Nervous patients · St Helier
IV Sedation for Nervous Patients in Jersey
If you’re anxious about the dentist, or need a long or complex treatment, IV sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed while we work.
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At a glance
Your dentistDr Polly Kent
TypeIV (intravenous) sedation
You’ll needan adult escort
Asleep?No, deeply relaxed
The treatment explained
What is IV sedation?
IV (intravenous) sedation is a medicine given through a small, thin needle in the back of your hand or arm. It makes you deeply relaxed and drowsy during treatment. You stay conscious and can respond to us, but most people remember little of the appointment afterwards.
It isn’t a general anaesthetic: you breathe for yourself, and your breathing, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored throughout. We still use local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated.
Sedation helps people who are very anxious, have a strong gag reflex, or need a longer or more complex treatment. You’ll need an adult to take you home and stay with you, and you can’t drive for 24 hours.
In short
- Howa medicine through a small needle
- Awake?drowsy but able to respond
- WhoDr Polly Kent
- Afterwardsan adult takes you home; no driving for 24 hours
How it feels
Calm, comfortable and in safe hands
IV sedation isn’t a general anaesthetic. You stay relaxed and drowsy, but you can still breathe for yourself and respond to us.
Relaxed and drowsy
Anxiety fades and treatment feels shorter. Many people remember little of it afterwards.
Still in control
You keep your reflexes and can talk, swallow and cough if you need to.
Closely monitored
Our team is trained in sedation and monitors you throughout treatment and recovery.
Be prepared
Before and after your sedation
Before
- Don’t eat for 6 hours or drink for 3 hours beforehand.
- Bring an adult who can stay with you for 24 hours.
- Wear loose clothing, and remove nail varnish and jewellery.
- Take your usual medicines unless we advise otherwise.
- Don’t drink alcohol beforehand.
For 24 hours after
- Don’t drive, cycle or use machinery.
- Don’t drink alcohol or sign legal documents.
- Go home by taxi or car, not public transport.
- Wait for the numbness to wear off before eating.
Is sedation right for me?
Sedation isn’t suitable for everyone. Tell us if you’re pregnant or have a heart or lung condition, such as COPD or severe asthma.
How it works
Your sedation appointment
01
Consultation
We go through your medical history and plan your treatment and sedation together.
02
On the day
A small cannula goes into a vein and the sedative is adjusted until you’re relaxed. Then we numb the area.
03
Recovery
You rest with us while we monitor you, then go home with your escort.
FAQs
IV Sedation for Nervous Patients: your questions answered
Will I be asleep?
No. You’ll be very relaxed and drowsy but conscious, and able to respond to us. Many people remember little afterwards.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes, when given by a trained team with full monitoring. We check your medical history first, as sedation isn’t suitable for some conditions.
Do I need someone with me?
Yes. You’ll need an adult to take you home and stay with you for 24 hours. We can’t start sedation without one.
Can I drive afterwards?
No. Don’t drive, drink alcohol, use machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
Which treatments can I have under sedation?
Most longer or more complex treatments, such as implants, extractions or several fillings in one visit.
How much does sedation cost?
Sedation is charged by the time it takes, on top of your dental treatment. You’ll have a written estimate before your appointment.
Who provides IV sedation at Confidence Dental?
Dr Polly Kent, who has passed the SAAD accreditation process to provide IV sedation and enjoys treating nervous patients.
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