Conscious Sedation
A medically controlled state of reduced consciousness, typically using inhaled nitrous oxide or intravenous agents, in which the patient remains responsive and protective airway reflexes are maintained.
Full Definition
Conscious sedation in dentistry refers to a technique in which the use of drug(s) produces a state of depression of the central nervous system enabling treatment to be carried out, while verbal contact with the patient is maintained throughout. The patient should be able to respond to verbal commands and must retain independent control of all protective reflexes. In the UK, the preferred agents are inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide/oxygen) and intravenous midazolam. Editors should note that 'conscious sedation' must not be confused with 'general anaesthesia', in which protective reflexes are lost. The term is always two words, unhyphenated, and should not be abbreviated to 'CS' in clinical correspondence without prior expansion.
Usage
Usage note: Never abbreviate to 'CS' in patient-facing documents. Distinguish explicitly from general anaesthesia (GA) and deep sedation in any consent or governance document.
In Context
- "The patient was referred to the community dental service for extraction under conscious sedation owing to severe dental anxiety." — Referral letter
- "All documentation relating to conscious sedation must include pre-operative ASA status, agent used, dosage, and recovery time." — Clinical governance protocol