Question 1

What is Conscious Sedation?

Accepted Answer

It is a state of altered consciousness due to the use of drugs that results in reduced pain, anxiety, awareness and recall.

Question 2

What is IV Sedation?

Accepted Answer

Intra-venous Sedation is a technique of administering medication directly into the bloodstream, for rapid onset of the effect.

Question 3

Is Dental Sedation by TKS Safe?

Accepted Answer

Due to Post Graduate specialised training in Dental Sedation as well as commitment to your overall health, Dental Sedation by TKS has a superb record of safety.

Question 4

How Am I Monitored During the Treatment?

Accepted Answer

I will closely observe you throughout your entire treatment and recovery, using pulse oximetry, Blood Pressure monitoring and physical assessment / observation.

Question 5

Why Conscious Sedation?

Accepted Answer

It is a safer, cheaper and faster procedure as compared to General Anaesthesia. You need only to come in on the day of the surgery and leave on the same day, usually within one hour after the dental procedure has been carried out.

Question 6

Are there Different Levels of Sedation?

Accepted Answer

There are mainly three sedation levels recognised in the U.K.:
Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis), characterised in the mood of the patient from anxious to calm and unconcerned about the procedure
Moderate Sedation or Conscious Sedation characterised by drowsiness and intermittent sleep. The patient is calm and responsive to verbal commands
Deep Sedation characterised by unconsciousness. This level is not allowed in the UK for sedation in the dental surgery

Question 7

Is Conscious Sedation an option for me?

Accepted Answer

The need for dental treatment under conscious sedation has to be evaluated with respect to other options such as local anaesthesia, behaviour management and GA. The main indications for conscious sedations are:-
Very anxious patients
Patients with a history of traumatic dental experience
Patients with high gag reflex
Uncomfortable and painful procedures
Complex and prolonged treatment procedures
If you are medically fit, or have well controlled medial conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or asthma, you can qualify for sedation.

Question 8

Can I eat before sedation?

Accepted Answer

No solid food 6 hours prior to the procedure
Only clear liquids until 2 hours before the procedure
Diabetic Patients: specialised instructions will be provided
Non-adherence to these instructions may result in your treatment being cancelled or rescheduled for a later date. For further information about this, please refer to the Patient Information Pack which can be found under 'Book Online' on this website.

Question 9

Will I feel pain and heat from the drill while under sedation?

Accepted Answer

The sedative drugs in combination with local anaesthesia will ensure you are not in pain. During conscious sedation, you will be drowsy and intermittently asleep. You may be vaguely aware of the noise and / or pressure, but most probably, you might not be able to recall the procedure after the treatment.

Question 10

How long is the recovery period? When can I go home?

Accepted Answer

Recovery post sedation will widely vary according to the time spent under sedation, your response to the drugs and the amount & type of drugs used. Usually, the recovery is swift and in most cases within 1 hour of the end of the treatment.

Question 11

What are the side effects of sedation?

Accepted Answer

Side effects of conscious sedation are rare but include headache, shivering, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and vomiting.

Question 12

Who can provide Sedation services?

Accepted Answer

UK guidelines require that conscious sedation practitioners must be appropriately trained and experienced through post graduate training, peer reviews, appraisals and mentoring to ensure fitness to practice.
There are mainly three types of sedation providers:-
Dental Anaesthetist / Sedationist – A medical / dental practitioner dedicated to providing sedations in dental surgeries with extensive post graduate certification, experience and training.
Operator Sedationist – A medically / dentally qualified practitioner who can perform the procedure and also administer sedation at the same time to the patient
Anaesthetists – They usually administer GA sedation in a hospital setting

Question 13

What are my options?

Accepted Answer

No treatment
Treatment with Local anaesthesia only
Treatment under LA and behavioural management (such as counselling, hypnosis and therapy)
Treat with LA under conscious sedation
Treatment in the hospital under GA

Question 14

What are the risks of sedation?

Accepted Answer

Discomfort and / or bruising at the site of injection
Vein irritation
Allergic reaction to sedative drugs
Reduced breathing, stroke, heart attack and a fatal outcome are extremely rare

Question 15

Is it necessary to have local anaesthesia?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in order to adequately eliminate pain, a combination of sedatives, LA and analgesics is recommended.

Question 16

LA does not work on me. Will Conscious Sedation help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is because, under sedation, your tolerance to pain is much higher. You will not be in pain under conscious sedation.
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Question 17

Will the seditionist be present during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Sedationist will be by your side, constantly monitoring your well-being.

Question 18

What drugs do you use?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly used drug for inducing conscious sedation is Midazolam, which belongs to the Valium family. However, a combination of a controlled opioid with midazolam is not uncommon.

Question 19

Can I take my regular medication?

Accepted Answer

It is imperative that you discuss your medications with the sedationist.  Do not stop taking your regular medications without first consulting your GP.

Question 20

I am taking anti-depressants, should I stop?

Accepted Answer

As some anti-depressants interact with sedative drugs, in order to avoid any adverse effects, it is of upmost importance that you discuss your antidepressants with your seditionist prior to your treatment.

Question 21

I take herbal medication. Should I stop?

Accepted Answer

Some herbal drugs can have additive or synergistic effect to sedative drugs. Always inform your seditionist of ANY herbal and / or recreational drugs you may consume.

Question 22

How long will I be under the effect of the drugs?

Accepted Answer

Most patients are well enough to return to their normal activities within 24 hours, depending on the nature of their work. Please discuss further with the seditionist on the day if you have any concerns.

Question 23

Will I need somebody with me? What if I cannot arrange for someone to be with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is a requirement for a responsible adult to accompany you home and care for you, at least for the remainder of the day. A cab driver cannot be considered a chaperone. In the event that you are not able to organise for someone to be with you on the day, your appointment may be cancelled in guidance with the UK register.

Question 24

What is an FAQ section?

Accepted Answer

An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?”
It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.

THE DENTAL SEDATIONIST

FAQ