Question 1

Will I feel pain during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Conscious sedation is usually combined with local anesthesia therefore you should not feel pain during the procedure.

Question 2

Can I drive home after conscious sedation?

Accepted Answer

It is advised to arrange someone to drive you home after the procedure as the sedation can cause temporary drowsiness or reduced alertness.

Question 3

How long does the sedation last?

Accepted Answer

Most patients feel relaxed during the procedure followed by some slight drowsiness afterwards.

Question 4

Can I stay with my child during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Parent is allowed to stay with their child until they fall asleep. The Family Dentist team and Dr Anjo’s will guide you on when you can be with your child again after the procedure before your child wakes up. This ensures your child is safe and comfortable throughout the sedation experience.

Question 5

Will my child feel any pain during or after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Conscious sedation is similar to a deep sleep where your child can still feel discomfort to an extent and therefore our team will still make use of local anaesthetic if any of the treatment might cause any discomfort to your child. Our team is highly trained to ensure that each patient receives the best possible treatment in the most comfortable way.

Question 6

Do we need a consultation before sedation?

Accepted Answer

A consultation is needed before we can book a sedation appointment for your child. This allows Dr Anjo's to carefully assess your child’s needs, ensure that sedation is the most suitable option, and allocate the appropriate amount of time for the procedure.

The cost of treatment varies from case to case, as it depends on the treatment required as well as the length of the sedation appointment. After the consultation, we will provide you with a detailed quotation outlining the recommended treatment and the estimated time involved, so you have a clear understanding of everything.

Once you are happy with the plan and have signed the quotation, we will then be able to schedule a suitable sedation date for your child.

As we are a private practice, full payment is required one week prior to the procedure. Dr Anjo's, who administers the sedation, also requires proof of payment in order to confirm the booking.

Please also keep in mind that medical aid reimbursements vary depending on your specific plan, and unfortunately we are unable to guarantee the amount that will be covered.

Question 7

What are the fasting requirements before sedation?

Accepted Answer

Any patient undergoing sedation must fast before the procedure. No food or drink is allowed for 6 hours prior to the appointment. If the patient has eaten or drunk anything within this time, the procedure will need to be postponed ensuring their safety

Question 8

What happens if my child has a cold or fever on the day of sedation?

Accepted Answer

If your child has a fever, severe cold,cough or a bad runny nose on the day of the procedure, the sedation will need to be postponed. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of your child during the procedure.

Question 9

How do we prepare our child emotionally for sedation?

Accepted Answer

You can talk to your child beforehand and reassure them that the procedure is safe. Let them know they will be taking a short nap while we restore their teeth, and when they wake up their teeth will be fixed and healthy and they will be able to eat all of their favourite food. Encourage them to think of something fun or exciting, like a favourite story or dream, so that instead of feeling scared, they feel excited and curious about the experience.

Question 10

Will sedation affect my child’s behaviour after the procedure?

Accepted Answer

Most children wake up happy and calm after sedation. Some may be a little sleepy, quiet, confused or clingy for a few hours, which is completely normal. Due to the use of local anaesthetics their lips and cheeks can feel weird and this sometimes causing confusion until they are fully awake. Their behaviour usually returns to normal by the next day. Just make sure they have a comfortable, calm environment at home to rest and recover.

Question 11

Is my child safe under sedation?

Accepted Answer

Our doctors are highly trained and experienced in treating children under sedation anaesthesia. Dr Anjo, our sedation specialist, will closely monitor your child throughout the entire procedure to ensure their safety. Our team takes pride in providing the highest level of care and service to make the experience as comfortable and safe as possible.

Question 12

How long will the sedation procedure take?

Accepted Answer

The treatment required is case-dependent, as it will vary based on what needs to be done. This is why we always perform a full general check-up first to ensure the correct treatment plan is determined before arranging sedation.
After the first appointment, you will receive a quotation outlining the full amount payable for the treatment and an estimate of how long the appointment will take. This ensures that everything is clear and planned before the sedation procedure.

Question 13

When can my child eat or drink after sedation?

Accepted Answer

Once the patient is fully awake, they can usually start with soft foods and liquids. The doctor will give specific post-operative instructions to follow.

Question 14

When can my child return to school or normal activities?

Accepted Answer

Most children can return to school the next day, depending on how they feel after the procedure, it depends on child to child.

Concious Sedation