Dental sedation uses medication to help you feel calm and relaxed during treatment. Depending on the type, you may feel mildly relaxed, deeply drowsy or similar to general anaesthetic, fully asleep. Sedation is used for anxious patients, longer or surgical type procedures, and people with a strong gag reflex. At Melrose Advanced Dentistry in Johannesburg, we provide in-house sedation for all surgical and implant procedures.
Who is dental sedation for?
- People with dental anxiety or a fear of needles
- Anyone who has put off treatment because of past bad experiences
- Patients having wisdom teeth removed, implants placed or other surgery
- Long appointments that combine several treatments
- People with a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting still
- Some patients with special needs
Types of dental sedation
| Type | How it’s given | How you’ll feel | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inhalation sedation (laughing gas) | Breathed through a small nose mask | Relaxed and calm, fully awake | Wears off within minutes |
| Oral sedation | A tablet taken before your appointment | Drowsy and relaxed, may remember little | Several hours; you need an escort |
| IV (conscious) sedation | Through a small drip in the arm or hand | Deeply relaxed, often remember little or nothing | Several hours; you need an escort |
| General anaesthetic | Given by an anaesthetist | Fully asleep | Longer; you need an escort and rest |
With all types except general anaesthetic, you stay able to breathe on your own and respond to the dentist. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the area being treated.
Is dental sedation safe?
Sedation is very safe when given by trained professionals who monitor you throughout. Before treatment, we review your medical history, current medicines and any allergies. Your breathing, oxygen levels and heart rate are monitored during the procedure. Tell us if you are pregnant, have sleep apnoea, lung or heart conditions, or have reacted to anaesthetic before.
How to prepare for sedation
- Follow the eating and drinking instructions you are given. Some types of sedation require fasting beforehand.
- Take your usual medicines unless we advise otherwise.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you, for oral sedation, IV sedation and general anaesthetic.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or sign important documents for the rest of the day, or as instructed.
In-house sedation and medical aid at Melrose Advanced Dentistry
We provide in-house sedation for all surgical and implant procedures, administered and monitored by a qualified sedation practitioner. For surgical procedures done under general anaesthetic, we accept medical aid. We also claim directly from your medical aid for all surgical and implant procedures, so you don’t have to submit claims yourself. Check your plan for how much it covers, and our team can help you with the details.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep during sedation? Only with a general anaesthetic. With other types you are awake but relaxed, and you do not remember anything that happened during the procedure.
Does sedation hurt? No. Laughing gas is breathed in, and IV sedation needs only a small needle, often after you are already relaxed.
Can I have sedation for a check-up or cleaning? It is usually reserved for treatment, but for very anxious patients we can discuss what would help best.
Can children have dental sedation? Sometimes, depending on their age, health and the treatment needed. We will discuss the safest option for your child.
How long does sedation last? Laughing gas wears off within minutes. Oral and IV sedation can leave you drowsy for several hours, so plan to rest for the day.
Want calm, comfortable dental care? Ask about sedation at Melrose Advanced Dentistry in Melrose, Johannesburg: call 072 200 1774 or visit advanced-dentistry.co.za.