Dental sedation is when our dentists will use medications like benzodiazepine or diazepam to help patients feel relaxed during their dental procedure.
Depending on the type of sedation you opt for, you may feel drowsy, deeply relaxed or even fall asleep (although you won’t be put to sleep).
The types of dental sedation we use, especially in dental scenarios, will keep you conscious so you can respond to any dental questions we ask.
There are three main types of dental sedation: nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation, each offering its own unique set of benefits.
For example, Nitrous Oxide is a more gentle sedative. It is inhaled during your treatment and provides a relaxing feeling, but it wears off more quickly. This allows you to drive, resume normal activities, and avoid needles.
However, it’s not widely used anymore, and in our Surrey dental practice, we only offer oral sedation and IV sedation.
Provided in a pill form, which is taken before your appointment to help patients feel deeply relaxed.
Patients will remain awake but might feel drowsy, remembering little of the procedure. Requires a companion to drive home.
Administering through a venin, IV sedation provides a stronger and deeper level of relaxation, making it more appropriate for longer and more complex procedures.
It works very quickly and allows patients to feel very relaxed while remaining conscious, where our team can adjust the levels of sedation as required.
Patients won’t recall much of their visit and will require a driver or companion to take care of them following this approach.
Dental sedation is charged by the hour.
For IV sedation, we charge from £350 per hour—so if you were having full-mouth dental implants placed, for example, you would pay for four hours of sedation.
However, most dental treatments are completed within an hour. Oral sedation is cheaper, and patients can pay around £75.
Before we recommend any type of dental sedation, we’ll thoroughly review your medical history and any current medications you’re taking.
We’ll also review your overall health to ensure the most appropriate, effective, and safest sedation plan.
Throughout your sedation treatment with us, we’ll monitor you from start to finish, ensuring your comfort, well-being, and safety. You’re in good hands.
Take the stress out of dental care, and don’t let the fear keep you from getting the care you need. Talk to us about dental sedation today to learn more.
