Dental sedation involves using medication to help you feel calm, relaxed, and less aware during dental treatment. It is not the same as a general anaesthetic — you remain conscious and able to respond to instructions, but you feel deeply relaxed and are unlikely to remember much about the procedure afterwards.
Sedation is not just for anxious patients. It can also help people who have a very strong gag reflex, require lengthy or complex treatment, or have certain special needs.
Types of dental sedation
The most common forms of dental sedation available in UK practices are:
Inhalation sedation (relative analgesia) — nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is breathed through a small nosepiece. It produces a pleasant, relaxed feeling within minutes. The effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped — you can usually drive and return to normal activities shortly afterwards. Suitable for mild-moderate anxiety.
Intravenous (IV) sedation — a sedative drug (usually midazolam) is given directly into a vein, most often in the back of the hand or arm. This produces a deeper level of sedation and most patients have little or no memory of the procedure. You will need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. You must not drive for 24 hours.
Oral sedation — a sedative tablet taken before the appointment. Less predictable than IV sedation but suitable in some circumstances. You must not drive after taking it.
Am I suitable for sedation?
Your dentist will discuss your medical history carefully before offering sedation. Sedation may not be suitable if you have:
Certain heart or lung conditions
Severe sleep apnoea
An allergy to sedative drugs
A history of drug or alcohol dependency (in some cases)
Pregnancy
You should disclose all medications and health conditions honestly — this helps ensure your safety.
What to expect on the day
For IV or oral sedation, you must follow specific pre-appointment instructions. Your practice will give you written instructions — follow these exactly. General guidance in line with current IACSD recommendations:
Food — do not eat anything for at least 6 hours before your appointment
Clear fluids — for IV sedation, small amounts of plain water or clear non-fizzy, non-alcoholic fluids may usually be taken up to 2 hours before the appointment. Your practice will confirm this.
Oral sedation — fasting requirements may differ; follow your practice's specific instructions
Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the appointment and to stay with you for the rest of the day
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with a short or easy-to-roll-up sleeve for IV access
Do not drink alcohol the night before or on the day of the appointment
Tell the team about all medications you are taking — some may need to be adjusted
After IV sedation, you will rest in the practice until you are sufficiently recovered. You must not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or drink alcohol for 24 hours.
Risks and possible complications
Dental sedation in the UK is carried out to strict safety guidelines. It has a well-established safety record when delivered by trained clinicians. However, all sedation carries some risk.
Common:
Drowsiness for several hours after IV sedation
Amnesia — you may not remember the procedure at all (this is an intended effect)
Mild headache after inhalation sedation
Bruising at the IV injection site
Uncommon:
Nausea after sedation
The sedation may be insufficient — some people need more medication than others and a top-up may be given. Occasionally the procedure cannot be completed under sedation alone.
Rare:
Allergic reaction to sedative drugs
Respiratory depression — breathing becomes temporarily slowed. The team monitors you throughout and has equipment and training to manage this.
Questions to ask your dentist
Which type of sedation is most appropriate for my situation?
What medications am I allowed to take on the morning of my appointment?
Will the treatment be completed in one session while I am sedated?
How long should I expect to be in the practice?
Is there anything about my health history that could affect how I respond to sedation?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dentist about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dentist will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Sedation must only be carried out by an appropriately trained and qualified dental team. If you feel unwell after sedation, contact the practice immediately or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
References
Aligned with guidance from: SDCEP, FGDP(UK), IACSD (Intercollegiate Advisory Committee for Sedation in Dentistry).