Light sedation
For some patients, light sedation can help make dental treatment more relaxed. At Dovident dental practice, we provide light sedation using medication taken before the appointment, helping you feel more at ease before treatment begins.
When can light sedation help?
Light sedation may be considered when dental treatment causes significant anxiety or tension. For example, in cases of severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or difficulty relaxing during treatment.
Sedation is not necessary for everyone. In many cases, clear communication, a calm approach and effective local anaesthesia provide sufficient comfort. We therefore always assess which type of support best suits your individual situation.
How does oral sedation work?
With oral sedation, you take a prescribed calming medication before your appointment, following the instructions provided during your consultation. In most cases, this medication is prescribed by your own GP. It helps you feel more relaxed during treatment while you remain conscious, breathe independently and are able to communicate with the dentist.
The aim of oral sedation is not to make you fall asleep, but to help you cope better with dental treatment when anxiety plays a significant role. Because the effects vary from person to person, we carefully assess beforehand whether this type of sedation is suitable for you.
Assessing whether sedation is appropriate
Before light sedation is used, we discuss your medical history, any medication you take and the treatment that is planned. We also explain how to prepare for your appointment and what support you may need afterwards.
As the medication may continue to have an effect for some time after your treatment, you must not drive yourself home. We therefore ask you to arrange suitable transport in advance.
When is general anaesthesia a better option?
For many patients, a calm approach, effective local anaesthesia and, where appropriate, oral sedation provide sufficient support. In some cases, however, the level of anxiety or the extent of the treatment means that general anaesthesia is a more suitable option.
During your consultation, we will discuss which form of support best fits your situation, taking into account the planned treatment, your general health and the degree of anxiety or tension you experience.
Frequently asked questions
-
What is light sedation?
At Dovident dental practice, light sedation is provided using a calming medication that you take before your appointment. This helps you feel more relaxed during treatment. You remain conscious, breathe independently and are able to communicate with the dentist.
-
Is light sedation the same as general anaesthesia?
No. With light sedation, you remain awake and responsive. During treatment under general anaesthesia, you are completely unconscious and continuously monitored by a specialised anaesthesia team.
-
Who is light sedation suitable for?
Light sedation may be suitable for patients with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or other situations where regular dental treatment is difficult to tolerate.
-
Can everyone receive light sedation?
No. Before treatment, we assess whether light sedation is medically appropriate. We take your general health, medication use and the planned dental treatment into account.
-
How do I obtain the medication for light sedation?
During your consultation, we assess whether oral sedation is suitable for your situation. In most cases, the required medication is prescribed by your own GP. We will explain exactly how to take the medication and how to prepare for your appointment.
-
Can I drive home after light sedation?
No. As the medication may continue to affect you for some time after your treatment, you must not drive yourself home. Please arrange for someone to accompany you home.
-
What if light sedation is not enough?
In some situations, treatment under general anaesthesia may be a more appropriate option. During your consultation, we will discuss which form of support is best suited to your treatment and personal circumstances.