Has anyone had dental work done under sedation?

[quaere]

I've been referred to have 2 fillings done under sedation because I have such a severe phobia of the dentist. Just a check up leaves me in tears and 6mg diazepam (which was the max I was recommended at one time) didn't make a dent in the anxiety. I would not keep still when the dentist was checking my teeth and he said it's physically impossible for anyone to do a filling on me unless I'm sedated.

So what's it like? I am scared of being sedated as well because I am worried about not having control and being vulnerable. I assume I'll have to have an IV, hate the idea of that as well. Does it knock you out all together or what? How long does it last? Is it like hospital? I am so terrified!! I also feel like a twat.

[vjg13]

Yes for a tooth extraction and usually I have about 50mg of valium for a filling!

It was very good. Canular in back of hand to administer it, I was awake but not really caring about what was happening. It also gives you an amnesia effect about the whole process. I had it done at the dental hospital by a supervised student. Came home and slept for an hour or so. The next day felt a little bit fragile and weepy, ok to go back to work on day 3.

[Earlybird]

Unfortunately, I have had a lot of dental work done and I feel very anxious about it too - but not verging on the hysterical, which is what you describe.

I have only been truly 'sedated' (ie, put 'under') once when my wisdom teeth were removed- and that was 25 years ago, so don't remember much and I'm sure techniques are different now.

I am due to have a filling this afternoon, and here is what happens: I am given headphones so I can listen to music, or watch/listen to the telly in the dentist's room - this helps because I don't focus on the sound of the drill. I am given a local numbing cream on my gum next to the tooth to be worked on, and then an injection that puts an isolated area of my mouth 'to sleep' so the nerves are deadened. I am then given gas and air during the entire procedure.

So, while I am not sedated in the sense of being unconscious, I am certainly given everything possible to help distract and relax me. The experience - while not pleasant or particularly comfortable - is not terrifying.

Not sure any of that was helpful, but that was/is my dental sedation story. And fwiw, I suppose it is obvious that all this happens in a private dentist's office - it is well worth the money if you are an anxious person where dental work is concerned.

Good luck.

[docket]

I have had teeth out under sedation. I can remember nothing about it other than my partner helping me out of the waiting room afterwards. Apparently I was jibbering on to the dentist about how young he was! I was absolutely fine and quite with it shortly afterwards, you will need someone with you though to take you home. I am a nervous wreck after an awful experience at the dentist when I was younger and this was really the best thing for me. I don't like being out of control either but I really didn't give a monkeys during (when I knew nothing) or after.

[methodsandmaterials]

Sedation is bloody marvellous.

[nikos]

I had it done recently and it is fantastic. Wouldn't do it any other way now. I too was very scared about feeling out of control but it is nothing like that. You can ask for them to give you a very light dose if you are worried about this.
You just feel relaxed but aware of what is going on, but just no emotion attached to it. So I was aware that the dentist was doing things in my mouth but had no fear. It also makes time go very quickly so it feels like you are only there minutes.
Honestly it is fantastic and I'm the biggest scaredy cat at the dentist. Wish I'd discovered it years ago.
I was in control when I came out and able to book my next appointment. Slept when got home and was fine.

[TheOldestCat]

I've had conscious sedation twice - the latest was last Saturday, when I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed.

On both occasions, it was fantastic (and this was on the NHS, so don't worry if you're not a private patient).

The worst thing for me was having my blood pressure taken (have a weirdy phobia of that) - everything else was a doddle. I felt utterly calm, disconnected and yet not out of control - I realise that doesn't make much sense but it's the only way I can describe it. I remember bits about it, but it felt like it lasted for a few minutes when it was actually about 45.

Although I can't remember what I was talking about, I do recall having a conversation with the dental nurses before and after the procedure. I was probably being a bit of a twat, to be honest, as I was trying to convince the dentist he had no knowledge about breastfeeding...but that's another story

Seriously, they are used to dealing with anxious patients - you will be fine. I was nervous the first time because I didn't know what to expect and it was all marvellous, the drugs were FANTASTIC, it was GREAT (as I announced to the entire waiting room on my way out of the surgery, much to DH's amusement).

You do need to take it easy afterwards as you can feel a bit shakey. I had a nap when I got home and was fine.

Hope this all reassures you. Please don't worry - I am a big wuss and I was completely fine.

[quaere]

OK this sounds good. I embarrassed myself big time at the dentist today. Crying, squirming, paranoia, the lot. I felt like a mad woman. There was just no way he could do anything at all in the state I was in.

I have no idea why I have such a strong phobia. I am not normally a nervous person and I have had no bad experiences with dentists. It's so weird. I was fine until I was a teenager and then suddenly got scared. It's something about having someone I don't know so close to my face and putting their hands in my mouth, but the optician is fine and they get close to your face. I just feel completely vulnerable

[nikos]

It is a really common fear you know. I too am not scared of anything else but the dentist. I promise you sedation will change things entirely.

[nikos]

Also try googling dentalphobics forum as there is lots of help on that forum.

