, or signing important documents for 24 hours.

Why IV Sedation May Be a Good Option

• It greatly reduces anxiety and fear.
• It helps you feel comfortable and calm during treatment.
• It can make longer or more complex procedures feel shorter.
• You are still able to respond to the dentist, but you may remember little or nothing of the procedure afterwards.

Before Considering IV Sedation

We always try to make treatment as comfortable as possible using other methods first — such as relaxation techniques, taking breaks, and gentle local anaesthesia.

IV sedation is only offered when these approaches are not enough, or when treatment would otherwise be very difficult to complete safely and comfortably.