What is Sedation?

Many of the procedures in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery require the patient to be sedated.

The sedation spectrum ranges from minimal sedation, moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anaesthesia. The level of sedation is procedure and patient specific.

Minimal sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness in which the patient responds normally to tactile stimulation and verbal command. It is produced by a pharmacological method such as an oral sedative that you can take before a dental procedure.

Moderate sedation is an IV ^[1] drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light touch.

Deep sedation is an IV drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused.

General anaesthesia (GA) is an IV drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are not arousable, even by painful stimulation.

(BC College of Oral Health Professionals, 2022)