IV Sedation

IV sedation (intravenous sedation) involves carefully administering sedative medication through a small cannula placed in the arm or hand. The medication works quickly, helping you feel calm, sleepy, and deeply relaxed throughout treatment.

Although you remain conscious and able to respond to instructions, many patients remember very little of the procedure afterwards. IV sedation is closely monitored at all times by trained clinicians to ensure your safety and comfort.

IV sedation can be used alongside local anaesthetic, allowing treatment to be carried out comfortably and stress-free.

Some patients may benefit from oral sedation medication taken before treatment to help reduce anxiety and encourage relaxation prior to arriving at the practice.

IV sedation is commonly used for procedures such as dental implants, surgical extractions, periodontal treatment, and full smile rehabilitation, helping patients feel comfortable during longer appointments.

IV sedation is highly effective for patients who feel nervous, fearful, or overwhelmed by dental treatment. It creates a calm, relaxed experience and helps remove the stress often associated with visiting the dentist.

Many patients who previously avoided treatment find that sedation allows them to regain confidence in dental care.

Sedation helps patients remain comfortable during lengthy or complex procedures. It can also reduce awareness of sounds, sensations, and time passing during treatment.

For patients with a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting through appointments, IV sedation can make treatment significantly easier and more manageable.

Your consultation includes a detailed discussion about your dental concerns, medical history, and previous experiences with dental treatment or anxiety.

We’ll explain how IV sedation works, assess your suitability, and answer any questions you may have. Our team is highly experienced in treating nervous patients and takes extra time to ensure you feel informed, reassured, and comfortable.

Before treatment begins, your medical history and vital signs are carefully reviewed to ensure IV sedation is appropriate and safe for you.

The sedation medication is then administered gradually and tailored to your individual needs, allowing you to reach a comfortable level of relaxation.

A small cannula is gently placed into a vein in your hand or arm. Sedation medication is then carefully delivered intravenously, helping you feel calm and relaxed within minutes.

Most patients feel drowsy and deeply comfortable throughout the procedure.

Following treatment, you will rest in the practice until you are ready to go home accompanied by your escort.

It is normal to feel sleepy for the remainder of the day, and most patients remember very little about the procedure afterwards.

After sedation, it is important to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity.

You should follow all aftercare instructions carefully, including staying hydrated and taking any prescribed medications as directed.

For 24 hours following IV sedation, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, drinking alcohol, signing important documents, or making major decisions.

Having a responsible adult stay with you for several hours after treatment is recommended.

IV sedation is considered very safe when carried out by appropriately trained professionals. Mild side effects such as drowsiness, bruising at the injection site, or temporary forgetfulness can occasionally occur.

Careful monitoring and detailed pre-treatment assessments help minimise risks and ensure patient safety.

IV sedation is suitable for many patients, particularly those with dental anxiety, strong gag reflexes, difficulty becoming numb, or concerns about lengthy procedures.

A full medical assessment will determine whether sedation is appropriate for you.

The cost of IV sedation depends on the length and complexity of treatment, as well as the duration of sedation required.

Costs are typically separate from the dental procedure itself and will be discussed clearly during your consultation.

Factors may include treatment time, complexity of the procedure, medical considerations, and whether multiple appointments are required.

Each sedation plan is tailored to the individual patient.

Flexible finance options may be available, allowing you to spread the cost of treatment and sedation into manageable monthly payments.

Depending on your insurance provider and policy, certain aspects of sedation treatment may be eligible for cover.

Patients frequently describe IV sedation as transformative — helping them overcome years of dental anxiety and making treatment feel calm, manageable, and far less stressful than expected.

Many patients are surprised by how relaxed and comfortable the experience feels.