Preadmission Information and Questionnaire

This page is very important and can take up to 10 minutes or more to read/fill out - please take the time to fill this out as soon as possible so that we can make the appropriate preparations for your sedation.

If you would like a printable copy of this sheet, please click here.

What is IV Sedation?

IV sedation is an anesthetic technique where one or multiple drugs are administered at regular intervals to help you relax during your procedure. The effects of the drugs typically include;

  • Reducing anxiety or phobia of your procedure

  • Lowering your awareness of your surroundings, such as the events of your dental procedure

  • Making you drowsy or sleepy during the procedure

  • Reducing pain during and after the procedure

  • Helping you forget the events of the procedure.

Sedation is not the same as a general anaesthetic and you may be awake and aware of the procedure being performed. However, many patients will feel relaxed enough to sleep during the procedure and their awareness of the procedure may be reduced. Most patients will remember very little during the procedure and even long dental procedures will feel very quick as a result.

The main goal of sedation is to reduce anxiety and discomfort while the procedure is being performed.

What are the risks of sedation?

Although sedation is very safe, in rare circumstances, medical complications can occur. Most complications can be resolved during the procedure with minimal interruptions to the procedure.

  • The medications we use can slow your heart down, cause a reduction in blood pressure and may cause the muscles in your neck to relax which may reduce the air flowing into your lungs.

  • As with all medications, you can also have an allergic reaction or feel nauseous and vomit during or after the procedure.

  • In rare circumstances, patients may respond erratically to the sedation, resulting in heavier or lighter than usual sedation. This may result in increased awareness in parts of the procedure whilst we adjust your dose of sedation.

  • Some patients may move excessively during sedation, which may result in unsafe working conditions to complete your procedure. Increasing/decreasing your sedation dose may help with this, but in rare situations the procedure may not be completable.  

Safety is the most important aspect for sedation practice and all team members are trained to manage complications and carry the equipment required for this. When safety critical events occur, we prioritise safety of you and our team over the completion of your procedure and, as such, the remainder of your procedure may need to be cancelled and rescheduled for another time.

What to do before your Sedation

It is very important that all these instructions are followed otherwise your procedure will be unsafe and will need to be cancelled.

  • Fasting – you must fast appropriately before the procedure to ensure your stomach is empty otherwise you may vomit and damage your lungs during sedation. The fasting guidelines is no food or liquids for at least 8 hours before the procedure except water which can be had up to 2 hours prior to the procedure.

    • Please have a meal as close to the 8 hour fasting window as possible - particularly if you are having a lengthy or invasive procedure as it may be difficult to eat after your procedure

    • Please drink two glasses of water 2 hours prior to the procedure to ensure you are hydrated and to ensure easy cannulation

  • Medications – the only exception to the fasting rule; you must take all medications with a small sip of water in the morning unless directed not to by your sedationist. You must skip all laxatives or food supplements such as Metamucil, Benefibre, Osmolax, Sustagen etc. If in doubt, please contact the clinic prior to consuming any medications

  • Carer – you MUST have someone who is both physically and mentally able to look after you and must be able

    • bring you to your appointment,

    • be present in the surgery during your appointment

    • bring you home following the appointment

    • be present with you to look after you for 24 hours after your procedure.

    • Be able to help you follow the post-operative instructions.

    Transport – Please use private transport only – having your escort drive you in their car is preferable, but alternatives include taxi. Do not use public transport after your sedation.

    Clothing – Wear clothing that is loosely fitting. Wearing separate tops and bottoms will also help us attach monitoring equipment to your chest.

Please fill in your details once you’ve finished reading the form and agree to the instructions provided. Please contact us at admin@qlddentalsedations.com.au if you have any questions.

By filling out this form you;

  • Understand the risks of the sedation as well as the possible post-operative complications. I have had all my specific concerns addressed to my satisfaction.

  • Have had any questions about the sedation and my dental procedure explained to my satisfaction.

  • Understand that if unexpected circumstances arise during the procedure, small changes may need be made to attain a satisfactory result. If there are certain procedures you do not want performed, please inform the treating practitioner(s). If small changes are made, I understand that the fees are charges will not be altered for the treatment.

  • In the exceedingly rare situations where larger changes are required to meet the treatment objectives, particularly if the types of services and fees provided vary significantly from what was agreed/discussed, the procedure may need to be ceased prior to completion and a follow-up procedure may need to be arranged.

  • I understand that failure to follow instructions can result in serious medical complications during the sedation and can also lead to cancellation of the procedure without refund.