IV sedation dentistry in Truro
Feel calmer and more supported during dental treatment
For people who feel nervous, anxious or overwhelmed by dental care. We take time to understand your concerns, explain every step clearly and plan treatment around you.
Calm, considered care
Feeling anxious about dental treatment is more common than you may think—and you will never be judged for it here.
IV conscious sedation can help you feel deeply relaxed while your dental treatment is carried out. You remain conscious and able to respond, but many people feel less aware of the procedure and remember very little afterwards.
Understanding the treatment
What is IV conscious sedation?
A carefully controlled sedative medicine is given through a small cannula, usually in your arm or hand. It is not a general anaesthetic: you are not put to sleep and can still communicate with the clinical team.
Local anaesthetic is normally used as well, so the area being treated is comfortable.
How it may help
Space to receive the care you need
- Helps reduce fear and anxiety
- Can make treatment feel shorter
- May allow more treatment to be completed in one visit
- Often leaves little memory of the procedure
Your health, medicines, concerns and proposed treatment are reviewed.
You receive personalised guidance before the appointment.
Your wellbeing is carefully observed throughout treatment.
Your escort takes you home and stays with you as advised.
Is IV sedation right for me?
We make the decision with you
IV sedation may be helpful if anxiety has made it difficult to attend, if you have a strong gag reflex, or if your treatment is longer or more involved. It is not suitable for everyone, which is why a separate assessment comes first.
What IV sedation is
A way to help you feel very relaxed while remaining conscious, breathing for yourself and able to respond to the team.
What IV sedation is not
It is not a general anaesthetic and does not replace local anaesthetic. Suitability and alternatives will be discussed openly at your consultation.
Nothing is decided without you. You can ask questions, take time to consider your options and change your mind before treatment.
Your IV sedation pathway
What to expect
We listen to your concerns, review your health and discuss the dental care you may need.
You receive clear preparation instructions and a treatment estimate before booking.
Your sedation is given gradually and your breathing, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored.
You rest with us until the team is satisfied that you can leave safely with your escort.
Why choose us?
Experienced care, without pressure or judgement
Sedation care is led by Dr Brian Needham, a dentist and former paramedic who is certified by Dental Phobia. He works alongside our wider clinical team to provide calm, carefully planned care.
Time to talk about what has made dental care difficult for you.
Plain-English explanations and honest discussion of your options.
A coordinated team focused on your comfort, dignity and safety.
After your appointment
Going home safely
A responsible adult must accompany you home and stay with you for at least the rest of the day. If your appointment is later in the day, the clinical team may advise that they remain with you overnight.
For 24 hours after IV sedation, you must not drive, cycle, operate machinery, drink alcohol, care for someone else or make important decisions. Please follow the personalised instructions given by your clinical team.
Transparent pricing
Know the costs before treatment
The dental treatment itself is charged separately. We will provide a written estimate setting out the proposed treatment and expected fees.
Questions patients often ask
IV sedation FAQs
Will I be asleep?
No. With IV conscious sedation you remain awake, breathe for yourself and can respond to the team. You should feel deeply relaxed and may remember very little afterwards.
Will the treatment hurt?
IV sedation helps with anxiety but is not a painkiller. Local anaesthetic is normally used to numb the treatment area, just as it would be without sedation.
What treatment can be completed with sedation?
IV sedation can support many types of routine and surgical dental treatment. The clinician will assess the proposed treatment, the expected appointment length and whether sedation is appropriate for you.
Is IV sedation suitable for everyone?
No. Your medical history, medicines and general health must be reviewed first. The clinician will explain suitability, alternatives and any specific risks relevant to you.
Can I drive afterwards?
No. You must not drive for 24 hours after IV sedation. A responsible adult must collect you and take you home.
What does my escort need to do?
Your escort must be a responsible adult who can accompany you home and stay with you for the period advised by the clinical team. They should be available to follow the written aftercare guidance.
What will IV sedation cost?
The separate sedation consultation is £103. IV sedation is £425 per hour. Dental treatment is charged separately and will be shown on your written estimate.
Could IV sedation help you receive dental care?
Start with a calm, unhurried consultation. We will listen, answer your questions and help you consider the next step.
Are you a dental professional? Refer a patient for sedation.
Independent patient feedback
What our patients say.
Recent feedback from patients of The Treatment Centre, updated automatically through Working Feedback.