If fear is the reason you have not been to a dentist in years, this is the page that matters.
Dental anxiety is common and it is not irrational — it usually traces back to a specific bad experience, often in childhood, often somewhere that did not handle it well.
The problem is what avoidance costs. Small problems become large ones, and the treatment eventually needed is bigger than what was avoided. Sedation breaks that cycle.
Who It Helps
- Patients who have avoided the dentist for years
- A strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Difficulty sitting still or keeping the mouth open comfortably
- Teeth that are hard to freeze fully with local anaesthetic alone
- Long appointments, or several procedures combined into one visit
- Surgical work such as wisdom teeth removal or implant placement
Your Options
Nitrous oxide
Inhaled through a small nose mask. You stay fully awake and aware, but relaxed, and the edge comes off. It wears off within minutes of the mask coming away, so you can drive yourself home and return to work. The lightest option and the easiest to try.
Oral sedation
A tablet taken before your appointment. You remain conscious and able to respond, but deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little of the visit afterwards. It takes hours to wear off, so you will need someone to drive you.
You Are Not Unconscious
A common misconception. With both options you remain awake and able to respond — you are simply calm rather than tense. General anaesthetic is a different thing, delivered in a hospital or surgical setting.
Local anaesthetic is still used alongside sedation. Sedation manages the anxiety; freezing manages the sensation. You need both.
What to Expect
- Consultation — we discuss your anxiety, your medical history and medications, and which option suits
- Preparation — instructions about eating, medications and arranging a ride if needed
- During — sedation is administered, then treatment proceeds with monitoring throughout
- After — recovery in the chair until you are ready, then home
Even Without Sedation
Sedation is not the only tool, and some patients get through comfortably without it once they know how we work:
- We explain everything before doing it — no surprises
- An agreed hand signal to stop, and we stop, every time
- Shorter appointments to begin with, building up
- Starting with something simple rather than the biggest problem first
Tell us when you book. It changes how we schedule you and how much time we allow.
For Anxious Children
Some children need help getting through necessary treatment. Nitrous oxide is often appropriate and works well. We will discuss it fully with you first and never proceed without you understanding exactly what is involved. See children’s dentistry.
Cost and Coverage
Sedation is charged separately from the treatment itself, usually by the time required. Nitrous oxide costs less than oral sedation. See fees and payment.
Coverage varies — some private plans include sedation where it is clinically justified. We will check before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel anything?
Local anaesthetic is still used, so no pain. You will be aware of pressure and movement without being distressed by it.
Can I drive afterwards?
After nitrous oxide, yes. After oral sedation, no — arrange a ride.
Is it safe?
For healthy patients, both options have long safety records. We review your medical history and medications first, since some conditions and drug interactions change what is appropriate.
Can I have all my treatment in one visit?
Often, yes — combining procedures under a single session is a common reason patients choose sedation.
I am embarrassed about the state of my teeth.
We see this constantly and nobody here will comment on it. Whatever has happened, it is fixable, and you will not be judged for it.
Book a Consultation
Book online, or get in touch if you would rather ask some questions before committing to an appointment. That is completely fine.