Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Intravenous sedation in dentistry is recommended for patients who feel anxious or require more complex dental procedures. 

A sedation-trained dentist or anaesthetist administers intravenous sedatives to help you feel relaxed at the start of your appointment. 

This safe and widely used technique helps avoid the need for a general anaesthetic in many cases. We provide light to moderate (advanced) sedation, allowing you to stay calm and responsive to instructions during treatment, making it easier for your dentist to work effectively. 

Additionally, sedation has a strong amnesic effect, so most patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterwards.

At Dental Sedation Solutions, we understand that every patient is unique, which is why we offer a range of sedation and anxiety management techniques tailored to individual needs. The following options are available:

• Hypnotherapy and relaxation techniques – Provided online by our Clinical Hypnotherapist to help prepare you ahead of your dental visit and equip you with coping tools to manage treatment without sedation.
• Pre-medication – A light sedative tablet to help ease mild dental anxiety.
• Inhalation sedation (nitrous oxide) – Also known as “happy air,” this is suitable for both adults and children.
• Intravenous (IV) sedation – A single-drug technique using midazolam to help you feel deeply relaxed during treatment.
• Oral and transmucosal (intranasal) sedation – Using midazolam for patients with severe needle phobia or sensory sensitivities, including those with Autism.
• Advanced IV sedation – A combination of sedative drugs administered by a consultant anaesthetist to achieve a deeper level of sedation, ideal for complex procedures or patients with additional needs.
• General anaesthetic – Please note: this is not provided in-house, but we can refer you to a trusted external provider if necessary.

We understand that cannulation can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re anxious about needles. For simple IV sedation, we use small paediatric cannulas to make this part of the process as gentle and unnoticeable as possible.

At your assessment visit, we’ll discuss any concerns you may have. If needed, we can provide premedication and/or EMLA cream (a local anaesthetic cream) to apply to your hand or arm before your appointment, helping to make the cannulation process pain-free.

For advanced sedation techniques, a slightly larger cannula is required. If you would like EMLA cream for this, just let us know, and we’ll be happy to provide it.

Our team of experienced Sedationists and Anaesthetists are committed to ensuring you feel calm, comfortable, and well-supported throughout your procedure.