Information prior to oral surgery under intravenous sedation

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The technique of intravenous sedation (injection in the arm) is designed to relax you during more complex oral surgical procedures. This well-tried and tested procedure is quite unlike a general anaesthetic as you will be able to talk and respond to instructions, where necessary, throughout your treatment.

The following advice will help you benefit the most from this technique:

  • Make sure you tell your surgeon about any changes in your medical history, any medicines you are taking and any recent visits to your doctor. Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment for clerking in.
  1. You must have someone to look after you for 24 hours following the procedure, who is over 18, with no other responsibilities .i.e. young children.
  2. Following your treatment you will be given a sheet of instructions with a phone number for any problems you may have and you may be given a prescription for antibiotics.
  3. It would be advisable to have some ‘over-the-counter’ medication like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen at home for pain relief should it be necessary (not aspirin).
  4. A follow up appointment may be made for you to enable the surgeon to review your surgery.
  5. It would be advisable to have some soft food and soup at home as you may not feel up to eating normally for a day or so.
  6. Should you have any queries about returning to work, eating, pain relief etc please ask the surgeon before your treatment.

On the day of treatment

Sedation will not be given if you have no one to take you home afterwards.

  • Have a light meal before your treatment but please clean your teeth afterwards.
  • Please come accompanied by a responsible adult, who is able to wait and escort you home, must be over 18, with no other responsibilities I.e. young children
  • If you would be travelling by bus, bicycle or motorbike please make alternative arrangements.
  • Remove any nail varnish/acrylic nails and any jewellery/piercings.
  • Take any routine medicines at the usual times, unless you have been instructed otherwise.
  • Do not drink any alcohol.

Immediately after your treatment you will be kept in our recovery room for at least half an hour.