Dental sedation helps reduce anxiety and awareness during treatment, while local anaesthetic is used to control pain. The main forms discussed in this guide are inhalation sedation, oral sedation and IV conscious sedation. At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, adult IV sedation uses midazolam and currently costs £350 per hour, in addition to the dental treatment being carried out. Learn more about IV sedation.
Key takeaways
- Does dental sedation hurt? Sedation reduces anxiety and awareness; local anaesthetic is what prevents pain during the dental procedure.
- Are you asleep? With conscious sedation you are drowsy and relaxed but remain responsive. It is not the same as a general anaesthetic.
- How long does it last? Inhalation sedation wears off within minutes; oral sedation can affect you for around 4 to 6 hours; after IV sedation you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day.
- What does it cost? The Cosmetic Dental Gallery currently charges £350 per hour for IV sedation, in addition to the treatment fee.
- Who can have it? Sedation may be considered for dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, needle phobia or longer procedures, subject to a pre-sedation assessment.
- Can you drive afterwards? After IV or oral sedation, follow the discharge instructions given by the clinical team. Do not drive or sign important documents for 24 hours after IV sedation.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medicines to help you feel calmer and less aware of treatment. Conscious sedation means you stay responsive and able to communicate, even if you feel very relaxed or remember little afterwards. It is different from a general anaesthetic, where you are fully unconscious.
Sedation dentistry can be particularly useful when fear or anxiety would otherwise make it difficult to receive necessary treatment. The type used depends on the procedure, your medical history and the level of anxiety being managed.
Do you feel pain with dental sedation?
Sedation itself does not replace local anaesthetic. Sedation reduces anxiety and awareness, while local anaesthetic is used to numb the treatment area and prevent pain.
During treatment you may still notice pressure, movement or vibration even when the area is numb. The aim is to keep you relaxed and comfortable while the dentist completes the procedure.
At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, the IV sedation service uses midazolam to make patients feel relaxed before local anaesthetic is administered.
Types of dental sedation
The main sedation options differ in how the medicine is given, how quickly it works and how long the effects last.
- Inhalation sedation: nitrous oxide is breathed through a mask or nosepiece. It has a rapid onset and the effects wear off quickly after the gas is stopped.
- Oral sedation: a sedative tablet is taken by mouth. The effects are longer-lasting than inhalation sedation and the effects can last around 4 to 6 hours.
- IV sedation: a sedative medicine is given through a vein. The Cosmetic Dental Gallery uses midazolam for adult IV conscious sedation. Patients remain responsive but may remember little of the appointment.
- General anaesthetic: this is not conscious sedation. It makes you fully unconscious and is used in a different clinical setting when general anaesthesia is indicated.
| Type | How given | Onset | How you feel | Memory | Recovery | Escort | Driving |
| Inhalation | Nitrous oxide breathed through a mask/nosepiece | Rapid | Relaxed; conscious | Varies | Effects wear off within minutes | Follow clinical instructions | Follow clinical instructions |
| Oral | Sedative tablet by mouth | Slower than inhalation | Drowsy; conscious | May be reduced | Around 4 to 6 hours | Arrange as instructed | Do not drive for 24 hours |
| IV | Midazolam through a vein | Rapid | Very relaxed; responsive | Often little memory afterwards | Drowsy for the rest of the day | Required at the practice | No driving for 24 hours |
| General anaesthetic | Anaesthetic in a hospital/appropriate clinical setting | Clinical setting dependent | Fully unconscious | No awareness during anaesthesia | Separate recovery pathway | Required | Follow anaesthetic team instructions |
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Conscious dental sedation does not normally put you fully to sleep. You are drowsy and relaxed but can still respond to the dental team. This is different from a general anaesthetic.
Sedation can be described in levels such as minimal, moderate and deep sedation. The medicine, dose and setting determine how deeply sedated a patient becomes. The dental team should explain the planned level before treatment.
What does IV sedation feel like?
IV sedation is intended to make you feel deeply relaxed and less aware of the procedure. You remain conscious and can respond when spoken to, but many patients remember little of the appointment afterwards.
How long does dental sedation last and when does it wear off?
The duration depends on the type of sedation. Inhalation sedation wears off within minutes, oral sedation can affect you for around 4 to 6 hours, and IV sedation can leave you drowsy for the rest of the day.
After IV sedation, follow the written discharge instructions from the clinical team. Wait 24 hours before driving or signing important documents.
Do not plan to travel home alone after IV sedation. The Cosmetic Dental Gallery’s IV sedation information states that an escort is required and that you need someone to care for you for 24 hours after the appointment.
How much does dental sedation cost in the UK?
