Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry is an exceptionally safe method, with a long history of facilitating dental treatment for nervous patients, however your dental team will go through your previous medical history with you beforehand to ensure that this procedure is suitable for you. Our clinical team are certifiably trained to deliver specialist sedation procedures, and they will closely monitor you throughout treatment and provide the safest effective dose of the medication so you are never at risk.

You must ensure you answer all questions at your initial consultation honestly, and let your dentist know of any changes to your medical history or medications, as certain patients should not undergo treatment under IV sedation – for example, patients who are pregnant, have respiratory problems, high blood pressure or a severe systemic disease must disclose this to their dentist when asked.

Unlike with general anaesthesia, a process which uses a combination of medications to put patients into a state of controlled unconsciousness, under Dental Sedation you are awake during your treatment, although you will be in a drowsy and relaxed, dream-like state. Time will appear to pass very quickly, and many patients report feeling like they have just woken up from a refreshing nap once the effects of sedation have worn off.

General anaesthesia is only available in a hospital setting, making the waiting lists for such appointments incredibly long, especially for non-specialist procedures. Recovery times following general anaesthesia are also longer, including longer term effects of that method of sedation, all of which makes dental Conscious Sedation with Dame Street Dental a highly effective, safe alternative for patients with dental anxiety who need high-quality, restorative, preventative or cosmetic treatment now.

Sedation Dentistry is used to put you into a calm, anxiety and worry-free state of mind to make your treatment an easy, enjoyable experience. This includes helping patients to relax who have a fear of needles, who would usually find it difficult to tolerate the local anaesthetic given before starting a dental procedure. Your dentist will ensure you do not feel any pain during your treatment by numbing your mouth with this local anaesthetic once the effects of your sedation have commenced.

Yes, this is a safety requirement for your dentist to be able to proceed with your scheduled procedure on the day of your appointment. If you have not organised a responsible adult (over the age of 18) to escort you from the clinic after your procedure is complete, who can take you home via car or taxi, and stay with you for the 24 hours immediately following your appointment, then we will not be able to carry out your treatment on that day.

Absolutely, at Dame Street Dental we offer a number of low to higher intervention methods to relax and calm even the most anxious patient before their dental appointment. We strive to create and foster a relaxing, welcoming environment for all our patients, which includes first-class comfort and amenities in every waiting area and surgery - we aim to put you at ease from the moment you step through our doors.

For patients requiring targeted relief of mental or physical discomfort during their treatment, one approach involves oral medicine which we can prescribe and administer to patients with heightened dental anxiety. This method of sedation is not as strong as IV administered sedation, and can be more suitable for patients who are easily made worried or uncomfortable by lengthy or even routine dental treatments, so that we can ensure they have as comfortable and effective a visit as possible. Much like with IV sedation, following dental care under oral sedation the patient will soon after regain alertness feeling calm and refreshed.

Another method of sedation is the use of nitrous oxide, often called ‘laughing gas.’ This option also helps relieve anxiety and lighten the mood, and as the least intensive medication of the three, this particular method is more often employed with children and teens who experience dental worry or fear – however, it can also be the right choice for patients of any age who simply need a little help relaxing completely during their dental procedure.

Your dentist will always discuss with you during your initial consultation what form of Sedation Dentistry is appropriate for you, so that you can attend for your care in complete confidence that your experience will be 100% stress and anxiety-free.

In preparation for your scheduled dental procedure under sedation, you should:

• Arrange for a responsible adult to come with you for your appointment. It is essential for this escort to be able to take you home after the procedure and stay with you for 24 hours after your treatment
• Make any necessary arrangements for childcare or other caring responsibilities for the duration of your appointment and the 24 hours immediately following, as you will not be capable of looking after dependents during this period. If you think you may be pregnant, or are currently breastfeeding, you must inform your treating dentist, as they will be able to advise you about any alternative feeding arrangements which may be necessary
• Eat a light meal up to 4 hours prior to treatment and drink plenty of fluids throughout that day and the previous day to ensure you are well hydrated – however don’t drink any fluids in the 2 hours prior to your appointment
• Don’t consume alcohol or recreational drugs in the 48 hours prior to the appointment, and refrain from smoking for 24 hours before your appointment
• Take your long-term medications as normal unless directed otherwise by your dentist
• Avoid wearing nail polish, as this can interfere with our monitoring equipment
• Remove any piercings from your mouth and face
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing to your procedure appointment, in particular a short-sleeved top is recommended, as the clinical team will need easy access to your arm

In the 24 hours following a procedure taken under Sedation Dentistry, you cannot:

• Drive any vehicle or operate machinery
• Use electrical appliances
• Breastfeed
• Care for children or dependants
• Make important decisions or sign documents
• Attend work
• Drink alcohol or take recreational drugs

In some cases, yes – you should take a list of your medications with you to your initial consultation. At this visit your dentist will be able to discuss with you whether Sedation Dentistry is suitable for you based on your medical history and any related counter indications from your medications, among other factors.

The effects of the sedation will begin to wear off an hour after your treatment is completed. However, it will take until the next morning (24 hours from the time your procedure ended) for it to completely leave your system. You should follow the advice for aftercare, supervision and activities to avoid during this period given to you by your dentist at your appointment.

At Dame Street Dental, the cost of IV Sedation Dentistry begins at €250. The total cost of your appointment to be carried out under conscious sedation will depend on the cost of the dental procedure you are undergoing, and information on our general and specialist procedural fees is available for your reference.

We believe that all patients should have the opportunity to avail of high quality, life-changing modern dental treatment, and we understand that every patient’s situation is different. And so at Dame Street Dental we offer a range of payment plan which our dedicated and experienced dental and front of house teams will be happy to go through with you at the outset of your treatment plan, to help you choose the payment plan that best serves your treatment goals and needs.

Putting off dealing with new or persistent dental pain or concerns due to anxiety, nerves or phobia?

Call us today on 01 525 2670 or use the online booking form below to schedule an appointment