Intravenous sedation for adults

What Is Intravenous (IV) Sedation?

IV sedation is a method used to help you feel relaxed during dental treatment. A drug called midazolam is commonly used, and the amount is carefully chosen for each person. It’s given through a small tube called a cannula, which is placed into a vein — usually on the back of your hand or in your arm.

The cannula is put in using a needle, but the needle is removed right away, leaving just the soft tube in place. You might feel a small scratch when this happens. A numbing gel or liquid can be used beforehand to make it more comfortable.

Once the cannula is in, the sedation medicine is given without needing more injections. The cannula stays in place until Dr Ismail confirms you’ve recovered and is taken out before you go home.

Are There Any Risks?

Like with any medicine, IV sedation comes with some risks. These can include:

• Lower oxygen levels due to slower breathing. Your dentist may ask you to take deep breaths during the procedure. Your breathing and oxygen levels will be closely monitored throughout.
• Bruising where the cannula was placed. This may take a few days to fade.
• Rare risks include allergic reactions or vomiting during treatment.

If you have any concerns, Dr Ismail will discuss them with you before the procedure.

Let Dr Ismail know:

It’s important to share your full medical history, including any medicines you’re taking. Also, tell the dentist if you’ve had any problems with sedation or general anaesthetic in the past.

Before starting treatment, the dentist will ask for your consent, which means you understand the treatment plan and how sedation will be used.

What to Expect on the Day

• Your appointment will usually last around 60–90 minutes, but some people may take longer to recover before going home.
• The sedation medicine is given slowly, until you feel relaxed enough for the treatment to begin.
• IV sedation does not put you fully to sleep like general anaesthetic. You’ll be awake but calm, and most people don’t remember much of the procedure.
• After the procedure, you may feel unsteady and your thinking may be slower than usual for up to 24 hours. Some forgetfulness is normal.

Numbing the Treatment Area

Once you’re sedated, the dentist will use a local anaesthetic to numb the area where the work will be done.
A numbing gel may be applied first, and then any needed injections are given into that numbed area to reduce discomfort.

After the Procedure

• You’ll be taken to a recovery area and monitored by the team.
• The dentist will check that you are feeling well before you leave.
• Before you go home, you and the adult escorting you will be given important aftercare instructions.

If you have any questions or worries at any point, please ask Dr Ismail.

Acknowledgements:

This information has been adapted from materials provided by the Royal College of Surgeons and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.