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Dental sedation

How dental sedation can allay your fears about dental visits

Feel as though you slept through it all

If a past experience has made you fearful of dental visits, help is at hand. At Holmes Dental Care, we have a special interest in helping nervous patients, and have trained in dental sedation so that all options are on the table when it comes to ensuring you get the treatment you need at the right time. IV sedation – also known as ‘twilight’ or ‘conscious’ sedation – involves a small injection that combines sedative, to make you relaxed and drowsy, with analgesic (painkiller) and anaesthetic (numbing). The combined effect of these three elements allows patients to begin their treatment in an induced state of complete contentment and relaxation, and end it with little or no memory of their procedure.

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Dental Sedation services at Holmes Dental Care
Dental sedation in Cardiff

How IV sedation works

At Holmes Dental Care, we use a sedative called Midazolam. It will not ‘put you to sleep’, as a general anaesthetic would, but it is highly effective as a relaxant – so much so that most patients naturally fall asleep during their treatment. However, although you feel as though you are sleeping, you may hear voices and will be able to respond to the gentle squeeze of your hand during your procedure. IV sedation has an amnesic effect, which means that you remember little or nothing of the procedure afterwards. In addition, patients treated under IV sedation will often lose track of time, and a very long appointment will appear to be over in minutes.

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FAQS

How is IV sedation different to general or local anaesthetic?

IV sedation effectively bridges the divide between local and general anaesthetic. You won’t be completely unconscious, as with a general, but you’ll be in a state of deep, sleepy relaxation that means you’ll have very little awareness or memory of your dental procedure. The dentist will be able to rouse you if required, to answer questions, for example, but it’s unlikely you’ll remember this afterwards.

If I’m conscious, won’t I will still feel anxiety about my treatment?

No, because the drugs we use induce feelings of deep contentment and relaxation. Patients generally feel as though they’re sleeping. Conscious sedation also has an amnesiac effect.

How long does it take for the effects to wear off?

In most cases, you will need to spend up 30 minutes in recovery after your procedure. The full effects of conscious sedation take 24 hours to wear off, so you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home and to be with you at home until the effects have worn off. You may feel groggy, and won’t be able to operate electrical machinery, cook, use sharp implements or make any critical decisions during this time.

As an extremely nervous patient, I was made to feel at ease and with full confidence in what was being done. The treatment took approximately 12 months but the end results are brilliant. I can smile without gaps and I would not hesitate to recommend this treatment to anyone. Barry is a truly fabulous dentist.

WC, had general restorative including implants

Thank you Barry for your expertise, your skills and your professionalism. And, to all the Team for your wisdom, your humour and your care!

A challenging day for me yesterday but thank you all you eased the pain. In my memory bank I know it will remain a fascinating and positive experience. I am confident I am in safe hands.

CD, had bone grafting

A big thank you to Barry and Helena for going the extra mile and doing the extraction late this afternoon. After the pain the last 2 months I’m so glad I changed to this practice.

FD, had emergency treatment including extraction and bridge fit
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Michael Meredith
Michael Meredith
9 February 2024
Kind and courtious staff, Mr Homes explained things clearly and answered all questions fully.
Sheree Coles
Sheree Coles
4 February 2024
I had a tooth that needed extracting, but my NHS dentist was unable to offer a replacement. I did not want a gap, so asked to be referred to Holmes Dental Care for advice . Barry explained some options and I chose to have an implant. He explained it would be a complex extraction and may require a bone graft - I felt completely happy with my treatment plan as it had been thoroughly explained to me. My treatment required several clinical interventions, and I felt completely supported by Barry and his team, the entire time. I have now had my implant and am absolutely delighted with it. In fact, I have joined the practice and look forward to continuing to receive the expert care they offer
Marianne Pettifor
Marianne Pettifor
16 January 2024
I cant believe I now visit the Dentist without any fear after years of being terrified of dental visits. No pain, no fear and very creative amd clever dentistry. Thank you Barry Holmes for your amazing support. Marianne Pettifor
Ian Mitchelmore
Ian Mitchelmore
8 January 2024
Excellent service throughout the treatment process. Staff were incredibly welcoming, friendly and informative.
Joanne Everett
Joanne Everett
3 January 2024
This was my first appointment, but I was made to feel comfortable and welcome. The waiting area is especially good if you're nervous of going to the dentist because it felt more like a lounge than a clinical waiting area. I trusted the staff and the greeting by reception was really nice too
Flo Sava
Flo Sava
12 December 2023
Had a brilliant experience with the Teams at Holmes Dental Care. They were incredibly attentive, helpful and kept me up to date and informed throughout the entire process, a process that meant bone graft, bridge, tooth implant and everything in between. From Reception, Cleaning and Doctors all Teams are professional, yet friendly and accommodating. I highly recommend them.
Clive Morris
Clive Morris
7 December 2023
Well what can I say this team are bloody brilliant not only are they good fun but they seem to know exactly what they are doing, from the moment I attempted to eat a bidet to the moment I became a male model with women flocking after me in their droves 😁🥸😎 maybe a slight expansion of the truth there but it is cracking not having to smirk instead of a good old laugh. Any time the Holmes team need a reference I will be there like a shot. All the best and hope you and the team grow and grow and grow. Ps Barry I can’t remember did you say it would be £20 or £25 for a good review See you in Jan for check up Oh and can you tell the hygienist I am now showering every month 😂😂. See ya team
Samantha Ponchaud
Samantha Ponchaud
7 December 2023
Since moving to Whitchurch I had to find myself a new dental practise, a friend of mine in the area recommended me to Holmes dental care. And what a little gem the practice is, not only is it 10 min walk from my home, it’s been by far the best dentist I’ve been too . Dc Barry Holmes is very professional and knowledgeable man in his field giving me the best advice and outcome, and also very gentle when it comes to needles, something a few dentist in the past haven’t been! The whole team in there are very friendly, definitely a pleasurable experience, what a lovely practise in the heart of a lovely village. Thank you Holmes dental team.
stuart jones
stuart jones
7 December 2023
I’ve recently had some dental implants fitted with Barry and can’t recommend him highly enough. The whole team were very friendly and very professional and Barry’s workmanship was first class at all stages
Beverley Haincock
Beverley Haincock
7 December 2023
Excellent care and treatment. Extremely patient to one who has a slight phobia of the dentist. Cannot rate them highly enough. Barry is both kind and understanding and takes all the time it needs to make sure any questions one may have are answered fully.
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