If you simply hate the noises, smells and tastes that you associate with ‘the dentist’ and you can’t block them out, then you may want to consider opting for mild sedation for your next appointment. Research has shown that the number one reason adults who postpone vital dental care cited was fear! Not time, not money, but fear!

If your fear is preventing you from accessing the care you need our resident sedation expert, will ensure that your next visit to our clinic is a pleasant and stress-free experience.

The mildest sedation option is inhalation, more commonly called ‘gas and air’. A mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide are delivered through a nose piece, which you have control of. Inhalation sedation can reduce the gag reflex and because the sedation effect stops once you stop inhaling the gas mix you will be safe to travel home unaccompanied, or even drive.

If you prefer to be drowsy, comfortable and unaware of your treatment, rapid acting mild sedative tablets, could be the best option for you. Your state of sedation is carefully maintained and monitored throughout the entire treatment, but the effects will last beyond the duration of your treatment and you will need an adult to accompany you home. You will not be able to drive for 24 hours after your treatment, so please plan ahead.

If you are undergoing more intense or lengthy treatments, we can also offer intravenous sedation. This sedation also leaves you comfortable and unaware of your treatment, but you remain conscious and breathe on your own, unlike a general anaesthetic administered in a hospital. Again, you will need an adult to accompany you home and should plan ahead as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after your treatment.

1. It really works! If you opt for sedation you will be able to relax throughout your next dental appointment.


2. You will feel drowsy and comfortable and if your choose sedative drugs or intravenous sedation, be left with little or no memory of the experience.


3. You won’t remember any sounds or smells (unless you opt for inhalation sedation)


4. The relaxing effects of intravenous sedation can last beyond the treatment, this can help with initial pain relief if you have come to our clinic for surgery.


5. Because sedation helps you feel relaxed it’s often possible to achieve more and have a better outcome from each individual appointment.


6. If you have difficulty with local anaesthetic, and feel anxious about pain, sedation will help you relax and feel numb.


7. If you opt for sedative drugs or intravenous sedation you will need to be accompanied and escorted home after your treatment.

Will I feel any pain?
Administered alongside local anaesthetic, sedation can make dental treatment pain free. If you feel any pain of discomfort during your treatment please alert the dentist.

How long with the sedation be effective for?
Depending upon your needs, from two to six hours. Please prepare for this and arrange to return home and rest after your treatment.

Will someone need to accompany me?
Unless you opt for inhalation sedation you will need to organise an adult to drive you to our clinic and escort you home again.

Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you. Your health and well-being is constantly monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

Is intravenous sedation safe?
Yes, we have many years experience of safely and effectively administering this sedation to a wide range of patients.

Will I be totally relaxed?
Yes. With inhalation sedation you have control of the nose piece, but we’ll advise you on how best to inhale for the maximum effect. If you opt for sedative drugs of intravenous sedation we’ll administer the correct dose, so that you’ll be drowsy and comfortable throughout your treatment.

Will I remember anything?
Typically, no, if you’ve opted for sedative drugs of intravenous sedation you’ll have little or no memory of what took place.

How long will I be off work?
Everyone is different, but most people only need to take off the day of their treatment and are able to return to work the next day. You will not be safe to drive or operate dangerous machinery for 24 hours after sedation, so you may need to plan ahead. Our sedation expert is available to discuss any concerns you may have by telephone during normal clinic opening hours.

If you have been referred for treatment because you are nervous and unable to have treatment with your own dentist, or you are one of our patients our sedation consultation fee is £150.

Using your treatment plan as a guide and addressing your own fears or concerns we will offer you the appropriate sedation from our range of options. Sedation costs from £200.