Answers, before you even ask.

In most cases, your dentist or doctor will suggest sedation as part of your treatment and contact us directly — you don't need to organise anything yourself. If they haven't mentioned it, you're welcome to ask; many patients do. And if your practice doesn't currently offer sedation, we have a one-page introduction you can download and pass on, to help start that conversation. See how the whole process works →

Sedation may be recommended to help you feel more comfortable during treatment, reduce anxiety, improve your overall experience, or make longer and more complex procedures easier to complete. In some cases, it can help patients receive treatment that they may otherwise be unable to tolerate.

IV conscious sedation uses carefully controlled medication administered through a small cannula placed in a vein. It helps patients feel deeply relaxed and comfortable during treatment while remaining able to respond to verbal communication. Your wellbeing is continuously monitored throughout the procedure by an experienced sedation clinician.

Sedation can help patients who experience anxiety, fear of treatment, previous traumatic experiences, lengthy procedures, complex treatment plans, or difficulty coping during treatment. For many patients, it makes treatment possible when it might otherwise be delayed or avoided.

With conscious sedation you remain able to breathe normally and respond to verbal communication, even though you are deeply relaxed. Recovery is usually quicker, side effects are less common, and treatment can often be carried out safely in a dental or medical practice rather than a hospital.

Most healthy adults and many patients with well-controlled medical conditions are suitable for sedation. Every patient is assessed individually to ensure sedation is appropriate for their medical history and planned procedure.

Sedation is commonly used for dental treatment, implant surgery, oral surgery, cosmetic procedures, endoscopy, dermatology, and many other medical and surgical procedures. It is particularly useful for lengthy, complex or potentially stressful treatments.

No. Conscious sedation is different from general anaesthesia. Although many patients become very drowsy and may drift in and out of sleep, they remain able to respond if needed and continue to breathe normally on their own.

Sedation helps you feel relaxed and comfortable, while local anaesthetic or pain-relieving medication is used to prevent pain during treatment. Most patients report little or no discomfort.

Many patients remember very little about their treatment afterwards. This temporary memory reduction is a common effect of sedation and is often one of the reasons patients find the experience more comfortable.

Sedation is provided by appropriately trained and experienced clinicians who are qualified to assess patients, administer sedation, monitor wellbeing throughout treatment, and manage recovery safely.

When provided by appropriately trained clinicians in a suitable environment, conscious sedation has an excellent safety record. Patients are continuously monitored throughout treatment using specialist equipment to ensure their safety and wellbeing. Read the full, honest answer →

In most cases, you should avoid solid food for six hours before treatment. Clear fluids are usually permitted up to two hours beforehand. You will receive detailed instructions before your appointment, and special advice may be given for certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Most regular medications should be continued as normal. However, it is important to tell your sedation clinician about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies and supplements before treatment.

Most patients recover quickly and are ready to leave the practice within approximately 30 minutes after treatment. Some drowsiness may persist for a few hours, and recovery instructions will be provided before discharge.

Yes. You must arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you home and stay with you after treatment. You should not drive, operate machinery, sign important documents or make important decisions for the remainder of the day. If you arrive without a suitable escort, your treatment may need to be postponed or cancelled.

Side effects are uncommon and are usually mild. Some patients may experience temporary drowsiness, dizziness, headache or nausea. Serious complications are very rare, and patients are carefully assessed and monitored to minimise risk.

Yes. A dedicated sedation clinician remains responsible for your wellbeing throughout treatment. Your breathing, oxygen levels, pulse, blood pressure and other vital signs are continuously monitored and recorded while you are under sedation.

IV sedation can be carried out in appropriately equipped dental and medical practices, clinics and hospitals. The environment must have suitable monitoring equipment, emergency equipment and trained staff to ensure patient safety.

Some herbal remedies and supplements can interact with sedation medications or affect bleeding and recovery. Please inform your clinician about everything you take, including non-prescription products.

The medications used depend on the procedure and your individual needs. Your clinician will discuss the most appropriate options with you before treatment.

Yes. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to deeper levels of conscious sedation. Your sedation plan will be tailored to your medical history, anxiety level and treatment requirements.

A pre-sedation assessment allows us to review your medical history, medications and treatment plan to ensure sedation is safe and appropriate for you.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and avoid restrictive collars or sleeves where possible. Flat shoes are recommended.

No. You must not drive, ride a bicycle, operate machinery or undertake potentially hazardous activities for the remainder of the day following sedation.

Patients should take the rest of the day off and resume normal activities the following day unless advised otherwise by their clinician.

Many patients with medical conditions can safely receive sedation. Your suitability will be assessed individually, and any necessary precautions will be discussed before treatment.

You are not alone. Many patients who choose sedation experience significant anxiety or dental phobia. Sedation is specifically designed to help you feel calm, comfortable and in control throughout treatment.

Following treatment, you will recover under supervision until you are ready to leave. Written instructions will be provided, and your escort will take you home.