Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's often called "sleep dentistry," though most patients remain awake except under general anesthesia. Sedation benefits anxious patients, those with low pain threshold, sensitive gag reflex, or needing extensive dental work.

Levels of Sedation

Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis)

You're relaxed but fully awake and able to respond normally. You'll remember the procedure.

Moderate Sedation (Conscious Sedation)

You may slur words and not remember much of the procedure. You can still respond to instructions and remain conscious.

Deep Sedation

You're on the edge of consciousness but can be awakened. You won't remember the procedure.

General Anesthesia

You're completely unconscious and cannot be awakened until the effects wear off or are reversed.

Types of Sedation

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Inhaled through a mask placed over your nose, causing relaxation and mild euphoria.

How it works: You breathe normally through the mask. Effects begin within minutes and wear off quickly after mask removal.

Level: Minimal to moderate sedation

Advantages:

• Quick onset and recovery
• Dosage easily adjusted during procedure
• You can drive yourself home
• No needles required
• Safe for most patients including children
• Minimal side effects

Disadvantages:

• May not be strong enough for severe anxiety
• Can cause nausea in some people
• Not suitable for those with certain respiratory conditions

Cost: £50-£100 per session

Recovery: Immediate – can resume normal activities

Oral Sedation

Medication (usually from the benzodiazepine family) taken by mouth before your appointment.

How it works: You take the prescribed pill about an hour before treatment. You'll feel drowsy and relaxed but remain conscious.

Level: Minimal to moderate sedation depending on dose

Advantages:

• Simple to administer
• No needles
• Effective for moderate anxiety
• You may not remember the procedure
• Relatively affordable

Disadvantages:

• Onset takes time (must plan ahead)
• Recovery takes several hours
• Effects can't be easily adjusted
• Requires escort to and from appointment
• Can't drive for 24 hours

Cost: £100-£300

Recovery: 4-6 hours; effects may linger 24 hours

IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation)

Medication administered directly into bloodstream through a vein, usually in your hand or arm.

How it works: A small needle is placed in your vein, and sedative medication is continuously delivered. You'll be very relaxed and may drift in and out of consciousness.

Level: Moderate to deep sedation

Advantages:

• Works quickly
• Dentist can adjust dosage throughout procedure
• Deep relaxation and amnesia
• Effective for severe anxiety
• Suitable for lengthy procedures
• You can still respond to commands

Disadvantages:

• Requires specially trained dentist
• More expensive
• Recovery takes longer
• Must have escort
• Side effects possible (nausea, headache, drowsiness)
• Small risk of complications

Cost: £300-£800

Recovery: Several hours; shouldn't drive for 24 hours

General Anesthesia

Medications that make you completely unconscious. Used in hospital settings or specialized clinics.

How it works: Administered by anesthesiologist. You're completely unconscious and unaware of procedure. Requires close monitoring.

Level: Complete unconsciousness

When used:

• Extremely anxious patients who can't be treated otherwise
• Extensive dental work requiring multiple procedures
• Young children needing complex treatment
• Patients with special needs
• Those with severe gag reflex

Advantages:

• Complete unawareness of procedure
• No memory or anxiety
• Large amount of work can be completed
• Best for extreme cases

Disadvantages:

• Most expensive option
• Carries highest risk
• Requires hospital or specialized facility
• Longest recovery time
• Potential side effects (nausea, sore throat, confusion)
• Must fast beforehand

Cost: £1,000+ depending on procedure length

Recovery: Several hours to full day; effects may linger 24-48 hours

Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?

• Dental phobia: Severe anxiety or fear of dentists
• Traumatic past experiences: Previous painful or difficult dental visits
• Sensitive gag reflex: Makes treatment difficult or impossible
• Low pain threshold: Extreme sensitivity to dental procedures
• Fear of needles: Anxiety about injections
• Difficulty sitting still: Physical or psychological conditions
• Need for extensive work: Multiple procedures in one visit
• Time constraints: Want to complete treatment in fewer visits
• Strong gag reflex: Interferes with dental work
• Special needs: Cognitive or physical disabilities

Safety Considerations

Before Sedation

• Disclose complete medical history
• List all medications and supplements
• Inform dentist of allergies
• Follow fasting instructions if given
• Arrange transportation
• Wear comfortable clothing

During Procedure

Your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels) are continuously monitored. A trained professional administers and oversees sedation throughout treatment.

After Sedation

• Have someone drive you home
• Rest for remainder of day
• Follow post-treatment instructions
• Don't drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours
• Avoid alcohol
• Start with light foods if hungry

Who Shouldn't Have Sedation?

Certain conditions may preclude sedation or require special precautions:

• Pregnancy (especially first trimester)
• Certain heart conditions
• Respiratory problems (for nitrous oxide)
• Sleep apnea (may require special monitoring)
• Certain medication interactions
• Allergy to sedative medications
• Glaucoma (for certain sedatives)

Always consult your dentist and doctor about your specific situation.

Cost and Insurance

Sedation is often considered optional and may not be covered by NHS or insurance unless medically necessary. Costs vary widely based on:

• Type of sedation
• Procedure length
• Provider qualifications
• Geographic location
• Facility fees

Many private practices offer sedation as an additional service with payment plans available.

Choosing a Sedation Dentist

Ensure your dentist is:

• Properly trained and certified in sedation dentistry
• Registered with appropriate regulatory bodies
• Experienced with your required sedation level
• Equipped with proper monitoring equipment
• Able to handle emergencies
• Willing to discuss risks and benefits

Don't hesitate to ask about qualifications, experience, and safety protocols.

The Bottom Line

Sedation dentistry has helped millions of anxious patients receive necessary dental care. It transforms frightening experiences into comfortable ones, allowing people to maintain good oral health without overwhelming stress. If dental anxiety has prevented you from seeking treatment, discuss sedation options with your dentist – there's a solution appropriate for nearly everyone.