Sedation at Our Mitchelstown Dental Clinic!

What is Conscious Sedation?

At Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, we offer the option of Conscious Sedation to all nervous patients. This unique form of sedation will allow you to settle into a state of deep, calm relaxation before your dentist treats you.

Dr. Daisy McCarthy

Sedation

Treatment under Conscious Sedation is exactly the same as traditional dentistry, but without the anxiety. Since this method allows you to remain aware of what is going on around you, you will still be able to respond to questions and adjust your position if necessary.

We will usually provide this sedation intravenously to ensure that your dose contains the exact amount of medication you need to feel at ease, and to maintain your comfort throughout treatment.

At Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, our dentists have a combined experience of over twenty years in this field, and all are certified and licensed to offer IV sedation. We happily accept referrals from other dental clinics or directly from adults and parents of children.

Once the sedation wears off, it will seem as if no time has passed at all and you should feel relaxed and calm.

The effects of the sedative will normally last for about an hour after your treatment, making Conscious Sedation a much quicker option than general anaesthetic. Additionally, there are no nasty side effects, such as nausea.

Yes! 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.

Sedation is especially useful for patients requiring multiple fillings or a combination of different dental treatments. It is also a great help to anyone with a strong gag reflex, as the calming effect of the sedation will reduce this urge.

You may be suitable for sedation if you have the following:

A strong fear of the dentist
A history of difficult dental procedures
Unpleasant childhood memories of dentistry
Difficulty feeling the effects of local anaesthetic
A strong gag reflex
Very sensitive teeth
Complex dental problems
Limited time to attend multiple visits
A strong dislike of the noises, smells or tastes experienced at the dentist
A phobia or embarrassment about your teeth

No. You will be in a state of complete relaxation but you will not be asleep or unconscious and will be able to respond to questions and move.

Yes. At least two members of our team will be with you at all times and your vital signs will be monitored throughout the entire visit. We’ll take good care of you!

This depends on your treatment but the effects of the sedative will usually last for an hour after your treatment has ended.

Will someone need to come with me?

Yes. Although the effects of Conscious Sedation wear off more quickly than general anaesthetic, you will still need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.

Yes. The effects of your sedation will have worn off completely by the next morning.

Before carrying out any treatment, we will book you in for an initial check-up to take note of your concerns and allow you to become familiar with our clinic. Please mention on booking that you are interested in the option of IV sedation, so that we can ensure you are booked in with a dentist who provides this service.

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.

INHALATION SEDATION

(HAPPY AIR) FOR CHILDREN

Inhalation sedation is used in dental treatment to alleviate dental anxiety in children. It involves breathing in a special ‘happy air’ (nitrous oxide and oxygen) through a small nose piece. This quickly leads to a pleasant, relaxed floating feeling, much like day dreaming. It also works to make dental treatment more comfortable. Nitrous oxide works immediately once it has been inhaled. The effects of nitrous oxide last for only one to two minutes after the mask has been removed.
After the treatment.

Once treatment is over and “happy air” is stopped, most children feel back to normal within 5-10 minutes. Your child may feel a little tired however- so you should supervise any activities following the visit. If they are feeling tired, have your child rest at home and avoid letting them do any physical activity for the rest of the day.
The dentist may also have used a local anaesthetic during the treatment. Your child’s cheeks, lips and tongue may remain numb for up to 4 hours afterwards. It is important to continue to remind your child not to chew the cheeks, lips or tongue during this time.
Ongoing care.

Inhalation sedation is usually used for a short time to help your child get used to dental treatment. When your child has completed their course of dental treatment, they will resume to regular check-ups without the inhalation sedation.

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We accept referrals from other dentists

Patients/ parents can contact us directly

Sedation can be successful for patients with special needs in some cases.