Dental treatment with intravenous sedation - easy read

Before

• you will get an appointment letter from the hospital
• your appointment letter will tell you what day and what time to go to the hospital
• it is important that you do not eat or drink anything on the day
• please wear loose clothing and remove nail varnish

Arrival and waiting

• go to the Reception with your letter
• you may have to wait for a while until the nurse is ready for you
• you can bring things to do while you wait
• you need to keep your things safe. There is nowhere to lock them up

Pre-sedation

• the nurse will ask you some questions
• the nurse will tell you what is going to happen
• you can ask questions
• the nurse will weigh you
• the nurse will check your blood pressure. This tells the dentist you are well
• the nurse will ask you to go to the toilet
• the anaesthetist and dentist will say hello and check everything is
• sometimes we will give you a nose spray to help you relax
• then you will go into the dental surgery, and sit on the dental chair 
• a clip is put onto your finger. This is connected to a machine. This will let the Dentist know your heart and breathing are OK

Sedation

• we will hold your hand like this
• a very thin plastic tube is stuck on your hand with a plaster so it cannot fall out. This is called a cannula 
• you won't go to sleep but it will make you feel very relaxed
• you are now ready for your dental treatment

After

• one of the team will take the plastic tube off your hand and cover the area with another plaster
• when the Dentist has finished the work on your teeth, you will wait for about 30 minutes to 1 hour
• you will then be able to go home
• it is very important that you have someone with you for at least 24 hours to check that you are OK
• they can be a support worker, friend or family member
• it is important to spend the rest of the day quietly