WHAT IS INHALATION SEDATION?
- Inhalational sedation is a form of anxiety control which makes dental treatment more pleasant.
- It involves using a mixture of gases (nitrous oxide and oxygen) which is breathed in using a nose mask.
- You may get a feeling of warmth throughout your body as well as some mild tingling and light headedness.
- It makes you feel drowsy and relaxed whilst the procedure is carried out.
- You will be awake and will still be able to communicate verbally with us.
- This is not a general anaesthetic, you are not unconscious.
WHO CAN BE SEDATED?
- This form of sedation is recommended for both adults and children.
- It is not suitable for everybody so we will check carefully to make sure that you can have sedation safely.
- For successful inhalation sedation, you must be able to breathe comfortably through your nose.
- You must also be able to understand and co-operate with the sedation.
- Inhalation sedation can be very helpful for people who tend to gag a lot during dental treatment.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
- It alleviates anxiety and stress associated with dentistry.
- It enables us to undertake the procedure with greater ease and safety.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
- Inhalation sedation is a very safe technique and risks are minimal.
- Some patients may experience a mild headache or nausea.
- If you become too drowsy, you will be given oxygen which will rapidly reverse the effects.
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
- The main alternative to inhalational sedation is intravenous sedation which uses a cannula in a vein to deliver a sedative drug.
- The other option is a general anaesthetic where you would be completely asleep during your treatment. This is associated with increased risk and must be carries out in hospital.