Lets Talk Conscious Sedation – What you need to know

At Portobello Dental Clinic, we understand how daunting a visit to the dentist can seem, and for some patients the thought of being in the dental chair can cause severe anxiety.

While a fear of the dentist is a common phobia, we understand that each patient’s feelings and anxieties are unique, which is why we tailor our treatment options to best help you. Using a range of methods, from Conscious Sedation to soothing noise cancelling headphones and display screens, we will do all we can to make you more comfortable. One of the most effective methods we use to help nervous patients is conscious sedation. Our dentists have a combined experience of over twenty years in this field, and are certified and licensed to offer IV sedation.

Conscious sedation also known as (“IV Sedation” or “Sedation Dentistry”) is a method we use in the clinic which involves an intravenous injection. The patient is brought down to a deeply relaxed state and only once you have reached a certain level, often referred to as ‘twilight’, where you are neither awake nor asleep, will the dentist commence work. You are carefully monitored during the treatment and can be assured of the best care possible. Afterwards a trusted relative or friend must collect you and get you home safely.

• Conscious sedation tends to be the method of choice if you would prefer to not be totally aware of the treatments you are having.
• If you have a fear of injections, you will not be numbed until the IV sedation has fully kicked in. If you have a phobia of needles, you will very probably be relaxed enough not to care by this stage
• IV sedation is a great help to anyone with a strong gag reflex, as the calming effect of the sedation will reduce this urge.
• As sedation has the dual effect of relaxing you and making time pass quickly, our dentists will be able to work even more efficiently than usual. This means that complex treatments which might usually be split over several visits will instead be completed in one
• Once the sedation wears off, it will seem as if no time has passed at all and you should feel relaxed and calm

• Have your escort (a trusted friend or relative) collect you from the clinic and take you home to rest for the remainder of the day.
• Have an adult stay with you until you’re fully alert.
• Don’t perform any strenuous or hazardous activities and don’t drive a motor vehicle for the rest of the day.
• Don’t eat a heavy meal immediately. If you’re hungry, eat something light, e. g. liquids and toast.
• Don’t drink alcohol for the rest of the day.
• Take any medications as directed.
• You will be provided with a personalised Post Sedation instructions package by our team, this will include any patient specific instructions the dentist would like you to follow.
• We will call you to check in after your appointment and make any relevant future appointments.

The first step is to book for a comprehensive dental assessment. No treatment will be done on this day; it will be for an initial check-up to take note of your concerns and allow you to become familiar with our clinic. We will then proceed at a pace comfortable for you and carefully discuss the best plan for your treatment. You will be in full control of your options and can book whenever you’re ready.

If you are extremely nervous even about making the first appointment, you can email to ask for a call back from our Lead Treatment Coordinator, Anne-Marie, who will listen to your concerns and provide reassurance and information.

Otherwise, please call us on 01 4542022 or email info@portobellodental.com and any of our team will happily book you in. Remember to mention please on booking that you are nervous and may wish to have sedation.

If IV sedation is not an option for you for any reason or you think you can manage without sedation, we can still note that you are nervous and we will do everything we can to make your visits go smoothly and comfortably.