Sleep Dentistry in Howick

Intravenous (IV) conscious sedation is a specialized technique that involves the administration of a powerful sedative drug, such as Midazolam or Hypnovel (similar to valium), through a vein in the arm. This sedative induces a state of relaxation, allowing for complex, lengthy, or uncomfortable dental treatments to be performed with ease.

During IV sedation, you will experience a deep sense of relaxation, drowsiness, and contentment. Although you will not be fully alert, you will be able to communicate when required. Most people undergoing this treatment tend to drift off but can still respond when spoken to. It’s important to note that IV sedation does not cause feelings of drunkenness or disinhibition; rather, it resembles a sleepwalking-like state.

To ensure your comfort, local anaesthesia (numbing of the mouth) is achieved alongside IV sedation. This prevents any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The administration of local anaesthetic is done in a way that minimizes any discomfort, and you won’t remember it being done.

One of the effects of the sedative drug is amnesia, which results in a temporary blockage of your memory of the procedure. Time may appear distorted, with an hour feeling like just a few seconds. It is common for individuals to have little to no recollection of the procedure and mistakenly believe they were asleep throughout.

One of the main yet easily controlled side effects of IV sedation is a decrease in breathing rate due to the deep relaxation induced by the drug. Our clinical team has undergone extensive training to recognise and manage all common complications, and we always adopt a multi-layered approach to maximise your safety during your IV sedation appointment. Firstly, we will connect you to a state-of-the-art medical monitoring device which will keep track of your important vital signs like blood pressure, pulse rate, the amount of oxygen in your blood as well as the quality of air you breathe out. We are promptly alerted if any of your vital signs falls below the desired level. Secondly, you will be monitored by our highly trained and certified Sedation Nurse at all times. Thirdly, you will be connected to an oxygen saturator, which will assist you by ensuring that you have enough oxygen entering your body at all times. Finally, we have high pressure oxygen and all necessary emergency equipment and drugs at hand to support our patients if a complication like a fall in the breathing rate is encountered.

IV sedation is an extremely safe procedure, thanks to the specific drugs used and our comprehensive monitoring systems. In the rare event of complications, we have the ability to reverse the sedative effects by administering another drug. IV sedation is safer than general anesthesia, and allergic reactions to the drugs used are highly uncommon. Our dentist is experienced in IV sedation and performs the procedure regularly, adhering to all safety guidelines and protocols.