Cape Town Smile Studios

   Sedation Dentistry   

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have  your dental treatment, but feel relaxed and peaceful? You are not alone if you feel anxious about a visit to the dentist. We understand your concerns and strive to make every dental visit comfortable. We offer pre-medication and topical anesthesia, as well as "painless injections."

Conscious Sedation

Let's face it…going to the dentist can be a nerve-racking experience. How many times have you wished that you could just sleep right through your appointment? Well, there is a solution called oral conscious sedation. It's called conscious because you are still aware of where you are but you are so relaxed that you are no longer focused on your surroundings.

What you should know

Conscious Sedation is performed when you are given medicine that makes you drowsy, reduces any anxiety that you might have towards the procedure and relieves any pain which you might perhaps otherwise experience during the procedure.

You will still be awake (but drowsy) and in control, and able to talk to your dentist. An advantage of some of the medicines is that you may not be able to remember the procedure, although you will remember everything before being given the medicine and after it has worn off.

To cause conscious sedation, you will usually be given one or more medicines, usually by injection, but sometimes by other means. You will be carefully monitored by our staff, using various instruments during the entire procedure.

Before the procedure

• Carefully follow any instructions given to you by your doctor.
• No solid food 6 hours before the procedure.
• Adults can have liquids up to 4 hours before the procedure.
• Children: Parents to follow their dentist’s advice.
• Someone else must take you to the clinic/hospital, as you are not allowed to drive afterwards.
• Before the procedure, remember to tell your dentist about any other medicines that you are taking, any allergies or other medical conditions that you have. Ask her about any special instructions.
• Make a follow-up appointment for the next daywith your dentist. This should be for 30 minutes, and is needed to correct any bite problems on the new fillings.

During the procedure

•  You are likely to have a small injection needle inserted and taped to your arm (particularly for intravenous sedation).
• You will be monitored by certain equipment during the procedure: a pulse monitor clip on one of your fingers, a blood pressure cuff on your arm and perhaps some small patches attached to your chest to monitor your heart beat.
• You may have a small oxygen mask, or a tube placed near your nose for oxygen.

After the procedure

• Once your dentist is happy with your recovery, you will be allowed to go home.
• A responsible adult should take you home.
• You may not drive or operate any machinery for 24 hours after the procedure.
• You should not sign any legal documents for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours after the procedure.
• Contact your dentist immediately if you experience any problems such as pain in the neck, chest or stomach.

You may drink any fluids (other than alcohol), and eat a half an hour after the procedure.

The view from our treatment rooms offers nature's best throughout the seasons. Music has been specially selected for your relaxation. If there is anything else we can do to ensure your comfort, please let us know!