Dental Sedation: The Risks & Benefits

28 Feb

For many in the UK, the thought of a dentist’s drill can trigger genuine distress. Dental sedation offers a middle ground between local anaesthetic and general anaesthesia, providing a "conscious" state where you remain awake but deeply relaxed. If you are considering this for your next appointment, here is a breakdown of the risks and benefits.

The Benefits: More Than Just Relaxation

The primary advantage is anxiety management. Sedation allows patients with severe phobias to receive essential care they might otherwise avoid.

Time Efficiency: Because you are relaxed, dentists can often perform multiple or complex procedures (like implants or wisdom tooth extractions) in a single visit.
Reduced Gag Reflex: It is highly effective for those with a sensitive gag reflex, as it relaxes the throat muscles.
Amnestic Effect: With IV sedation, patients often have little to no memory of the procedure, which can help break the cycle of dental trauma.

The Risks: Safety and Side Effects

In the UK, sedation is strictly regulated by the General Dental Council (GDC) and the Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD). While generally very safe, it is not without risks:

Respiratory Depression: The main clinical risk is a slight reduction in oxygen levels. Because of this, UK clinics must use continuous monitoring (like pulse oximeters) to track your heart rate and oxygen throughout.
Side Effects: You may experience dizziness, nausea, or bruising at the injection site.
Recovery Requirements: Unlike "laughing gas" (inhalation sedation), IV sedation requires a 24-hour recovery period. You cannot drive, sign legal documents, or be left alone during this time.

Is it right for you?

Sedation isn’t for everyone. Those with a high BMI, pregnancy, or certain respiratory conditions may be ineligible. We currently do not offer sedation at Whitland Dental Co, however we can refer you to local clinics who do provide this. We do not believe sedation is the ‘blanket answer’ to dental anxiety/phobia, hence we provide other options like Acupuncture.