Dental sedation: your options explained
Sedation allows dental treatment to be carried out in a significantly more comfortable and relaxed state — for patients who are anxious, for lengthy procedures, or simply for those who would prefer not to be fully aware of every detail. This guide explains the options honestly.
Note
Not all sedation types are offered at all practices. Suitability for each option depends on your medical history, the treatment planned, and an assessment by the dentist or sedationist. Ask specifically when enquiring.
Why consider sedation?
The most common reasons patients request sedation are:
• Dental anxiety — from mild dread to significant phobia • Highly sensitive gag reflex • Previous difficult or traumatic dental experiences • Complex or lengthy treatment being completed in a single appointment • A preference for being less aware of the procedure, regardless of anxiety level
Sedation is not the same as general anaesthetic. With all three main options below, you remain conscious throughout — able to respond to instructions and communicate if needed.
The three main options
Nitrous oxide (Happy gas)
A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen is inhaled through a nosepiece. It produces a pleasant, calm, slightly detached feeling within minutes. You remain fully conscious and able to communicate, but most patients feel significantly less anxious. The effects wear off completely within minutes of removing the mask. Suits mild to moderate anxiety, shorter appointments, and patients who need to drive home. Approx. £100–£200 addition to treatment cost.
Oral sedation (Tablet beforehand)
A sedative tablet (typically a benzodiazepine such as temazepam or diazepam) is taken 30–60 minutes before the appointment. It produces a noticeably calmer, more relaxed state. You remain conscious, but the medication significantly reduces anxiety and often creates a degree of amnesia about the procedure. Effects last several hours. Cannot drive for rest of day — a responsible adult is required. Approx. £150–£300 addition to treatment cost.
Intravenous (IV) sedation — Deepest relaxation
A sedative drug (typically midazolam) is administered directly into the bloodstream via a small cannula in the arm. It produces deep relaxation very quickly — most patients have little or no memory of the procedure. You remain conscious throughout and can respond if asked. A trained clinician monitors you throughout. Suits significant or severe anxiety, lengthy or complex treatment, and multiple procedures in one session. Cannot drive for 24 hours — a responsible adult required. Full medical assessment beforehand. Approx. £400–£700 addition to treatment cost.
What to expect on the day
For oral sedation and IV sedation, you will need to arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the appointment. You should not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or be alone for the remainder of the day. You must not eat or drink (other than small sips of water) for at least four hours before IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide has no such restrictions — you can eat normally beforehand, drive afterwards, and carry on your day as normal once treatment is complete.
For all sedation types, your dentist will carry out a brief pre-sedation assessment to check your medical history and current medications. This is not to create barriers — it is to confirm that the sedation chosen is safe and effective for you.
Questions to ask when booking
Which sedation types do you offer?
Which sedation types do you offer at this practice?
Who administers IV sedation?
Do you have a dedicated sedationist or anaesthetist for IV sedation, or does the dentist administer it?
What is the cost?
What is the cost of sedation, and is it included in the treatment fee?
Is there a pre-sedation assessment?
Is there a pre-sedation assessment appointment, and is that charged separately?
What are the preparation instructions?
What are the specific preparation instructions — eating, drinking, medications?
Can I speak with a previous patient?
Can I speak with someone who has had sedation at your practice before?