IV Sedation for Dental Implants

Dental implant treatment can involve complex or lengthy procedures, including multiple implants, bone grafting, or sinus surgery. For some patients, standard IV sedation techniques (single drug) may not provide sufficient support. In these situations, advanced IV sedation offers an appropriate and carefully controlled alternative.

Advanced IV sedation provides a deeper level of sedation while allowing the patient to remain conscious, responsive, and breathing independently. Patients are deeply relaxed, with reduced awareness of their surroundings, and often remember little or none of the procedure.

This type of sedation is administered exclusively by a consultant anaesthetist.

If you are planning dental implant treatment and feel that standard sedation may not meet your needs, advanced IV sedation may be appropriate. Your dentist and sedation team will assess your individual circumstances and discuss the most suitable option with you.

Simple IV Sedation (Dentist-Led)

Simple IV sedation is commonly used for shorter or straightforward implant procedures and is provided by a dentist specially trained in sedation.

What to expect

You remain conscious but deeply relaxed
Anxiety and discomfort are reduced
Local anaesthetic is still used
Often little or no memory of treatment
Sedation is delivered and continuously monitored by a trained sedationist

May be suitable for

Single or uncomplicated implant placement
Shorter appointments
Mild to moderate dental anxiety

A responsible adult will be needed to take you home and stay with you after treatment.

Advanced IV Sedation (Anaesthetist-Led)

Advanced IV sedation is designed for longer or more complex implant surgery, or when standard sedation techniques are not suitable.

This option is only used when clinically appropriate.

What to expect

Sedation provided and monitored by a consultant anaesthetist
Deeper level of sedation than simple IV sedation
You remain conscious and breathing independently
Continuous monitoring of breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure
Often little or no memory of the procedure
Your anaesthetist remains with you throughout treatment

May be suitable for

Multiple implants or full-arch treatment
Bone grafting or sinus surgery
Longer surgical appointments
High levels of dental anxiety or phobia
Situations where standard sedation is ineffective or inappropriate

How we work alongside your implant dentist

During implant surgery, our sedationists and anaesthetists work closely with your dentist, allowing the procedure to proceed in a controlled and well-supported environment. This collaboration is particularly important during longer or technically demanding implant treatments.

IV Sedation is not:

A general anaesthetic
A replacement for a local anaesthetic (injection in the mouth)
Used routinely for all patients

You remain conscious throughout and are able to breathe independently and can respond as required.

Who provides advanced sedation?

Advanced IV sedation is delivered exclusively by consultant anaesthetists with experience in dental sedation. The wider sedation team is trained to support advanced techniques and manage patient care before, during, and after treatment.

Before your appointment

Before advanced IV sedation for implant treatment, you will have a pre-sedation assessment to ensure sedation is safe and appropriate for you. This may include a review of your medical history and medications, as well as occasional additional information from your GP or specialist.

You will be given clear written instructions before the sedation appointment during the pre-sedation assessment, including guidance on eating, drinking, and taking your usual medications. You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you as a chaperone on the day of treatment.

On the day of treatment

On arrival, you will meet your consultant anaesthetist, who will confirm your medical details and explain the sedation process. A small cannula will be placed in your arm or hand to administer the sedation medication.

Throughout your implant procedure, your anaesthetist will remain with you, continuously monitoring your vital signs to ensure you remain safe, comfortable, and relaxed.

After your appointment

After treatment, you will recover under supervision until you are fully alert and stable. Recovery typically takes around 60 minutes.

You may feel sleepy or slightly unsteady for a few hours afterwards. A responsible adult must take you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day. For 24 hours after sedation, you must not drive, work, operate machinery, or sign important documents. Most patients feel back to normal by the following day.

IV Sedation for Dental Implants

Simple IV Sedation (Dentist-Led)

Advanced IV Sedation (Anaesthetist-Led)

This website uses cookies.