A few simple steps, so your day goes smoothly.
Whether you’re having dental or medical sedation, getting ready is almost identical — a little preparation now means a calmer, safer appointment when it counts. Where medical sedation needs something slightly different, we’ve flagged it below.
If anything below isn’t possible for you, or you have questions about it, please contact your sedationist or our office — we’re always happy to talk through adjustments for your particular circumstances.
Clear instructions, no guesswork
We’ll confirm exactly what you can eat and drink, and when — nothing left for you to interpret.
Medication guidance, personalised
Most people take their usual medicines as normal — we’ll tell you if anything needs to change.
Please arrange a responsible adult
You’ll need someone to take you home afterwards and stay with you — that’s the one non-negotiable.
Before your appointment
This applies whether you’re having dental or medical sedation — the only real difference is how early to arrive.
- Arrive 15 minutes before a dental appointment, or 30–45 minutes before a medical one — medical procedures need a little longer for assessment beforehand.
- No food for 6 hours beforehand. Water is fine up to 2 hours before your appointment.
- Take your usual prescribed medication at the normal times, with a small sip of water — this applies regardless of the food rule above.
- Asthma sufferers should bring their inhaler; diabetic patients should bring their blood glucose monitoring device.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for 24 hours beforehand, and recreational drugs for 48 hours.
- Please empty your bladder before you go in.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing so we can fit a blood pressure cuff to your upper arm, and avoid heavy make-up, nail varnish and jewellery. Flat shoes are best, as you may feel a little unsteady for a short while afterwards.
- If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens case — you may be asked to remove them.
- Arrange a responsible adult (18 or over) to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day — see our aftercare & recovery page for the full detail.
Sort your escort now — it saves a difficult conversation later
You don’t need to arrive with your escort — but we do need their name and contact details confirmed in advance, as part of your patient pack. The sooner that’s sorted, the better: without a confirmed escort arranged ahead of time, we may need to postpone your treatment.
Quick questions
Can I take my usual medication?
In most cases, yes — take your regular medicines with a small sip of water unless we’ve told you otherwise. Just let your sedationist know exactly what you take, so it’s on record.
What if I have diabetes?
Diabetes needs a personal plan around fasting and medication timing. We’ll go through this with you in advance so you stay safe and stable throughout.
Do herbal supplements matter?
Sometimes — a few can interact with sedative medicines or affect bleeding risk, so it’s best to tell us what you take, even if it seems unrelated.
What should I bring on the day?
A list of your medications (or the medicines themselves), any relevant items like inhalers or a glucose monitor, and your escort — arranged and ready.
Wondering what happens once treatment is done? See aftercare & recovery → Curious why sedation might help? See the goals & benefits of sedation →