Conscious sedation is the safe administration of painkilling and anxiety-relieving medication, so that minor but painful surgical procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis or in a dental surgery. Most dental procedures and many minor medical operations can be safely and efficiently performed under sedation.
Sedation presents a safe alternative to general anaesthetic and can be done in appropriately equipped dentists or doctors facilities. For the patient (child) who dreads a traumatic theatre experience, sedation is an ideal alternative.
Not only is anxiety minimized but patients are back on their feet sooner, without the longer recovery period typical of a general anesthetic. The side effects of nausea and vomiting so common with general anesthetics are seldom experienced with sedation. Costs are significantly lower – considerable savings are realized for patients and medical aids when sedation is chosen, compared to the traditional theater based anesthetic option.
The versatility and safety of sedation coupled with the many benefits to the patient, make sedation the perfect choice for many medical procedures.
