While it is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist, it is important that people do not avoid going to the dentist because of their phobia. Sedation makes patients feel more relaxed and at ease, which enables them to undergo dental treatment with the support of local anaesthetic. Almost any patient who is in need of dental treatment but has anxiety or fear about the procedure is likely to benefit from conscious sedation. We have a full range of techniques to adequately support our patient needs.

Who will benefit from conscious sedation?

• Patients who have high anxiety about dental visits
• Anyone who has had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Patients receiving complex treatments or surgery
• Anyone who experiences difficulty getting numb
• Anyone with a strong gag reflex
• Patients who have jaw joint troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
• Anyone who is afraid of needles in the mouth
• If you dislike the noises and/or smells associated with dental care.

At Wallace Dental we use different types of conscious sedation techniques based on the individual patients’ needs and anxiety levels.

How Dental Sedation Works?

In order to make your sedation treatment most effective all patients are first seen for a full dental examination and a discussion of the sedation methods available. This is what your first appointment will be for and you will not be receiving sedation at your first appointment. You do not need to take any particular measures for your first appointment which will be very similar to your routine dental check-up.

At your sedation appointment itself you will receive an intravenous sedation agent, after which you will feel drowsy and relaxed. During the procedure you will feel relaxed but will not be asleep. You will be monitored continuously throughout your dental treatment. At the end of the session you will be allowed to sit in the recovery room for half an hour or until you feel fit enough to be discharged home.