If you feel anxious, nervous, or phobic about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is a common experience, but it shouldn't prevent you from receiving essential dental care. At Paulton Dental & Implant Centre, we specialise in creating a calm and supportive environment, offering sedation dentistry to help even the most anxious adult patients undergo treatment comfortably.

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Our highly trained team adheres strictly to the highest standards of safety and professional practice, ensuring your peace of mind is prioritised. Sedation dentistry allows us to perform necessary, and often complex, procedures while you remain completely relaxed and at ease.

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What is Sedation in Dentistry?

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Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help you achieve a state of deep relaxation during dental procedures. It is a safe and highly effective method for managing severe fear, anxiety, or a strong gag reflex in adults.

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The primary goal is to induce a state of profound relaxation, known as conscious sedation. You will be awake, able to respond to our team's instructions, but you will feel significantly less anxious and may remember little, if anything, of the procedure afterwards. This is what makes it an invaluable option for many adult patients with significant dental phobias or those requiring lengthy appointments.

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Who Benefits from Sedation?

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We recommend sedation for patients who:

• Suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety or phobia (odontophobia).
• Have an overactive or severe gag reflex that complicates treatment.
• Require lengthy, complex, or multiple procedures in one appointment (e.g., dental implants, multiple extractions).
• Have conditions that make it difficult to sit still for an extended period.
• Have a low pain threshold or difficulty getting numb with local anaesthetic alone.

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Our Sedation Option: Intravenous (IV) Sedation

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At Paulton Dental & Implant Centre, we offer Intravenous (IV) Sedation, the most common and deepest form of conscious sedation.

• How it Works: A fast-acting sedative drug is administered directly into a vein in your arm or hand by our highly qualified practitioner.
• Key Effects: The sedative takes effect quickly, inducing a deep state of relaxation. Patients experience a significant amnesic effect, meaning they often have little to no memory of the procedure, which helps break the cycle of dental fear. You remain conscious and able to respond to commands.
• Safety: Your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, are continuously monitored throughout the procedure using state-of-the-art equipment by a dedicated member of our team.

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Your Sedation Treatment Plan

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We follow strict protocols to ensure your treatment is safe, comfortable, and tailored to your specific needs.

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Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

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Before any sedation is agreed upon, you will have a detailed consultation. We review your full medical history, current medications, and assess your suitability for conscious sedation. We will discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits to ensure you provide valid, informed consent. Your safety is the deciding factor in our recommendation.

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Step 2: Clear Instructions and Preparation

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Once approved, we will provide essential pre-operative instructions, including:

• Fasting guidelines (do not eat or drink for a specified time before your appointment).
• Arranging a responsible adult escort to take you home and supervise you for the rest of the day. You must not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours.

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Step 3: The Sedation Procedure

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Our dedicated team will ensure you are comfortable. The sedative will be administered (via the IV method), and once you are deeply relaxed, the dental treatment will proceed efficiently and with great care. You will remain conscious but calm, detached, and comfortable throughout.

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Step 4: Recovery and Aftercare

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After the treatment, you will rest in a dedicated recovery area until the immediate effects of the sedative wear off. Your escort will then take charge. We will provide detailed aftercare instructions and a contact number for any post-procedure queries. You must adhere strictly to the 24-hour recovery guidelines.

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Schedule Your Consultation Today

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Ready to conquer your dental anxiety and receive the treatment you need in total comfort? Contact Paulton Dental & Implant Centre to discuss our sedation option and take the first step towards a calmer dental experience.

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