Dental Sedation London

Dental Sedation In London By Award-Winning Dentists

Many people avoid visiting the dentist due to fear and anxiety. However, neglecting dental care can lead to more serious dental issues, such as pain and infection. Dental sedation offers a solution by creating a calm and stress-free environment for patients during their treatments.

By using dental sedation, we can ensure that you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout your procedures. At our London practice, our team of award-winning dentists is committed to delivering the highest standard of care, making sure that your dental experience is as smooth and pleasant as possible.

Our Dental Sedation Dentist 

Dr Najla Nizarali

GDC No: 76521
BDS MFDS RCS (Eng) MSCD FDS RCS (Ed) MFDT RCS (Ed)

Consultant in Sedation and Special Care Dentistry
Provides IV Dental sedation.

Our anaesthetist, Dr Najla Nizarali, is a Consultant in Special Care Dentistry with extensive experience. She is an expert in both basic and advanced sedation techniques, including IV sedation, specialising in treating anxious or phobic patients.
Dr Nizarali works closely with our dentist to ensure a relaxing and successful treatment experience, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. 

Dr Sarah Bux

GDC No: 229434
BDS MFDS RCS (Ed)

Dentist with a special interest in paediatric dentistry and special care dentistry.

Dr Sarah Bux is our general dentist with a special interest in paediatric and special care, well-known for her gentle approach. Whether treating young children or adults, Dr. Bux’s expertise in nervous patients and providing sedation ensures that all patients feel relaxed and comfortable during their dental visits.

Dr Sarah offers Saturday appointments at our Finchley branch, including inhalation sedation, so even the busiest families can prioritise their dental health.

Dental Sedation London

Dental sedation is a method of producing a relaxed experience for the patient by using sedative medications. These medications do not put you to sleep although you feel very sleepy while under sedation. It is lighter and safer than a general anaesthetic.

Dental sedation is beneficial for:

• Patients with dental anxiety or fear
• Individuals with a fear of needles
• Those with painful or sensitive teeth
• Patients who struggle with local anaesthesia
• Individuals with a severe gag reflex
• Patients with medical conditions affecting bodily movements, such as Parkinson’s disease
• Those with past traumatic dental experiences

Types of sedation that we offer:

• IV sedation
• Inhalation Sedation (Suitable for all ages) 

IV Dental Sedation London

IV dental sedation in London involves administering a sedative drug directly into the body, creating a deeply relaxed state while keeping the patient conscious and responsive to the dentist’s instructions. Here’s what you can expect:

• Deep Relaxation: The sense of fear and anxiety is replaced with deep relaxation.
• Amnesia Effect: Most patients don’t remember much about the procedure, feeling like time has passed quickly. 
• Fast Acting: The sedative takes effect very quickly and the dosage can be easily regulated by the dentist or anaesthetist. Patients are able to get up and walk out after treatment, although a chaperone is still legally required.
• Pleasant Experience: Many compare the sensation to being slightly intoxicated, but without the hangover.
• Deeper Sedation: IV Sedation offers a much deeper level of sedation compared to inhalation sedation. It induces a state of deep relaxation, often with an amnesic effect, meaning you may not remember much of the procedure. This option is excellent for patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing extensive procedures.
• Escort Required: Due to the deeper dental sedation, you will need an escort to take you home. Additionally, it is advised not to operate machinery or drive for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
• Longer Recovery Time: While highly effective, IV Sedation has a longer recovery period compared to inhalation sedation, requiring more time before you can safely resume your daily activities.

Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation, also known as “Happy or laughing gas,” involves breathing in a sedative gas that induces relaxation and reduces anxiety. This method is quick to take effect and wears off rapidly, allowing you to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.