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery currently charges £350 per hour for IV sedation. This is the sedation fee and is added to the cost of the dental treatment being carried out. See the current fees and our IV sedation service.
The total therefore depends on the length of the sedation appointment and the procedure itself. Check the current treatment fees before booking so you understand both parts of the cost.
What is included in the private sedation fee?
The published £350-per-hour figure covers the IV sedation time rather than the dental procedure itself. Your total treatment plan therefore combines the sedation fee with the fee for the dentistry you are having. If the appointment length changes, the sedation element can change as well. Ask the practice for a written treatment plan so the sedation and dental-treatment costs are clear before you book.
| Nervous about dental treatment? Learn more about IV sedation in Greenwich & Battersea, including how it works, current fees and how to book. |
Is dental sedation available on the NHS?
Dental sedation can be available through NHS services for patients who meet the relevant clinical and referral criteria. Availability, the type of sedation offered and waiting times depend on the local service and the treatment required.
If you are looking specifically for NHS sedation, ask your dentist whether you meet the referral criteria and what service is available in your area.
Who is dental sedation suitable for?
Dental sedation may be considered when anxiety or another factor makes routine treatment difficult. A clinical assessment is required before deciding whether it is appropriate.
Common reasons to discuss sedation include:
- Dental anxiety or fear.
- A strong gag reflex.
- Needle phobia.
- Longer or more complex dental procedures.
- A previous difficulty tolerating dental treatment.
Not everyone is suitable for every form of sedation. Your medical history, medicines and the planned procedure are reviewed during the pre-sedation assessment.
Dental anxiety and fear
Sedation can help when anxiety makes it difficult to sit through dental treatment or when the anticipation of an appointment becomes overwhelming. It does not replace good communication with the dental team. The dentist still explains the procedure, checks consent and agrees the treatment plan before sedation is given.
A strong gag reflex
A pronounced gag reflex can make impressions, X-rays and dental treatment difficult to tolerate. Sedation may be considered when the reflex is being made worse by anxiety or when it prevents the planned procedure from being completed comfortably. The sedation team will decide whether the chosen method is appropriate.
Needle phobia
Patients with a fear of needles can discuss sedation as part of a wider anxiety-management plan. Because IV sedation itself is given through a vein, the clinical team needs to understand exactly what aspect of needles causes the anxiety and whether another approach should be considered before deciding on IV sedation.
Longer or more complex procedures
Sedation can also be considered when a procedure is expected to take longer or when the patient would find the length or complexity of treatment difficult to tolerate while fully alert. The decision is based on the procedure, the patient’s health and the level of support needed rather than the treatment name alone.
What happens at the pre-sedation assessment?
Before sedation is planned, the team reviews your medical history, regular medicines, previous experiences with sedation or anaesthesia and the dental treatment you need. This is also when the team explains the proposed type of sedation, the recovery arrangements and whether an escort is required. Any preparation instructions should come from this assessment rather than a generic online rule.
When might sedation not be suitable?
There is no single suitability list that applies to every patient. Suitability depends on your health, medicines, the planned procedure and the form of sedation being considered. If the clinical team decides a particular type of sedation is not appropriate, they can discuss another anxiety-management or treatment approach.
If you are unsure whether sedation is appropriate, raise your concerns at the assessment so the team can explain the available options clearly.
Sedation for tooth extraction and wisdom teeth
Sedation can be considered for tooth extractions and wisdom-tooth procedures when anxiety, complexity or the length of treatment makes extra support helpful. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area. See our tooth extraction and emergency dental treatment services.
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery offers IV sedation as an option within its general dentistry and emergency services where clinically appropriate. The exact plan is decided after assessment.
Is dental sedation safe? Who administers it?
Conscious sedation should be provided by appropriately trained clinicians with suitable monitoring, assessment, recovery and discharge procedures. UK conscious-sedation standards also set expectations for the trained team members supporting the clinician.
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery lists Dr Resham Singh Matharu, MBBS BSc, as its Sedationist for Greenwich and Battersea. His team profile describes training in anaesthetics. During IV sedation, the practice states that vital signs are monitored throughout the appointment.
Before your sedation appointment
Your preparation instructions depend on the type of sedation and your medical history. Follow the instructions given by the sedation team rather than using a generic fasting rule.
Follow the exact fasting instructions provided by the sedation team for your appointment.]
Before the appointment:
- Medicines: tell the team about your regular medicines and follow any specific instructions you are given.
- Clothing: wear comfortable clothing suitable for the appointment.
- What to bring: follow the practice’s pre-appointment instructions and bring any requested medical information.
- Escort: arrange a responsible adult where required, particularly for IV sedation.
- Alcohol: do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the sedation appointment.
