Dental Sedation

Dental sedation often referred to as conscious sedation is used to help relax nervous and anxious patients during treatment. It involves administering a sedative that induces a state of calm. However the patient is still conscious and can respond to verbal cues and physical stimuli.

Dental sedation works by administering a medication called midazolam through a small injection in the arm or the back of the hand. This medication gently relaxes you, reduces anxiety, and helps you stay calm throughout your treatment.

Once you are comfortably sedated, your dentist will still numb the treatment area with local anaesthetic to ensure you feel no pain.

During sedation, you remain conscious, able to respond to verbal instructions, and able to breathe on your own — but you feel deeply relaxed. Most patients remember very little, if anything, about the procedure afterwards.

You are still awake during dental sedation but you will be in a relaxed state whereby you will not be aware of what is going on. When you recover from the sedation you will not remember the procedure.

Dental sedation feels like being in a deep state of relaxation, similar to drifting into a dreamlike, calm, and carefree state. You remain awake and aware, but anxiety and fear fade away.

Many patients describe it as:

• feeling very calm and peaceful;
• having little sense of time;
• being aware but not bothered by what’s happening;
• remembering very little afterwards.

You will be able to respond to your dentist if needed, but you won’t feel stressed, tense, or overwhelmed.

1. Minimal sedation: This type of sedation involves the use of medication to help the patient relax but remain fully conscious and be able to respond to stimuli.

2. Moderate sedation: This type of sedation, also known as “conscious sedation,” induces a deeper state of relaxation where the patient may drift in and out of consciousness but can still respond to verbal cues or light physical stimulation.

3. Deep sedation: Deep sedation involves a higher level of sedation where the patient is on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened if necessary. Patients may not remember much of the procedure.

4. General anesthesia: This is the deepest level of sedation, where the patient is completely unconscious and unable to respond to stimuli. Please note this type of anaesthesia is not provided in Dental practices and can legally only be carried out in hospitals.

Depending on which type of sedative is used, different levels of sedation can be achieved. In moderate to deep sedation it is likely you may fall asleep but it is possible to be roused by the sedationist if necessary.

Sedation will help relax and calm patients but it is not a form of pain relief. Therefore once you have been sufficiently sedated by our sedationist, we will then administer local anaesthetic to ensure you do not feel any pain during the procedure.

Typically dental sedation tends to be provided using intravenous techniques. This provides a deeper level of sedation and can take several hours for the medicant to be metabolised and removed from the body. Hence why an escort is required to take you home after your procedure and to care for you for 24 hours post procedure.

At The Cosmetic Dental Gallery we have a dedicated sedationist who provides the sedation treatment and monitors all of the patient’s vitals whilst our dentists provide treatment. The cost for this is £350 per hour.

Sedation is not always necessary for dental implants, but it is often recommended for patients who feel anxious, are nervous about dental treatment, or are undergoing longer or more complex implant procedures.

IV sedation helps you remain relaxed and comfortable while your dentist works efficiently and with precision.

If you prefer to stay fully awake without sedation, implants can still be placed using local anaesthetic alone. During your consultation, we will discuss your options and help you choose the best approach for your comfort and confidence.