Sedation
At Queensway Dental Clinic we have been pioneers in conscious sedation techniques for nervous or anxious patients since 1997. We are one of the highest referred to clinics in the North East and on average we are referred over 10,000 patients for sedation treatment per year. It is not uncommon to have a fear of the dentist but it is important that people do not neglect going to the dentist because of their phobia. Sedation allows patients to undergo their dental treatment without the need for local anaesthetic so the patient remains fully conscious and aware what of is going on throughout their procedure.
Almost any patient who is in need of dental treatment for health or cosmetic reasons but has anxiety or fear about the procedure is likely to benefit from conscious sedation. It is available to both NHS and private patients.
We have been pioneers of calming sedation techniques at Queensway, we continue to help patients relax and relive their anxiety through tried-and-tested techniques.
Our patients often tell us they've found their visit relaxing - it's a compliment we're proud of.
Who will benefit from conscious sedation?
- Patients who have high anxiety about dental visits
- Anyone who has had traumatic dental experiences in the past
- Patients receiving complex treatments or surgery
- Anyone who experiences difficulty getting numb
- Anyone with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who have jaw joint troubles and cannot open their mouth for extended periods
- Anyone who is afraid of needles in the mouth
- Patients with sensitive teeth
- If you dislike the noises and/or smells associated with dental care.
At Queensway we use different types of conscious sedation techniques based on the individual patients’ needs and anxiety levels.
Inhalation ‘happy air’ conscious sedation
Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen to creative a pleasant sedative air which can be breathed in through the nose via a small soft nose hood. This is a similar technique to ‘gas and air’ used for pregnant woman during labour. His is an extremely safe technique which reduces the sensation of pain and anxiety and creates a semi-hypnotic state for patients to make them feel happy and comfortable.
Patients will be aware of everything which is going on around them during the procedure but are more relaxed. Although patients are sedated during the procedure the recovery is fast with most patients feeling totally awake and in control within fifteen minutes after stopping the inhalation procedure.
Intravenous conscious sedation
This is the most commonly used technique for patients who are generally fit and well. It is usually delivered via a small plastic tube in the back of the hand or arm. A sedative medication called midazolam is given through the tube and the amount required is subject to each patient’s response. For patients who are anxious about needles we sometimes advise using inhalation conscious sedation to relax them and provide some pain relief prior to the injection and can also use EMLA cream to numb the back of the hand in advance.
Commonly most patients receiving intravenous conscious sedation are more deeply sedated compared with inhalation conscious sedation and most patients will have significant memory loss, although they are still awake. This technique is ideal for highly anxious patients who need prolonged or more invasive procedures including the treatment of multiple teeth at multiple sites.
'My son was put at ease, he was very anxious, but Thomas received excellent care and reassurance from all members of the dental practice. I'm sure he'll be much more relaxed should he require future treatment.'
Tracy, Stockton
Advanced conscious sedation techniques
Some children and adults may be severely anxious and hence unable to cope with standard sedation treatment. At Queensway our aim is to reduce the number of patients having to be referred to hospital for a general anaesthetic, so our experienced and skilled team have developed and researched some advanced conscious sedation techniques that have proven to be safe and effective.
You can read research from our dentists here.
Our conscious sedation team
We have been accredited by the National Board of Dental Nursing for conscious sedation and involved in the development of dental care professionals (DCP’s) in the region. As a result, our Queensway team includes 31 qualified DCP’s. In addition, the team benefits from 10 dentists who hold Diplomas in conscious sedation. Queensway has also trained 6 consultant anaesthetists to be experts in the practice of the advanced conscious sedation techniques we employ.
If you think that you or a family member may benefit from conscious sedation and would like more information, please call us on 01642 554667 to speak to a member of our team.