What is inhalation sedation?
Inhalation sedation involves breathing in a mixture of nitrous oxide (“happy air”) and oxygen. This is done through a rubber mask that fits comfortably over your nose therefore allowing dental work to be carried out at the same time. Inhalation sedation does not put you to sleep, you will still be aware of the surroundings and the dental treatment taking place, but you will be in a relaxed state making treatment easier and more comfortable.
Who can benefit from inhalation sedation?
Patients may benefit from inhalation sedation if they:
- are moderately anxious or fearful of dental treatment
- are anxious about injections
- require dental extractions that might cause increased anxiety
- have a gag reflex that interferes with dental care.
Are there any risks with inhalation sedation?
This is a safe process that can be used on most patients with increased anxiety, any risks are relatively minor for example:
- You must be able to breathe properly through your nose, if you are not breathing properly for any reason, i.e. you have a cold, you may not be able to be sedated.
- If you are pregnant you must let the dentist know as sedation would be best avoided, particularly in the first trimester.
- Very occasionally patients may feel sick or vomit, this is why it is important that you do not have a heavy meal immediately before your appointment. However, a light meal or snack should be eaten TWO hours before your appointment.
- Rarely there are temporary side effects to your hearing and possible vertigo (dizziness). But this is only seen with prolonged exposure and is very uncommon.
Are there any special precautions before treatment?
- A light meal or snack should be eaten two hours before treatment. You must not come to your appointment starved.
- Any regular medicines or tablets should be taken as usual. Please make sure you inform us if you are taking any new medications.
- Contact lenses should not be worn during the appointment. Your eyes may feel dry and sore if the rubber mask on your nose is not fitting quite well.
- Nail varnish and jewellery should not be worn.
- It will be necessary to sign a consent form for treatment therefore
children should be brought by a parent/guardian who has legal
responsibility to sign consent. - It is best to avoid bringing (other) children to this appointment as they can cause distraction to an already nervous patient.
What will happen at my first inhalation sedation appointment?
At your first appointment the dentist will need to check and discuss the proposed plan, you will need to give your consent to carry out any treatment. You will be shown the “happy air” equipment and be invited to try it. Dental treatment is not usually started on the first visit.
Does the tooth still need ‘numbing’ for treatment?
Yes it does. This is to make the treatment as comfortable and as acceptable as possible. Hopefully, over time, as you become more familiar with the treatment, you should be able to accept local anaesthetic and treatment without inhalation sedation.
After your inhalation sedation appointment
Although you will be fully recovered on leaving the surgery, we advise the following:
- You should not return to work/school that day.
- You should have an adult with you to accompany you home.
- Children who have had inhalation sedation should be supervised for the rest of the day. Do not allow your child to climb, ride a bike or cross roads alone.
- Adults who have had inhalation sedation are advised not to drive directly after their appointment.
- Your lips and tongue may still be numb after the local anaesthetic. While you are still experiencing numbness take care not to bite your cheeks or tongue and do not have hot drinks or food.
