Sedation Dentistry for Nervous Patients in Tonbridge

A pre-medication sedative is a medication that will help you relax during your dental treatment. It is safe and prescribed by your dentist but issued by a pharmacist.

How strong is an oral sedative?

The nature of your dental procedure determines how strong the oral sedative should be. A lower dose pill will make you feel relaxed and drowsy. However, you won’t lose consciousness.

Depending on our weight and size, a pre-med can effect us all differently. Whilst uncommon, you may drift of to sleep during your dental procedure but do not worry, your dentist can easily wake you once all your treatment is finished.

When is it needed?

Most patient experience some level of anxiety, especially for more intrusive dental treatments such as extractions and or dental implants. Speak with you dentist, let them know how you feel and they will go through all options with you.

How does it make you feel?

It makes you feel drowsy, relaxed, and comfortable. Your worries and anxieties fade away, however, in most cases, you are still awake and responsive.

Additionally, you may feel a tingling sensation in your limbs, hands, and feet.

What are the benefits?

• Easy to administrate: All you have to do is swallow a pill an hour before your procedure.
• Non-invasive: Making it the perfect option for anyone with a fear of needles.
• You’re conscious: You do not lose consciousness—unless you fall asleep, of course!
• Amnesia: You won’t lose consciousness. However, most of our patients at Calm & Gentle Dental Care have little to no memory of the dental procedure when they take an oral sedative. This is especially beneficial for anyone with dental anxiety since you won’t remember what happened during your procedure.
• Safety: All oral sedatives are perfectly safe to use. Side effects are also less common.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before the Procedure

You take the oral sedative one hour before your dental procedure. Once the pre-med begins to take effect, your dentist monitors your breathing and blood pressure to ensure they remain in the normal range.

During the Procedure

You’ll experience positive feelings of drowsiness and relaxation. You are freed from worry, stress, and anxiety throughout the procedure. Your limbs may feel heavy and relaxed, and they may tingle slightly. However, it’s not uncommon for patients to have different experiences based on their size and weight.

After the Procedure

Once the procedure is complete, your dentist checks your heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure to see if everything is normal.

A friend or family member should be ready to drive you home after your appointment. You should avoid working or participating in intense physical activity until all side effects have worn off. In the meantime, you may experience nausea, drowsiness, headaches, or a general feeling of sluggishness.

Sedation dentistry FAQs

What type of sedation do you offer for nervous patients in Tonbridge?

We offer oral sedation. You take a prescribed sedative tablet around an hour before your appointment, so by the time you sit in the chair you already feel calm, drowsy and comfortable. The dose is tailored to the treatment you are having and to you as an individual.

Will I be asleep during treatment?

No. With oral sedation you remain conscious and able to respond to your dentist, but you feel deeply relaxed and drowsy. Some people drift off during the procedure, and many patients have little or no memory of the treatment afterwards.

Is oral sedation safe?

Yes, when it is prescribed and supervised by your dentist. Your breathing and blood pressure are monitored before, during and after treatment to make sure they stay within the normal range. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild, such as temporary drowsiness, nausea or a headache.

Can I drive home after sedation?

No. The effects of the sedative last for several hours, so a friend or family member must take you home after your appointment. You should also avoid work, driving and strenuous activity for the rest of the day until the effects have fully worn off.

Who is sedation dentistry suitable for?

Sedation is ideal if dental anxiety or a dental phobia has been keeping you away from the dentist, or if you are having longer or more involved treatment such as extractions or dental implants. We will go through your medical history at your consultation to confirm it is right for you.

Which dental treatments can be done under sedation?

Most treatments can be carried out with oral sedation at our Tonbridge practice, from routine care for very anxious patients through to extractions and dental implants. Tell us how you feel and we will plan your treatment around your comfort.

How do I arrange sedation for my dental treatment?

Call us on 01732 353402 or email info@calmandgentledentalcare.co.uk and let us know you are nervous. We will book a relaxed consultation first, talk through your options and plan your sedation appointment with you.