Conscious Sedation in Dentistry 

Most dental patients are able to accept dental treatment with local analgesia and sympathetic management. Some, however, require additional help from a range of techniques, including conscious sedation. Lis Cox has undergone intensive training in the practice and management of conscious sedation, and is one of the few dentists in the area who is able to offer this advanced treatment. We have found this treatment to be of particular benefit to very nervous or anxious patients, or those who struggle to undergo extended sessions with a clinician. Feedback from patients has been positive, as it has allowed people to have both routine and cosmetic work undertaken that was previously not viable. There is more information on the treatment below and Lis is always happy to arrange an appointment to speak with anyone who would like to find out more about it.

About Conscious Sedation

Intravenous conscious sedation with midazolam is an extremely safe and effective technique.  The midazolam relaxes the patient and give a sense of well being. Anxiety and stress over treatments will be relieved and the dentist will be able to undertake any dental work necessary.  The patient will still be conscious and able to understand any instructions given by the dentist.

The quantity of the drug used is judged by carefully monitoring the patient’s reaction to it so that patients are neither over nor under sedated.  This gives an optimum level of stress and anxiety removal and allows dental work to proceed without the worries which, for the phobic patient, would normally accompany it.  Midazolam is in the same family of drugs as valium but is much safer when used in the dental situation.  Due to the amnesic effect of midazolam patients rarely remember anything about their dental treatment once the sedative has worn off.

For their own safety patients are carefully assessed before being accepted for treatment with intravenous sedation and have to be accompanied to the appointment by a responsible adult who remains on the premises for the duration of the appointment, drives the patient home after they are discharged and stays with them for the remainder of the day.

If you are interested in finding out more about intravenous conscious sedation, whether for yourself or for someone you know who finds dentistry challenging, then please talk with one of our team who will either answer your questions in person or refer you to someone who has the answers that you need.