Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation is the administration of a tranquillizer
drug into the blood system in order to facilitate dental surgery
in the highly anxious patient.
What Effect Does it Have?
The sedative used produces a very strong sensation
of deep relaxation and well-being in the vast majority of patients.
Even the most highly anxious patients can be successfully
treated with this technique.
Most patients experience either full or partial memory
loss of the dental surgery. This is one of the factors that most
patients give as it's biggest advantage.
How is it Given?
The drug is injected into one of the superficial veins
of the arm or hand.
As the vein is usually just under the skin and the
needles used these days are extremely thin this is usually quite
painless.
Can Anybody have this Sedation?
The vast majority of patients are medically able to
have sedation, although some medical conditions rule it out as
an option, such as severe lung diseases, some heart problems,
obesity or anorexia.
Is it Safe?
As opposed to general anaesthesia the patient remains
medically consious but deeply relaxed throughout the surgery.
Thus the potential dangers of general anaesthesia are greatly
avoided.
A great deal of research has been carried out on this
subject and so long as the sedation is carried out by a dentist
who is trained and experienced in the technique it has been shown
to be extremely safe.
Does it Work for Everyone?
In a study conducted by the author of these pages and
published in the British Dental Journal in June 1996 sedation
was found to be effective in 99% of patients. And that's not bad!
How can I find out where I can have intravenous sedation?
If you contact your local Family Health Service Authority
they should have a list of any dentists in your area that provide
this service. You should find their number in the 'phone book.
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