Sedation & comfort
Sedation is not a last resort and it is not a sign of anything. It is a tool that makes a difficult appointment ordinary, and plenty of our patients use it for routine work.
Breathed through a small nose mask. You stay awake and can talk, but you stop minding. It clears within minutes, so you can drive yourself home.
A tablet taken before the appointment. Deeper, drowsier, and you will remember little. You will need somebody to bring you and take you home.
Often enough on its own, once you know the other options are there if you want them.
Fear of dentists is common and nothing to apologise for. More on anxiety care.
One of the commonest reasons patients ask for it, and it works well.
Implant surgery or several fillings in one sitting are easier to get through.
Questions
No. Neither option is a general anaesthetic. You will be conscious and able to respond, just far less bothered about what is happening.
Both are very well established. We take a full medical history first, because some conditions and medications matter, and we monitor you throughout.
After nitrous oxide, yes, once it has cleared and we are happy. After oral sedation, no — you will need an adult to bring you and take you home.
Sometimes, depending on the plan and the procedure. We will check before you book.
If it has been years, start here.
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Saving a tooth whose nerve has died.
Explore →When a tooth genuinely cannot be kept.
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One tooth or a full arch, rooted in bone.
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The appointment that prevents the other eight.
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First visits, sealants and good habits.
Explore →Next step
The first appointment is an examination and a conversation. There is no obligation to book treatment at the end of it.