Important information for adults accompanying a patient having IV sedation

You are accompanying someone who is having dental treatment with sedation.

Sedation helps patients feel more relaxed and less anxious during dental procedures. However, the medicine can leave them feeling confused or unsteady for a short time afterward.

Because of this, it is very important that a responsible adult stays with them for the rest of the day and keeps an eye on them for 24 hours after the treatment.

Please follow the instructions below and contact Dr Ismail if you have any concerns.

• You must come with the patient and stay in the waiting area for the whole appointment.
• Escorts are not allowed to leave the hospital while the patient is being treated.
• Do not bring children or anyone else who depends on you or the patient.

Please note: Some patients may take longer than others to recover, so it’s not always possible to give an exact time when they’ll be ready to leave. Most appointments last around 60-90 minutes.

For 24 Hours After the Appointment, the Patient Must Not:

• Go back to work.
• Make serious or permanent decisions, sign legal papers, or carry out online tasks like shopping or banking that involve personal or financial details.
• Use social media.
• Be responsible for caring for other people.
• Use machinery or household appliances.
• Do any cooking or cleaning.
• Drive any vehicle or ride a bike.
• Drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.

The Patient Should:

• Continue taking their regular medication unless told otherwise by their doctor or dentist.
• Have another adult help or supervise them with taking their medicine if needed.

If you have any questions or are unsure about anything, please speak to Dr Ismail.

Acknowledgements:

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