Sedation Sleep Dentistry in Stafford

At Church Lane, we can provide a sedation service for our most nervous patients. For those patients who are very nervous, IV sedation can provide the treatment that helps them overcome their dental anxiety. 

What Is IV Sedation Dentistry?

IV sedation dentistry works as a form of conscious sedation to help you feel relaxed during your appointment. This method does not put you fully to sleep, but it does make you less aware of your surroundings — including anything the dentist may or may not be doing to your mouth. That means you can still respond to verbal commands or gentle nudging, and you should not need help breathing.

IV sedation provides several benefits:

• It starts working quickly, and you feel minimal to no pain during the procedure.
• The dentist can monitor your vitals and easily adjust the dosage.
• It creates a long period of amnesia, so you won't remember the dental procedure at all when you wake up.
• It allows you to cooperate for a more extended period, so your dentist can perform multiple procedures with only one appointment.

How to Prepare for IV Sedation

Here's what you can expect before, during, and after your IV sedation:

Before

The dentist will provide detailed instructions before your appointment. Usually, these involve recommendations to wear comfortable clothing, avoid eating or drinking 6-8 hours before sedation and stop taking certain medications (unless previously approved). You will need to provide a complete medical history and alert your dentist to any changes beforehand. Also, ask a driver to take you to the appointment and pick you up.

During

Once you make it to the dental chair, a dental professional will start an IV in your hand or arm. The dentist will monitor your pulse, breathing, and blood pressure throughout the procedure to watch for any adverse reactions. You should immediately feel relaxed and unaware of any sights, smells, or sounds.

After

After the procedure, you might feel slightly drowsy for several hours. Your driver will collect any post-procedure instructions from the dentist and take you home. You will need to clear your calendar for the next 24 hours and avoid strenuous activity, unapproved medications, alcohol, operating heavy machinery, or making major life decisions.

Are You a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

Before your dentist schedules you for IV sedation, you will undergo a health evaluation, including a review of your medical history and medication use. Typically, good candidates for IV sedation include:

• Those with moderate to high dental anxiety
• Those who need more painful dental work
• Those with a strong gag reflex
• Those who need longer or multiple procedures

Please give us a call on 01785 252514 / 07910 394043 or E-mail us at info@churchlanedentalstafford.co.uk if you are interested in receiving sedation sleep dentistry at Church Lane Dental in Stafford.