IV sedation for teeth extraction

[MoreAdventurous]

I have a pretty severe phobia of the dentist. Last year I managed to go to the dentist for the first time in YEARS and was told I needed a few teeth removed. They referred me to a specialist dentist for this and that's my referral finally being processed so I'll be getting my appointment soon.

It has been suggested, and I'm highly considering, getting IV sedation for the procedure as whilst I seem calm in the chair while getting dental work done I'm actually in freeze mode and terrified. I'm really worried that without sedation I'll be put off going back to the dentist again and I'm really trying to make the change to having it all being very routine - whether I need work or not.

I've read that while you have the sedation you are awake and able to do whatever is needed but that you'll have no recollection of the procedure once it wears off. Can anyone who has had it tell me if the sedation will also make me calm in the moment? Like I'm worried that I'll freak out while sedated and still really struggle to get the procedure - even if I don't remember that after.

I'm always referred for sedation under the NHS for extractions btw so see if this is possible.

I've had it. I wouldn't go to the dentist otherwise, as my gag reflex and fear of choking is absolutely immense. That's me!

I think it's a similar mix of drugs that you get for endoscopy and colonoscopy sedation.

Ive had it for a complicated treatment. I didnt want to but dentist said it would be easier on me if I did.

I was mostly dozing throughout, have one recollection of awareness of some pushing and prodding when I mooed like a cow and they must have dosed me again because I remember no more until I woke up. Very easy recovery and almost no discomfort.

Highly recommend!

My NHS dentist referred me for the treatment as it's with an oral surgeon as it's complex extraction. When we discussed the referral she did say that she thought having IV sedation would be beneficial so I'm hoping she's put that in the referral - and that it's covered. I'm willing to pay though.

I need to phone the clinic tomorrow to try and book the appointment. I'm terrified!

I don’t think it will be free@MoreAdventurousmine was done under the NHS as I’ve still got an NHS dentist (don’t ask me how!) It cost about £80.

I have also had it for wisdom tooth removal. Both times I couldn’t remember a thing!

Sorry if I wasn't clear but I'm not expecting it be free but more like hoping it's NHS pricing as opposed to private.

If the surgeon offers sedation , and not all do , if you are in England, it will all be covered by the band two treatment fee. I would contact them asap as if they do not offer sedation you may need to be referred elsewhere and waiting lists can be considerable .

However what you cannot do is pay for sedation privately and have the extraction on the NHS .

@Lollygaggle I am in Scotland and have been referred to this dentist specifically by my own NHS one as the extractions are complex. My dentist, as well as this clinic's website, clearly state that they offer IV sedation. I've already been waiting 9 months.

I was referred (I’m a denplan patient) to another surgery who does sedation as a complex extraction. Mine would have been under my denplan so free
I looked at the reviews and they are so horrifically bad I’m paying privately to have it out

my dad “are you mad?!”
me “would you have a tooth out there?”
him “no”
well then!

In which case you will just pay the extra NHS fee for sedation which is around the £110 mark in Scotland.

Conscious sedation is great but diazapan is MUCH cheaper. Keep in mind that you will need someone to care for you while you are recovering

I'm so glad I saw your thread @MoreAdventurous

I've a terrible fear of the dentist (very strange and weird dentist years ago) so completely stopped going until earlier this year when I needed an emergency appointment. I have really bad teeth but decided to get them sorted after the visit.

I had a consultation this morning about implants, if I decide to go ahead it'll be under sedation (it's very pricey though) so I'm delighted to read the responses you've had, I have chronic gum disease on the top and huge bone loss I think she said and I also need a few teeth removed so looks like implants will be the best thing 🤞

Sorry that was a bit long, hope you get your appointment sooner rather than later and best of luck 😊 you'll be fine 🙂

Well done @Ellenanora7 for making the first steps to getting yourself sorted out. I know how challenging that can be! That's why I'm in the position I am in now.

I've had it twice and it's been great for me. Very little/no memory of the procedure. Needed DH to take me and collect me and then "supervise" for the rest of the day. Lovely afternoon naps afterwards too. Like PP said, you'll be 'awake' and compliant and maybe a bit aware of what is going on but you won't care. I 'came to' in a different room this time and have no idea if I was walked there or wheeled there - if I was wheeled I would have had to be transferred from dentist chair I guess but really don't remember any of it.
My treatment was free in a private dental clinic as this was cheaper for NHS and reduced waiting list than the alternative NHS GA treatment would have been but I guess this must be very area dependent.

It really is. I call it lala juice. My husband has to pick me up. I remember coming home. I go to bed for a nap and wake up fine.

I recall nothing of the procedure which is topped up if necessary. I've had extractions, implants, bridgework.

It is cheaper but it is fairly useless for dental phobia. I use it for check ups but no way would it keep me in the chair for extractions and fillings.

I had IV Sedation for several fillings, and it was fantastic. I’d do it again if I needed more treatment. It was the most pleasant experience I’ve ever had. The only bits I remember are having the IV put in, and then her saying I was done, and me telling her that she couldn’t possibly be, as it hadn’t been more than a few minutes, but it had actually been more than an hour! 😂

Expensive, but totally worth it if you’re terrified like I am!

Had it a couple of times as I have a massive phobia of the dentist after a traumatic experience. I had it for wisdom teeth extraction. It was brilliant for me as I wouldn’t have been able to go through with treatment otherwise.

I was referred from my dentist yesterday for sedation and have been quoted £900 from a dentist that I was referred to. Definitely shop around!

I'm going to ring tomorrow too @MoreAdventurous

After reading here and talking to my sister about it I do feel I'm ready.

So let's say we both book appointments tomorrow 😊 and cheer each other on, fingers crossed waiting times won't be too long.

Hi there, I had it last week and well worth the huge cost. I don't remember the first 2 hours, though I do remember the third hour, but I felt calm and pretty relaxed.

I only developed a phobia a few years ago after some horrendous dental stuff that ended with 2 days in hospital.

Do what ever it takes to get your treatment done.

Are you NHS or private. I've had sedation on NHS (my dentist refered me because they couldn't get me numb enough for root canal - I could still feel pain). Only cost me about £50. Much more expensive when I went private to get some crowns replaced and be sedated.

I can still remember many years ago when NHS dentist prescribed sedatives for nervous patients to take before they went in.

Go for it! I had horrific dental phobia. After a period of ill health I also needed two teeth removed.
To me, it was not much different to a GA. Couldn’t remember a thing, my dad took me home and I slept like a baby.
I then did need a fair bit of work doing and opted for sedation and it was brilliant.
However, as I was working with the same dentist I built a lot of trust with him and now if I need anything done I no longer opt for sedation. For someone who used to sit outside shaking and not being able to speak, that’s progress.

I’m waiting for my dental referral for sedation. Told it could be 20 weeks! Although I’m in no hurry… .

I was told (and people have mentioned) you’re awake, so what do you actually feel/experience? I have a horrible gag reflux, and hate that feeling when something trickles down your throat, and panic. Are you aware of what’s going on?