If the thought of the dentist has kept you away for years, you’re not alone. IV sedation is one of the ways we help anxious patients get treatment done. Here’s what it is, who it suits and what the day looks like.
A sedative medicine is given through a small drip in your hand or arm. You keep breathing on your own and can respond, but you feel deeply relaxed, and many people remember little of the appointment. It’s often called sleep dentistry, though it isn’t a general anaesthetic.
Breathed through a small nose mask. Takes the edge off and wears off within minutes, so you can usually drive home.
A tablet taken before the appointment. Milder than IV sedation, and its effect varies more between people.
Deeper and adjusted throughout. Suits longer treatment, several procedures in one visit, or strong anxiety.
It isn’t right for everyone. Some medical conditions, medications and pregnancy can rule it out or need extra planning, so we go through your full medical history first.
You’ll get written instructions, usually including fasting for a set time and arranging an adult to take you home and stay with you.
The sedationist checks your health, places the drip and starts slowly. When treatment is done you rest in the practice until you’re ready to go.
Expect to feel drowsy. For 24 hours don’t drive, drink alcohol, sign important documents or care for young children alone.
Any sedation carries some risk, which is why we check your medical history carefully and monitor you throughout. Possible side effects include bruising where the drip was placed, nausea and tiredness. We’ll go through the risks that apply to you at your consultation.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. This page is general information only and not a substitute for an examination. Individual results vary.
Sedation is charged separately from the dental treatment, and depends on how long the appointment runs. It’s included in your written quote before anything is booked.
Your health fund rebate is processed at the counter.
Afterpay, Humm, National Dental Plan and DentiCare.
An itemised plan and full cost before we begin.
Not fully. You’ll be deeply relaxed and drowsy, and many people remember little of the appointment, but you keep breathing on your own and can respond.
No. After IV sedation you need an adult to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
No. Some medical conditions, medications and pregnancy can rule it out, which is why we check your history first.
Ask us. It depends on age, health and the treatment needed.
A normal consultation, where we work out what treatment you need and whether sedation suits you.
Rebuilding worn or failing teeth in planned stages.
Sedation appointments are booked in advance, so it’s worth ringing early. We see anxious patients from across Penrith and St Marys at our practice in Jordan Springs.
Book a consultation. We’ll look at the treatment you need and whether IV sedation is suitable for you.