Sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is the use of safe, carefully controlled medication to help you feel calm, relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. It’s especially helpful for people who feel anxious about dental visits, have a strong gag reflex, or need longer or more complex procedures.
What Is Intravenous (IV) Sedation?
IV sedation uses a carefully controlled medication given through a vein in your arm or hand. It helps you feel deeply relaxed and detached from the procedure while remaining conscious and able to respond.
You’ll feel calm, drowsy, and at ease
Time seems to pass quickly
Most patients remember very little afterwards
Your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are continuously monitored throughout the procedure by our trained sedation team. Sedation is not general anaesthesia and does not involve loss of consciousness.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry at The Treatment Centre?
✔ Led by Dr Brian Needham, dentist and former paramedic, certified by Dental Phobia
✔ Friendly, understanding team experienced in treating nervous patients
✔ Sedation available for both routine and surgical treatments
We routinely take referrals from colleagues, click here to refer a patient
Safety, Regulation & Standards
Patient safety is our highest priority.
Our sedation service is:
✔ Delivered in a fully regulated clinical environment
✔ Provided in line with Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry (IACSD) guidance
✔ Informed by best practice supported by the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry (SAAD)
What to Expect
Before Treatment
You’ll have a pre-sedation consultation to:
Review your medical history and medications
Explain the sedation process and what to expect
Answer any questions you may have
Provide full instructions for before and after your appointment
During Treatment
Throughout your procedure, you will be supported at all times by your sedation team, including a trained sedation dental nurse for your safety
After Treatment & Recovery
After treatment, you will:
Be monitored until safe discharge criteria are met
Receive written and verbal aftercare instructions
Patients having IV sedation must:
Be accompanied home by a responsible adult
Avoid driving, alcohol, or important decisions for 24 hours
Sedation Fees and Duration
Sedation is charged per hour, with treatment costs added on top depending on what’s required.
Some patients may need more than one sedation session if multiple treatments are planned.
You can view our sedation fees in our Price Guide.
