We are one of the few dental practices to offer Intravenous (IV) sedation in our area, and it’s one of the things we do best.

 

If you’re thinking about getting a dental implant for a missing tooth, but you’re apprehensive about the procedure, sedation can work wonders to help you feel relaxed, whilst also feeling in control.

 

We offer sedation alongside implant surgery, which can help in a number of different circumstances.

What is IV (conscious) sedation?

Intravenous (IV) sedation is a conscious form of sedation that relaxes patients as they undergo a particular procedure, dental implant surgery, for example. Unlike general anaesthetic, patients are awake to fully cooperate with the dentist and to communicate the way they feel throughout a given procedure.

 

During dental implant surgery, local anaesthetic is administered around at the site where the implant is being placed. Sedation is administered using a very small needle (usually on the back of the hand) and takes a matter of seconds to take effect.

 

How will I feel whilst under sedation?

Sedation induces feelings of wellbeing and relaxation – you may well feel like you’ve been hit without about a year’s worth of serotonin in one go! Many patients also tell us that they remember very little of their time in the dentist’s chair, despite being fully awake. It’s completely normal for IV sedation to have amnesic effects.

 

My sedation and implant surgery journey: What can I expect?

 

Initial consultation

It all starts with a conversation.

We will get to know you ask you about your lifestyle, what you’re expecting from treatment and ask you what your general feelings are about going ahead with implants surgery. If you are suitable for treatment and you’ve expressed that you might benefit from the magic powers of sedation, we can begin to plan your surgery. Before any treatment takes place, we will ask you to review our proposed plan and encourage you to ask any questions once you have thoroughly reviewed it.

 

Planning

Once all the relevant diagnostic information has been collated, should we find you require we either a bone graft or sinus lift in preparation for implant surgery, this will be carried out under sedation. Before your next surgery (during which your implant will be placed) you will need to wait a few months for your graft to heal.

 

Your implant surgery day

On the day of surgery, you will need to arrange for someone to collect you, once your procedure has been carried out.

 

We will ensure you are comfortable once in the dentist’s chair and administer the IV sedation, which will take effect swiftly. We can then administer a local anaesthetic and begin to prepare your jaw for implant placement. Your vitals and blood pressure will be closely monitored throughout, as will your reaction to the effects of sedation.

When is IV sedation appropriate?

• If you are undergoing a lengthy/complex dental surgery (such as dental implant placement).
• If you suffer with a strong gag reflex.
• If your dentist has recommended multiple procedures be performed in a single visit.
• If you are someone who is scared of the dentist.
• If you are someone who is afraid of local anaesthetic at the dentist.
• If you are not routinely taking strong pain medication such as strong opioids.

 

Can I have IV sedation when having an implant placed?

Yes. In fact, dental implant surgery is one of the procedures mostly commonly associated with IV sedation.

 

We can also use sedation if you are undergoing preparation surgery prior to dental implants. Should you need a bone graft or a sinus lift, designed to build healthy bone to support the implant, these procedures can also be carried out under sedation.

What are the advantages of IV sedation?

• You may have very little recollection of the procedure.
• Your body and mind will feel completely relaxed.
• The extreme lethargy and ‘hangover’ sensation associated with general anaesthetic does not apply to IV sedation. Once it wears off, you should feel completely yourself again within 24 hours.
• Intravenous sedation takes effect must faster than other modes of sedation, such as oral and nasal.

Is IV sedation offered at all dental practices?

Not all dental practices offer sedation and administering it is a very particular skill for which a dentist must complete additional training.

 

Our principal dentist Dr Jonathan Cochrane is a true savant of IV sedation and has performed this countless times for patients during his career. The dental nurses supporting him are also well versed in IV sedation, having completed supplementary training in conscious sedation.

Contact The Bristol Dental Practice For dental implants and IV sedation

Do you wish to enquire about getting a dental implant to replace a missing tooth?

 

Contact our reception team, who can arrange an appointment on a time and day that suits you. Our private dental practice is accepting new patients and we can offer appointments on Saturdays 9 am – 5 pm and Sunday (by appointment only), in addition to our weekday appointments.

 

Did you know, we are one of the main referral practices for sedation in the South West? If your current dentist cannot offer sedation as part of dental implant surgery, why not get in touch with us?

 

We look forward to seeing you.