[vjg13]

My fear of the dentist is only overtaken by my fear of false teeth so I force myself to go very regularly!

[quaere]

I've been on the dentalphobics forum, it's quite informative but I can't stand reading other people's descriptions of dentists! It sets me off.

I actually feel quite traumatised at the moment (only left the dentist about 1 hour ago). I feel like I've been assaulted, even though he was perfectly nice.

[nikos]

I promise, promise, promise you that sedation is the way forward. You will feel free after it because you will know you can face any treatment at the dentist. Please let us know how it goes.

[mamasmissionimpossible]

I had sedation for an impacted wisdom tooth. I remember nothing about the procedure. It was quite groggy for a day or so after, but the actual procedure was fine. I would definitely have it again

[Birdly]

I've had sedation three times for crowns and fillings, and totally agree with the general consensus that it is a Wonderful Thing!

Had a needle in my arm to send me to sleep, then no knowledge of anything until they brought me round. DH had to drive me home as I was a bit woozy, then I slept it off for 2-3 hours and was fine afterwards. No sickness, nothing.

I get very panicky at the dentist and it's the only way to get the treatment done. I can just about stand a check-up but I totally freaked out when I had a clean and polish a few weeks ago.

I had to pay for the sedation on top of the treatment, so it does bump the price up quite considerably. Worth every ruddy penny, though!!!

[Highlander]

I've had a bone graft from my jaw under sedation.

Cannula into hand, squirt it in - time passes by soooooooooo quickly. My op took 1.5hrs and it felt like 10 mins . They use Medazolam. I had 3mg, but v anxious people may need 5-6 and junkies need the full whack (10mg).

You'll need to be escorted home, and won't be able to drive or make big decisions for 24 hours (ie don't work).

[Lovecat]

I was sedated to have a tooth removed about this time last year. It was great, no problems at all, although I too talked absolute rubbish at the poor Dentist and DH - he'd left DD with her auntie while he picked me up and apparently I didn't even acknowledge her when she got in the car, just asked DH for the zillionth time if I could eat yet... (in fairness, I hadn't been able to eat all day in preparation and I was STARVING!)

[nikos]

Yes, I practically punched the air with delight when the dentist said I couldn't look after small children for 24 hours. Cue day in bed with hello magazines!!

[Ichbineinberliner]

I had it for a wisdom teeth extraction - worked brilliantly. Didn't remember a thing.

[differentnameforthis]

Some fantastic advice here! Nothing I can add really.

As others said, IV is administered via a cannula in the arm, and the dose is minimal, but can be topped up, dependant on your need. But it is unusual to have to administer over the minimum dose.

You will not be aware of what is happening. You will be able to respond to the dentist & the nurses but other than that, you will be blissfully unaware. You will have the normal local anaesthetic, so will be numb too. You may fall asleep, or sing, or chatter a lot (have seen all those )

After, you will need a responsible adult to stay with you. No cooking, driving, making decisions etc. And they will need to be present for the post op instructions too. So best if they are prepared to wait in the waiting room for the duration. Some dentists actually specifically request that the 'carer' stay, some are happy to have the carer called when the treatment is almost done.

Don't worry about feeling like a twat! You are not! I have seen fire fighters & policemen terrified of the dentist! The worse patient I had was a dentist himself! It's irrational. You aren't in control of it, so there is nothing you can do!

Good Luck!

[differentnameforthis]

Some dentists actually specifically request that the 'carer' stay, some are happy to have the carer called when the treatment is almost done

When I say stay, I mean within the building. I worked with 2 dentists in the same practice & 1 liked the carer to stay, the other was happy for them to leave & be called back a few minutes before treatment was completed.

[quaere]

From the way they were reacting, I think I was one of the worst they'd seen!!

Can I take diazepam before? I hate needles too, so not fond of the IV idea, but am not phobic with them

[StuffingGoldBrass]

Solidarity! Actually, I had my wisdom teeth out under sedation (not general anaesthetic) bout 25 years ago and it worked fine.
But this morning I was just like you describe, shivering and crying and insisting they stop.
Have now got to wait for the hospital to get in touch with an appointment, though they said if it flares up and is painful I can go to the walk-in clinic...

[tubsywubsy]

I had wisdom teeth taken out under sedation several years ago. It was great, don't remember a thing about it. Was a bit peeved though that they wanted me to pay up before the procedure, as I would be too spaced out to do so afterwards.

[methodsandmaterials]

Thought I'd come back to add a bit more to my earlier post.

Forget the dentist, My hygienist won't see me unless I'm sedated. Really, it's that bad. I either go to my GP who gives me diazepam tablets or my dentist provides temazepam in liquid form. Both are taken 1h prior to treatment and both are excellent, it's just a matter of getting the appropriate dosage which can be fun.

You need to have someone pick you up and take you home after treatment, and don't plan anything for the rest of the day... Most importantly, please have someone look after your DCs if you have them, you won't be up to the job.

[differentnameforthis]

quaere, I would check before you take anything, tbh. I can't remember what the contra indications of the sedative & other drugs are.