Benefits of Inhalation Sedation

• Quick Onset: The sedative effects are almost immediate, helping to reduce anxiety quickly.
• Rapid Recovery: The effects wear off quickly, enabling you to continue with your day soon after the procedure.
• Adjustable Dosage: The level of sedation can be easily controlled and adjusted during the procedure to ensure your comfort.
• Minimal Side Effects: This method is known for having minimal side effects and is safe for most patients.
• Control and Awareness: provides a lighter level of sedation that allows you to remain fully conscious and in control. This option is ideal for those who prefer a milder sedative effect while staying alert.
• No Escort Needed: One of the advantages of inhalation sedation is that it wears off quickly. After about two hours, you can return to normal activities, including driving, without the need for an escort.

Inhalation sedation is particularly recommended for nervous children. It helps them relax and feel more comfortable during dental treatments. 

Dental Sedation Procedure 

1. Preparation: We will assess your vital signs and ensure you are comfortable before administering the sedation.
2. Treatment: This is usually performed by our dentist alongside another clinician or our anaesthetist providing a sedation procedure. The dentist, who conducted your consultation and treatment planning, will perform the dental procedures.
3. Monitoring: Throughout the procedure, the nurse and anaesthetist will monitor you continuously using a pulse oximeter.
4. Post-Treatment: Patients are required to arrange an escort home. We also strongly advise refraining from work, driving, operating machinery, signing legal documents or looking after children for the rest of the day. 

Dental Sedation London FAQs

Do you feel pain with dental sedation?

No, you do not feel pain with dental sedation. Dentists use a combination of sedation and anaesthetic to keep you relaxed and pain-free throughout your procedure. Many patients leave the appointment with little to no memory of their treatment and feel good afterwards.

How do you prepare for a dental sedation appointment?

• Eat something light in the morning of your procedure
• Come to your dental sedation appointment with a responsible adult who will take you home after your surgery.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you attend your dental sedation appointment.
• If you have dentures, a partial plate or removable bridgework and you must wear it the day of your surgery, please bring a container to store it in during your treatment.
• Continue to take any prescribed medication as normal.
• Do not drink any alcohol or take any recreational drugs for 48 hours beforehand.
• Make any necessary childcare arrangements.

How long does dental sedation last?

Dental sedation helps suppress the gag reflex, minimise pain, reduce anxiety, and provide other benefits during treatment. The effects of these sedation methods typically last for two to eight hours after the procedure.

What does dental sedation feel like?

Dental sedation can vary depending on the type of sedation used, but most people describe it as feeling deeply relaxed and calm. Here’s a breakdown of what you might experience with different types of sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): You’ll feel a light, euphoric sensation as if you’re in a dreamlike state. You remain awake and aware, but your anxiety will be greatly reduced, and you may feel slightly light-headed or tingly. The effects wear off quickly after the procedure.
• IV Sedation: This provides a deeper level of sedation where you’ll feel very relaxed, and you may not remember much of the procedure. Some people even fall asleep during it but can be easily awakened if needed.

For which dental treatments is sedation commonly used?

• Sedation for tooth extraction: Dental sedation is frequently used for both simple and surgical extractions, such as wisdom tooth removal, to reduce discomfort and anxiety. 
• Dental Implants: This procedure involves surgery, so sedation is often recommended to keep patients comfortable during the placement of implants.
• Root Canal Therapy: Many people experience anxiety about root canals, and sedation can help alleviate stress and ensure a pain-free experience.
• Periodontal Surgery: Procedures to treat gum disease, such as gum grafting or deep cleaning (scaling and root planing), often use sedation for patient comfort.
• Dental Phobia or Anxiety: For patients with extreme dental anxiety or phobia, sedation is often used for any type of dental treatment, even routine cleanings. 
• Paediatric Dentistry: sedation helps manage anxiety and discomfort during treatments. Nitrous oxide may be used for simple procedures like cleanings and fillings. For more complex procedures, such as extractions or root canals, deeper sedation or general anaesthesia might be necessary. The aim is to ensure a comfortable and positive experience for the child.

Looking for a Sedation Dentist Near You?

We are here to help! Whether it’s sedation for tooth extraction or other procedures, professional dental practices offer various methods to ensure a comfortable experience.

Find us at both Finchley and St Johns Wood Branch.