Dentist - Oral Sedation Thoughts?

chib

Due to a number of bad experiences I stopped going to the dentist when I was 16. I'm 28 now, have always brushed twice daily and although I get no trouble from my teeth a rear molar isn't in the best of condition so I decided to visit a local dentist.

The initial checkup they said was okay but I needed three fillings and a scale/polish. Two fillings on one side and a scale/polish were booked for this morning - two injections at the top were okay with a few gags but the bottom he struggled with due to gagging. Once numbed up the gagging continued when he prepared to do treatment. Different positions were tried but he did say gagging would be a problem.

I asked if sedation would be an option and they suggested it may be a good idea but not available at that clinic, he explained it would be a tablet that would keep me conscious but would allow the dentist to carry out their work.

I'm thinking this is a good idea, interested in other people's experience. I'd like the treatment done but the gagging - despite trying different things is a real problem. If I'm awake during treatment will this stop?

They also didn't mention the cost, is there a rough price for this? I'm prepared to pay, would just be good to know how much.

I'm awaiting an appointment from a sedation clinic.

snozberry

I had sedation at the dentist to help combat a lifelong fear and it was fab - absolutely fab!

I didn't have it as a tablet though - I had to breathe it in via a tube over my nose. I also took my ipod to help drown out the scary sounds.

I can't help you with gagging but my dentist was very good and everything was done at my pace.

Because I was referred I only paid NHS charges.

Good luck with it. I can honestly say that it was the best thing I did as it really helped me to get over my fear.

brook2jack

I think things have got a little confused here. Any dentist can prescribe oral sedation and it has alot to recommend it. It can help people cope with things they found difficult as its a bit like drinking twenty pints of beer but without the hangover. There is only the prescription charge to pay for this if NHS.

Iv sedation (needle in the hand) or RA (gas and air) are only available at specialist clinics and there can be a very long wait (over 6 months in my area). On the NHS there is no extra charge in England and Wales.

Gagging is a very common problem and can be overcome. It is mostly psychological after all you don't gag when eating or drinking. Do you gag when brushing teeth?

Desensitising works really well ie getting used to foreign objects in the mouth. For my patients I make up a series of wax balls increasing in diameter and get them to practice at home rolling them around their mouth to "deprogramme" the gag reflex.

However oral sedation has worked really well for those who continue to have a problem with the advantage that within a few treatments most people do not need oral sedation and can cope perfectly well.

kwmlondon

If you mean actual sedation as in being knocked out, then my experience was very positive. I had two wisdom teeth out at the same time and was really, really nervous about it. I went in, sat down, they put a drip in my wrist, I looked at the clock and the next thing I remember was being shaken and told "we're going to take you to the recovery room now." I don't remember a thing except being told once during the procedure to keep my mouth open. I took about 5 minutes in the waiting room with my friend (you need to bring another person with you to take you home) and once they'd seen me stand up, walk to the other end of the room and back and respond to questions okay they let my friend drive me home. I fell asleep for about an hour at home afterwards and then I was totally with it. I was amazed - can't recommend it enough. I believe they used tamazopam or whatever it's called.

brook2jack

With IV sedation you are not "knocked out" you are awake you can respond to requests etc but you are very relaxed and most people do not remember much or anything afterwards.

Temazepam is normally the oral sedation, midozalam or similar is used for iv sedation.

minimad1970

My son's dentist prescribed oral sedation for him with no problems. He has a low dose of diazepam and it works brilliantly. It used to take 30 minutes to even get him in the chair now it's straight in and get on with it.

chib

Good to hear positive things about this.

Yes, I gag when brushing teeth. More the inner side of my rear molars, it's been that way for years but as its only for a minute or so I put up with it.

Once the sedation clinic calls me I'll ask for more information, my dentist did explain it isn't something they offer in that clinic but a place does locally.

chib

Sedation clinic called me this morning, it will indeed be a needle into the back of my hand. She advised I shouldn't eat four hours beforehand.

I was offered an appointment tomorrow but unfortunately is too short notice, so I'm booked in for next Tuesday.

Best thing is the price is much cheaper than expected, two small fillings, a large filling and a scale/polish under sedation is costing me £110.

I'm still very anxious and hoping the the sedation is strong enough to stop the gagging reflex - I'll be glad when it's all done.

chib

Thought I'd feed back on my sedation experience should anyone else stumble across this post, it exceeded all expectations - an outstanding experience that I'd recommend to anyone with dental fear.

I sat on the bed and there were two men in the room, the dentist and a doctor - the doctor entered the needle into my vein which didn't hurt at all and explained he was going to administer the seditive. The dentist told me it would kick in about 60 seconds and suggested brushing my tounge with my toothbrush to combat the gagging - I said I'd try this as it sounded a good idea, he also suggested a smaller toothbrush which I thought sounded good.

Then I met my girlfriend in the recovery room done, a dental nurse helping me up the stairs is hazy - next thing I remember my girlfriend waking me about 1730 in my bed and I can remember fine from there.

I've no idea if I was awake or not when they carried out the treatment - it's almost as if I slept all the way through it - I do recall a slight blur vision as he mentioned the smaller toothbrush.

All in all, outstanding. The best dental experience ever - made my year!