For most people a visit to the Dental Surgery is a routine precaution, which does not cause too much stress. However, we at Dovecote Dental Care, recognise that for some, it can be an extremely traumatic experience, causing severe anxiety.

We are able to offer our patients dental treatment under intravenous sedation. This is very safe, quick, and pleasant experience. Sedation must not be confused with General Anaesthesia, which is not carried out in the dental surgery.

Sedation must not be confused with General Anaesthesia, which is not carried out in the dental surgery

Fees for sedation

The fee for sedation is £300 (this doesn’t include the normal treatment costs which are on top).

Before the appointment

After an initial consultation with Dr. Joe McRae during which x-rays may be taken, you will be advised of the treatment necessary, and the costs.

You will be given some forms to fill in, one of which will be a medical history form. You sign this to give us permission to contact your G.P. if necessary, as some medical conditions can preclude the use of I.V. sedation.

An appointment is booked for 2 hours. You must make arrangements for a responsible adult to collect you from the surgery on the day of the treatment. This person must stay with you for the rest of the day, as you are not legally liable until the effect of the drug has worn off, approximately six to eight hours.

On the day of the treatment

The nurse will accompany you into the surgery. She will sit with you and stay with you throughout the procedure. At no time will you be left alone in the surgery or without a female person present.

When you are feeling ready, an injection in the arm enables the drug to take effect within a few minutes. A warm, pleasant feeling of relaxed detachment is produced, allowing the dentist to proceed without causing undue stress. A local anaesthetic (injection in mouth) is used as normal, but you will be unaware of any pain sensation at this point.

Throughout the procedure you remain conscious but feel very drowsy and distant. We can still communicate with you, and you with us. The name of the drug is “Midazolam”. It has an amnesic effect; therefore you will only recall vague memories of your visit. You may want to sleep for the rest of the day.