Information for patients
The leaflet provides advice to patients undergoing surgical procedures under conscious sedation in the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery department.
In all cases, the surgeon will explain the instructions verbally to you and answer any questions you may have during the appointment.
What is conscious sedation?
- Conscious sedation is a method of causing relaxation, relieving discomfort and pain by injecting a drug (sedative) into a vein in your arm or back of the hand.
- You will remain conscious at all times and will be able to talk and respond to instructions throughout the procedure.
- In addition to the sedation, you will also receive a numbing injection (local anaesthetic) to the surgical area to keep you comfortable during the procedure.
- After surgery under conscious sedation, you will have little or no memory of the procedure.
Do I need to be starved before the sedation procedure?
- You may have a light meal up to 2 hours before the treatment starts.
- You may drink fluids and take any regular medicines unless you have been instructed otherwise.
- Please do not smoke, drink alcohol or consume any recreational drugs before the procedure.
How long does the procedure last?
- The treatment and recovery may take up to 90 minutes.
- Once you have recovered from the immediate effects of sedation, a nurse will provide you with the necessary instructions and you will be able to go home with the responsible adult.
Can I go back to work on the same day?
- Even after you have recovered from the immediate effects of sedation, you may continue to feel drowsy and sleepy for the next 24 hours.
- You should stay at home resting quietly during this time.
- Please do not drive a vehicle, drink alcohol, use machinery, work or make any important decisions during this period.
When can I eat and take my medicines?
You may eat and drink normally as soon as you feel up to it.
You may also take your scheduled regular medicines at the correct times, unless instructed otherwise by the surgeon.
When can I go home?
- This is a day case procedure and you should be able to go home once the recovery team are happy.
- You normally do not need to bring in any extra clothes or equipment during this stay.
Emergency Contact Numbers
Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm – 01582 718062
Monday to Friday – 5pm to 9am and during weekends – Please phone the main hospital switchboard on 01582 491166 and ask for On-call Oral and Maxillofacial doctor.
Online resources
Sedation explained – Royal College of Anaesthetists, UK:
https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2019-10/12-SedationExplainedweb.pdf
Patient information – Conscious Sedation – British Association of Oral Surgeons, UK:
https://www.baos.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Conscious-sedation-final.pdf