ANAESTHESIA AND SEDATION

Intravenous sedation (twilight anaesthesia)

OMS Specialists are experts in providing sedation, using medications given into a vein to manage patients during minor surgery. Close monitoring throughout the procedure is maintained using the most modern equipment and highest safety standards.

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IV sedation (twilight anaesthesia), clinical setting

Quick answer about this procedure

QUICK ANSWER

Intravenous sedation (often called "twilight anaesthesia") delivers medication into a vein that leaves you deeply relaxed and drowsy, with little or no memory of the procedure afterwards. Local anaesthesia is given alongside to ensure no pain during treatment.

Type
IV sedation + local anaesthesia
Setting
Clinic, purpose-designed rooms
Awareness
Sleepy, relaxed, amnesic
Recovery
Day-of, escort required
Next-day driving
Not for 24 hours
Best for
Minor and moderate procedures

IS THIS FOR YOU?

IV sedation is usually appropriate when:

  • A procedure is suitable for clinic-based delivery (wisdom teeth, complex extractions, biopsies, some implants)
  • You would prefer not to be fully aware during the procedure
  • You have anxiety about dental or surgical procedures
  • You can arrange an escort to take you home and stay with you
  • General anaesthesia is not required for the case
WHO PERFORMS THIS

The surgeons who perform this procedure

Both surgeons listed below perform this procedure at OMS Specialists. Each carries dual qualifications in medicine and dentistry plus Fellowship from the Royal Australasian or English College.

Mr Richard Cobb, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Richard Cobb

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBBS · MFDS(Eng) · MRCS(Eng) · FRCS(OMFS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile
Mr Ryan Smit, Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Mr Ryan Smit

Specialist Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon

BDS · MBChB · MRACDS(PDS) · FRACDS(OMS)

  • Oral Surgery
  • Jaw Surgery
  • Facial Surgery
  • Skin Surgery
View full profile

RECOVERY TIMELINE

Recovery timeline

  • Hours

    Day of procedure

    Drowsiness and mild grogginess for several hours. Due to the nature of intravenous sedation you will need an escort to take you to and pick you up from surgery.

    Red flags · Persistent confusion, severe bleeding, or any concerning symptoms. Call us or seek urgent review.

  • 24 hours

    Next 24 hours

    No driving, alcohol, or important decisions for 24 hours. A responsible adult should stay with you overnight.

  • 2+ days

    Day 2 onwards

    Most patients feel fully back to normal by the day after the procedure. Surgical-site recovery follows the timeline of the underlying procedure.

RISKS & HONESTY

Risks we discuss before consent

  • Cardiovascular and respiratory effects

    IV sedation can transiently lower blood pressure and slow breathing. Close monitoring throughout the procedure is maintained using the most modern equipment and highest safety standards.

  • Drowsiness and grogginess

    Expected effect for several hours after the procedure. No driving, alcohol or important decisions for 24 hours.

  • Amnesia

    One of the effects of the medication is amnesia which means a loss of memory for the period of sedation. This is part of the intended effect for most patients.

  • Medical interactions

    Your full medical history, current medications and any allergies are reviewed pre-operatively to plan the safest regimen.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common questions about IV sedation

Will I be asleep or aware during the procedure?

The patient is not fully asleep and is able to talk if they would like, however they generally feel sleepy, relaxed and happy. One of the effects of the medication is amnesia which means a loss of memory for the period of sedation. Whilst sedated, local anaesthetic is also given (injections into the mouth) to make sure that there is no pain from the treatment.

Why do I need an escort home?

Due to the nature of intravenous sedation you will need an escort to take you to and pick you up from surgery. The medication impairs reaction time and judgement for several hours afterwards, so driving, returning to work, important decisions and alcohol are all unsafe in the first 24 hours.

Which procedures usually use sedation rather than GA?

Our surgeons perform cases under sedation on a daily basis. Common procedures suited to IV sedation include wisdom tooth surgery, complex surgical extractions, oral biopsies, dental implant placement, and bone grafting where the volume of graft is moderate. General anaesthesia is reserved for more complex procedures, longer cases, or for patients who are particularly anxious.

Do I need to fast before sedation?

Yes, fasting instructions are provided at your pre-operative appointment. Typically this is 6 hours for solids and 2 hours for clear fluids before the procedure. Your full medical history and current medications are reviewed at the pre-operative appointment.

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