Dental anxiety is common and can make it difficult to attend appointments or complete important treatment. Our team takes the time to understand your concerns, explain each step clearly and develop a comfort plan suited to your needs.
Depending on your medical history, anxiety level and proposed treatment, your plan may include behavioural support, local anaesthetic, minimal sedation, IV sedation or treatment under general anaesthesia. Availability and suitability are confirmed during a clinical consultation.
For mild to moderate anxiety, minimal sedation may be provided orally, by inhalation, or through a combination recommended for your situation. Nitrous oxide, often called happy gas, is breathed through a small mask and can help you feel calm while remaining awake and able to communicate.
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before treatment. The appropriate option and dose depend on factors such as age, weight, general health, other medicines and the planned procedure. You will receive individual preparation and after-care instructions.
Intravenous, or IV, sedation delivers sedative medication through a small cannula in the arm or hand. It takes effect quickly and can be adjusted throughout treatment. You remain deeply relaxed, continue breathing independently and can usually respond to verbal prompts, although many patients remember little of the appointment.
IV sedation may be considered for significant dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, lengthy appointments or complex treatment. Your vital signs are monitored, and you will need a responsible adult to take you home and follow the post-sedation instructions provided by the clinical team.
Additional support may be helpful if you have avoided the dentist because of fear, had a difficult past experience, have a strong gag reflex, find it hard to sit through longer procedures, are resistant to local anaesthetic, or require extensive treatment.
Tell us what worries you most. We will listen without judgement, discuss your options and help you choose an approach that prioritises comfort and safety.
For patients who need more than reassurance alone, we can discuss deeper sedation pathways and coordinated hospital-based care where appropriate.
General anaesthesia places you fully asleep for treatment and may be considered for severe dental anxiety, particular medical or special-care needs, or complex procedures that are not suitable for lighter forms of sedation.
Where clinically appropriate, treatment is planned with an appropriately qualified anaesthetic and hospital team. A full assessment is required, and you will receive specific fasting, medication, transport and recovery instructions.
Important: Sedation and general anaesthesia are not suitable for everyone. Recommendations depend on an individual clinical assessment, your medical history and the planned dental treatment.
