Dr. Patel completed a year-long sedation certification at Guy’s Hospital, London, in 2016 — a world-leading institute in dental sedation — and the practice is a centre of excellence for dentally anxious and phobic patients, one of a small number able to carry out complex dental treatment under intravenous sedation.

Sedation is administered as Midazolam, a short-acting benzodiazepine from the same family as diazepam, given through a vein in the arm. It takes effect within a couple of minutes and leaves most patients with little to no memory of treatment — while still able to speak and respond to instructions throughout. It is not a general anaesthetic, and you remain conscious.

Why patients choose sedation

• Traumatic previous experiences
• Fear of pain or injections
• Fear of the unknown, or of not being in control
• Gagging associated with impressions or dental instruments

What to plan for

You'll need a responsible adult to bring you to the appointment, stay in the waiting area, and take you home afterwards — you won't be treated without an escort. For 24 hours afterwards you shouldn't drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions or sign legal documents.

Watch: what to expect from IV sedation