After dental sedation
Recovery depends on the form of sedation. Inhalation sedation clears quickly, whereas oral and IV sedation can affect you for longer.
After IV sedation at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, you should leave with the responsible adult arranged for your appointment and follow the practice’s discharge advice. Do not drive or sign important documents for 24 hours.
Contact the practice if you have concerns after your appointment or if your recovery does not match the instructions you were given.
Other ways to manage dental anxiety
Sedation is one option for managing dental anxiety, but it is not the only one. Clear explanations, knowing what will happen at each stage, agreeing signals with the dentist and gradually building confidence can also help some patients.
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery has a separate guide to ways to reduce dental anxiety for patients who want practical strategies before their next appointment.
Dental sedation in Greenwich and Battersea
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery offers adult IV conscious sedation in Greenwich and Battersea. The current published IV sedation fee is £350 per hour. Learn more about IV sedation.
Dr Resham Singh Matharu, MBBS BSc, is listed as the practice Sedationist. The clinical team assesses suitability before treatment and monitors patients during IV sedation.
Greenwich: 260 Creek Road, Greenwich, London, SE10 9SW. Phone 0203 883 8180.
Battersea: 20 Patcham Terrace, Battersea, London, SW8 4EY. Phone 0208 090 3959.
If dental anxiety is stopping you from having treatment, contact the team to discuss whether IV sedation or another approach is appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication to reduce anxiety and awareness during dental treatment. Depending on the method, you may feel lightly relaxed or very drowsy, but conscious sedation keeps you responsive. Local anaesthetic is still used when the dental procedure needs an area of the mouth to be numb.
How does dental sedation work?
Sedative medication reduces anxiety and makes you less aware of the treatment. Inhalation sedation is breathed in, oral sedation is taken as a tablet, and IV sedation is given through a vein. The dental team chooses the approach after assessing your health, anxiety and planned procedure.
What are the different types of dental sedation?
The main types covered in this guide are inhalation sedation with nitrous oxide, oral sedation using a tablet and IV conscious sedation using medicine such as midazolam. General anaesthetic is different because it makes you fully unconscious and is delivered in a different clinical setting.
Will I feel pain during dental procedures with sedation?
Sedation is used to reduce anxiety and awareness, while local anaesthetic is used to prevent pain in the treatment area. You may still notice pressure, movement or vibration, but the aim is that the procedure itself should not be painful once the local anaesthetic is working.
Is sedation safe for everyone?
Sedation is not automatically suitable for every patient or every procedure. Your medical history, regular medicines, the treatment being planned and the type of sedation all need to be reviewed first. The sedation team will assess suitability and explain the risks and instructions specific to you.
What should I expect after dental sedation?
Recovery depends on the type of sedation. Inhalation sedation wears off quickly, whereas oral or IV sedation can leave you drowsy for longer. After IV sedation at The Cosmetic Dental Gallery, an escort is required and the practice advises arranging care for the following 24 hours.
How long do the effects of dental sedation last?
Inhalation sedation wears off within minutes after it is stopped. Oral sedation can affect you for around 4 to 6 hours. With IV sedation, you may feel drowsy for the rest of the day, and you should not drive or sign important documents for 24 hours.
Does dental sedation put you to sleep?
Conscious sedation does not normally make you fully unconscious. You remain able to respond to the dental team, even though you may feel very sleepy and may remember little afterwards. A general anaesthetic is the option that makes a patient fully unconscious.
How much does it cost to be sedated at the dentist in the UK?
The Cosmetic Dental Gallery currently publishes an IV sedation fee of £350 per hour. This fee is added to the dental treatment being carried out, so the final total depends on both the length of the sedation appointment and the procedure you are having.
Is dental sedation available on the NHS?
Dental sedation can be available through NHS services when a patient meets the relevant clinical and referral criteria. The type of sedation offered, access and waiting times vary between local services, so your dentist can explain whether an NHS referral is appropriate for your case.
Can I have sedation for a tooth extraction?
Yes, sedation can be considered for a tooth extraction or wisdom-tooth procedure when clinically appropriate, particularly if anxiety, complexity or the length of the procedure makes additional support useful. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area.
Can I drive after dental sedation?
After IV sedation, you should not drive for 24 hours. Follow the exact discharge instructions given by your sedation team, arrange the required escort and do not make important decisions or sign important documents during that restriction period.
About the author
Dr Hartej Singh Matharu — Principal Dentist | BDS, PG Cert, PG Dip (Prosthodontics) | GDC 259113.
Clinical reviewer: Dr Resham Singh Matharu — Sedationist | MBBS BSc.
Clinically reviewed: September 2026.