63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
63-65 Fleece Road, Long Ditton KT6 5JR
Does the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair make you anxious? You’re not alone. Dental fear is real, and for many, it’s enough to stop them from getting the treatment they need.
I understand how difficult it can be to even pick up the phone and book an appointment when the idea of visiting the dentist fills you with dread.
At The Dental Connection, we’ve helped many nervous patients in Surbiton overcome their fears with sedation dentistry. It’s a safe and effective way to help you relax so you can receive the care your teeth and gums need – without stress or discomfort.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how sedation works, the different options available, and how it can make your dental experience easier and more comfortable.
If you’ve been putting off treatment due to fear, this could be the solution that finally helps you take control of your oral health.
Dental anxiety is more common than you might think. Many people, both children and adults, feel uneasy about visiting the dentist.
Unfortunately, this fear often leads to delaying or avoiding treatment altogether, which can result in serious dental problems over time. Small issues like cavities or gum disease can worsen, leading to more complicated (and often more expensive) treatments.
So, what causes dental anxiety? Here are some of the most common reasons:
If you’ve ever wished you could just relax and get through a dental visit without fear, that’s exactly what conscious sedation helps with.
Simply put, dental sedation is a way to help nervous patients feel calm and comfortable during treatment. It uses medication to reduce anxiety, making the whole experience much easier.
I’ve seen many patients walk into the clinic feeling tense and uneasy, only to leave saying, "That wasn’t bad at all!" With sedation, you can get the care you need without stress or fear holding you back.
There are different types of sedation available, ranging from mild relaxation to deeper sedation, depending on your level of anxiety and the treatment you need.
In the next section, I’ll break down the different options so you can see which one might be right for you.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to managing dental anxiety. That’s why we offer different types of sedation to suit your needs.
Whether you just need to take the edge off your nerves or want to be deeply relaxed, there’s an option that can help. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of sedation:
This is one of the lightest forms of sedation and is often used for patients who feel mild to moderate anxiety.
You’ll breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide (commonly known as "laughing gas") through a small mask placed over your nose.
Within minutes, you’ll feel more relaxed and at ease. The best part? The effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after your appointment.
If you need something a little stronger, oral sedation might be the right option for you. This involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment.
The medication makes you feel deeply relaxed, and while you’ll still be awake, you may feel drowsy or have little memory of the procedure.
Because the effects take a while to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
For patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex treatments, IV sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation.
The sedative is administered through a vein, allowing it to work quickly and be adjusted as needed. Most patients feel as if they’ve slept through the procedure, even though they remain conscious.
Since IV sedation lingers in your system for a while, you’ll need someone to accompany you home.
Each of these sedation options is designed to help you feel comfortable and stress-free during your dental visit. If you're unsure which one is right for you, don’t worry – that’s what we’re here for!
At The Dental Connection, we’ll help you choose the best sedation option based on your level of anxiety and the treatment you need.
As your Surbiton dentist, I’ve seen firsthand how sedation can completely change a patient’s experience, making dental visits easier and more comfortable. So, let me quickly talk about some ways this can help:
The biggest benefit of sedation is that it helps you feel calm and relaxed. Instead of sitting in the chair feeling tense or overwhelmed, you’ll feel at ease, making the whole experience much less stressful.
For many of my nervous patients, sedation has been a game-changer in overcoming their fear of the dentist.
One of the biggest concerns for anxious patients is the fear of pain. Sedation dentistry helps by dulling pain sensations, making treatments feel far more comfortable. Even if you need a longer procedure, sedation ensures you stay relaxed throughout.
For patients who struggle to sit still for extended periods – whether due to anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or even medical conditions – sedation makes treatment much smoother.
It helps you stay comfortable and cooperative, allowing me to complete your dental work more efficiently.
Many people avoid essential dental treatments due to fear, leading to more serious problems over time. With sedation, you can finally get the care you need without the usual stress or worry.
Whether it’s a routine check-up or a more involved procedure, sedation allows you to receive treatment without fear holding you back.
Sedation can make dental procedures feel like they pass in minutes, even if they take longer. This is particularly helpful for patients who dread the idea of being in the chair for extended periods.
It’s common for patients to say, "It felt like it was over in no time!" after a sedation appointment.
Sedation isn’t just for nervous patients – it’s also useful for certain dental procedures that require longer treatment times or involve more complex work. You might benefit from sedation if you:
We often receive many questions about sedation dentistry, especially from nervous patients looking for a stress-free dental experience.
Below, I’ll answer some of the most common concerns to help you understand how sedation works and whether it’s right for you.
Sedation and anaesthesia both help with comfort, but they work in different ways. Sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during your procedure, but you remain conscious and responsive.
Anaesthesia, on the other hand, is used for more complex procedures where you need to be fully unconscious. For most dental treatments, sedation is enough to make the experience stress-free.
Sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by a trained professional. We carefully assess your medical history and adjust the level of sedation to suit your needs.
Our team monitors you throughout your procedure to ensure everything goes smoothly. If you’re feeling anxious, sedation is a safe and effective way to make your visit much more comfortable.
It depends on the type of sedation used. Inhalation sedation (laughing gas) wears off within minutes, allowing you to drive yourself home. Oral sedation and IV sedation take longer to wear off, often a few hours, so you’ll need someone to accompany you home after your appointment.
For oral and IV sedation, you’ll usually be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before your appointment. This helps prevent nausea and ensures the medication works effectively.
However, for inhalation sedation, there are generally no restrictions. We’ll give you clear instructions before your procedure so you know exactly what to do.
Most patients are eligible for some form of sedation, especially if they suffer from dental anxiety or need a longer procedure. However, factors such as certain medical conditions or medications may affect your suitability.
During your consultation, we’ll review your health history to determine the safest and best sedation option for you.
Yes, sedation can be used for children, especially if they are extremely anxious, have difficulty sitting still, or need a longer procedure.
Inhalation sedation is the most commonly used option for younger patients because it’s mild, safe, and wears off quickly. We always assess each child individually to ensure the most suitable and safest approach.
If you have more questions about dental sedation or are unsure if it’s right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re always happy to discuss your concerns and find the best way to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible.
If dental anxiety has been holding you back from getting the care you need, sedation dentistry could be the solution you’ve been looking for.
At The Dental Connection, we’ve helped many nervous patients feel calm and comfortable during their treatment, and we can do the same for you.
As your Surbiton dentist, we offer different sedation options tailored to your level of anxiety and the treatment you need.
Whether you’re feeling uneasy about a routine check-up or a more complex procedure, we’ll find the right approach to make your visit stress-free.
Don’t let fear stop you from achieving a healthy, confident smile.
Book a consultation with your Surbiton dentist today and let’s discuss how sedation can help you feel relaxed and in control during your next dental visit.
