The thought of some dental treatments can be so off putting that you don't get round to having treatment you know you need. We understand that being at the dentists is somewhere people rather would not be but at Kingston Park Advanced Dentistry we want to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
We offer treatment under intravenous sedation. which is a form of conscious sedation whereby a sedative is given into a vein in your hand or in your arm. If you are nervous about having dental treatment or you are having a dental procedure which may be more complex, such as dental implants or cosmetic dental treatments, intravenous sedation is an effective and safe treatment which will allow you to accept the required treatment and relax throughout the procedure.
Dr Emily Johnson has recently joint our team for the sole purpose of providing sedation for patients comfort and this is something she has great experience in. Emily, originally from Yorkshire, came to study dentistry at Newcastle University in 2003. After qualifying she completed her vocational training year in Jesmond and furthered herself by passing the entry to the ‘Diploma of Membership of the Faculty of Dental Surgery (MFDS) of The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh.’
Early on in her career Emily soon became aware that within dentistry her calling was looking after patients that needed the extra time and attention and personalised ‘TLC’. This includes both children and adults who are dentally anxious, have special needs or patients that have a high dental need.
To pursue this career, in 2009, Emily started out as and is still currently a community dentist for Northumbria community dental services. In this role, she uses her TLC approach with the most challenging patients on a daily basis and uses ‘happy air’ (inhalation sedation) and treats patients under general anaesthetic.
To widen her knowledge and experience in conscious sedation, Emily started working on the sedation department at Newcastle dental hospital in 2012. She passed the Diploma in Conscious sedation with a merit. On the department, Emily treats anxious patients in the dental hospital that are referred in from all over the north east. She also has an active role in teaching the undergraduate and postgraduate dentists sedation and is an examiner for the diploma in Conscious sedation.
Sedation FAQ's
What is intravenous (IV) sedation?
IV sedation is when a sedative is given into a vein in your hand or arm. If you are nervous about having dental treatment or you are having a procedure which may be more complex, intravenous (IV) sedation is an effective and safe treatment.
Why do I need IV sedation?
It is an ideal way of helping you accept dental treatment and relax throughout the dental procedure.
What are the benefits?
While under IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed but you will still be able to understand and respond to requests from the dentist. You may be unaware of the operation and this form of treatment is ideal for patients who wish to avoid the noise and vibration of the drill and allow acceptance of local anaesthetic.
Are there any risks?
IV sedation is safe when it is supervised or carried out by a specially trained dentist. A sedation assessment is needed where we will check that sedation in the practice is right for you. The sedation at Kingston Park is performed by a sedation qualified dentist who is not the same dentist performing the treatment. Having a dedicated sedationist means that they can focus on your comfort and safety throughout the procedure.
IV sedation has four main effects:
It will reduce your anxiety and make you feel relaxed.
It will can you feel sleepy.
It will make you less aware of the procedure.
It will result in partial – or total loss of memory of the procedure.
Do I need to prepare for IV sedation?
Take your routine medicines at the usual times, unless advised otherwise.
Have a light meal 1-2 hours before you attend.
Do not take alcohol or recreational drugs including cannabis, 48 hours before your treatment.
Bring a responsible adult with you. This escort must be over the age of 18 and personally known to you. They must arrive and remain in the practice waiting room. They must be able to escort you home and care for you for the rest of the day.
Do not bring children or babies with you to your appointment. We will not undertake treatment if a child/baby comes with you or your escort.
Sedation is not possible if you are pregnant, so be sure to tell us.
Nursing mothers cannot breastfeed for 12 hours after sedation.
What happens after IV sedation?
You will need to stay in our recovery area until you are considered ready to leave the practice. Recovery can take up to an hour. The effects of sedation can last up to 24 hours, for this time rest at home and:
Do not travel alone – travel home with your escort, by car if possible.
Do not drive or ride a bicycle or a motorcycle.
Do not use machinery.
Do not drink alcohol.
Do not return to work or sign legal documents or carry out any financial transactions.
Do not care for others.
Do not use social media.
What does it cost?
The assessment with our sedation qualified dentist costs £50. This allows you to discuss the procedure, check you are suitable for sedation and ensure all your questions are answered before going ahead with treatment.
Intravenous sedation with a dedicated sedation qualified dentist and sedation qualified nurse £200/ session. There will also be the additional dental treatment fees.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us, a friendly member of our team would be more than happy to discuss any issues you may have. We understand that visiting the dentist is not the top of peoples favorite things to do and we are happy to answer any query you have- don't worry if you think it is a silly question, you wont have been the first to ask!
Read about Gary's recent experience having sedation at the practice.
"Although I had undergone many dentist visits over the years without issue or phobia; a recent period of ill health had left me with a high degree of anxiety for a root canal procedure.
My dentist initially thought that having sedation to assist would not be an option due to the longer term nature of the procedure. However, he referred me to Andrew Gemmell, who confirmed that sedation was an option. My initial consultation with Andrew put my mind at ease. It was immediately obvious that he was highly skilled; whilst also being patient and understanding of my concerns.
Andrew was supported by Emily, a Dentist experienced in administrating sedation. After a small injection in my arm I felt incredibly chilled and the next 60 minutes passed by without me having a care in the world whilst the initial work was completed. Although conscious, I felt completely at ease and I was able to respond and communicate with Andrew and Emily at all times. 3 weeks later the procedure was repeated to finish my treatment; another effortless experience.
I would hugely recommend anybody who has concerns or worries regarding pending dental treatment to consider visiting Andrew. As well as being an expert in his field, he has a wonderful ‘bedside manner’ . Certainly if you are putting off any treatment because of worries/fears, I would say this is an excellent option."
More information about sedation can be read on our website here >>
For dentists wanting to refer patients to us for treatment under sedation, click here >>
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