The process
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Advanced dentistry · IV sedation
Dentistry, without the dread
Sedation dentistry uses medication to make you deeply relaxed during treatment while you stay awake and able to respond. At Widegate House, intravenous sedation is provided by Damien Reilly, a Consultant in Special Care Dentistry with extensive experience in dental sedation, while your dentist concentrates on the treatment. It suits anxious patients, a strong gag reflex and longer procedures.
Type
IV conscious sedation
Sedation by
Damien Reilly
Afterwards
Escort home, rest of day off
Fee
Quoted in writing first
Who it is for
Who sedation helps
Anyone who has been putting it off
If fear has kept you away from the dentist for years, you are far from alone. Sedation takes the anxiety out of the appointment so the treatment you need can finally be done.
A strong gag reflex or a low pain threshold
Some people find dental treatment physically difficult even when they are not especially nervous. Sedation settles the gag reflex and makes the whole visit easier to tolerate.
Longer or more involved treatment
Implants, wisdom tooth removal and extensive restorative work can mean a long time in the chair. Under sedation the time passes quickly, and several procedures can often be combined.
People who would rather do it once
Completing a course of treatment in fewer, longer visits means fewer days out of the diary. Your dentist will tell you what can sensibly be done in one session.
The difference
What makes it safe and calm
Consultant-led sedation
Damien Reilly does nothing but look after your sedation, from the first assessment to your recovery. Your dentist does nothing but the dentistry. Each has their full attention on one job.
Questions about sedation before you book? WhatsApp Damien on 07480 067 175 or visit damienreillydentalsedation.com.
Precise, adjustable control
The sedative is given through a small cannula in the hand or arm, so the level can be adjusted moment by moment through the appointment rather than fixed in advance.
Monitoring throughout
Your breathing, oxygen level and heart rate are watched continuously. Emergency equipment and reversal medication are on hand, as they are for every sedation appointment.
Local anaesthetic as well
Sedation deals with anxiety and awareness. Local anaesthetic, given once you are relaxed, numbs the tooth itself. Most people remember little of the appointment afterwards.
01
Consultation and assessment
We go through your medical history, your medication and the treatment planned, and confirm that sedation is suitable for you. Please tell us about every medicine and health condition.
02
Preparation
You receive written instructions on eating and drinking beforehand, your regular medication, what to wear and who needs to come with you. We will not start without a confirmed escort.
03
The appointment
A small cannula is placed and the sedative takes effect within minutes. Once you are relaxed the tooth is numbed and treatment begins, with the sedation adjusted as needed.
04
Recovery and home
You rest with us under supervision until you are ready to leave with your escort. Expect to feel drowsy for the rest of the day, and take written aftercare advice home with you.
Afterwards
Aftercare
For 24 hours after sedation you must not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, return to work or sign anything important. A responsible adult needs to take you home and stay with you. Drowsiness, a dry mouth and patchy memory of the appointment are common and pass. Plan a quiet day and let someone else make the decisions.
Guide fees
Sedation consultation and assessmenton application
IV sedation (charged by appointment length, in addition to treatment)quoted in writing
Guide fees. You receive a written plan with exact costs before treatment starts. See all fees
Common questions
Questions, answered
Will I be asleep?+
No. Conscious sedation is not a general anaesthetic. You stay awake enough to respond to us, but you will be deeply relaxed and drowsy, and many people doze. Most remember very little afterwards.
Will I still feel pain?+
Sedation removes the anxiety and much of your awareness of the appointment. Local anaesthetic, given once you are relaxed, numbs the area being treated. The two work together.
Can I go back to work afterwards?+
No. You need the rest of the day off, with a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you. No driving, work, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours.
Who looks after me while I am sedated?+
Damien Reilly, a Consultant in Special Care Dentistry, gives and monitors the sedation from start to finish. Your dentist carries out the treatment. Having one person dedicated to each role is the safest way to provide IV sedation.
Which treatments can be done under sedation?+
Almost any, from fillings and root canal treatment to extractions, wisdom teeth and implants. It is particularly useful when several procedures can be combined into one visit.
How much does sedation cost?+
The sedation fee is separate from the treatment fee and depends on the length of the appointment. You receive a written quote at your consultation, before anything is booked.
Is sedation suitable for everyone?+
No. Pregnancy and certain medical conditions or medicines can rule it out, which is why a full assessment comes first. If sedation is not right for you, we will explain why and talk through the alternatives.
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