Dental sedation: a calm and comfortable way to experience treatment
Feeling anxious about dental treatment is far more common than most people realise. Whether it’s a past experience, fear of pain, or worry about losing control, dental anxiety can make even simple appointments feel stressful.
At Lateral Dental in Sheffield, we understand that comfort and confidence are just as important as clinical care. That’s why we offer dental sedation — a safe, effective way to help you relax during treatment while we take care of your oral health.
This guide explains what dental sedation is, who it’s for, and what to expect before, during, and after your appointment.
What is dental sedation?
Dental sedation uses medication to help you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment. You remain conscious but calm — aware enough to respond to your dentist but so relaxed that you often remember little or nothing afterwards.
It’s ideal for patients who feel nervous about dental care, have a strong gag reflex, or need longer or more complex treatment.
We offer two main types of sedation at Lateral Dental:
- IV sedation – administered through a small injection in your arm or hand, this provides a deeper level of relaxation.
- Inhalation sedation – also known as “gas and air,” this involves breathing in a gentle mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nose mask.
Both are delivered under the supervision of experienced clinicians trained in sedation and patient safety.
Who can benefit from dental sedation?
Dental sedation isn’t just for people with dental phobia — though it’s highly effective for that too. It can help anyone who finds dental visits difficult, including those who:
- Feel anxious or fearful before appointments
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Struggle to sit still for long periods
- Need several procedures in one visit
- Have had previous traumatic experiences at the dentist
If you’ve ever postponed treatment due to fear, our dental phobia guide might also help you understand why — and how sedation can make things easier.
At Lateral Dental Sheffield, we tailor sedation plans to each patient, ensuring you feel supported from the moment you walk in.
How dental sedation works
The process is simple and carefully monitored:
- Before treatment – We review your medical history, explain the sedation process, and answer any questions.
- During sedation – You’ll begin to feel calm and drowsy, but you’ll still be able to respond if spoken to. Most people describe it as feeling “dreamy” or “half-asleep.”
- After treatment – You’ll rest in the chair for a short while as the sedation wears off. You’ll need someone to accompany you home after IV sedation.
With inhalation sedation, you recover faster — most patients feel completely normal within 15–30 minutes.
Types of dental sedation at Lateral Dental
We provide two main sedation methods, each suited to different needs and comfort levels:
| Sedation type | How it’s given | Best for | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| IV sedation | Through a small injection in your arm or hand | Moderate to severe anxiety, longer treatments | From £250 |
| Inhalation sedation | Gentle “gas and air” mixture via a soft nose mask | Mild to moderate anxiety, children or short procedures | From £165 |
Our sedation fees are clearly listed on our fees and finance page, and we’ll always confirm exact costs before treatment begins. Transparency is part of our patient-first approach.
What does dental sedation feel like?
Most people describe the feeling as deeply calm — as though time passes quickly and worries melt away. You remain conscious, able to communicate, but often remember very little of the procedure.
If you’ve avoided the dentist for years, dental sedation can be genuinely life-changing. Patients frequently tell us they wish they’d tried it sooner.
Safety and expertise
At Lateral Dental, your safety is our top priority. Every sedation treatment is carried out by trained professionals who monitor your breathing, pulse, and oxygen levels throughout.
Our clinicians have extensive experience helping nervous patients relax comfortably, and our equipment is regularly maintained to meet strict clinical standards.
We’ll also explain every step before treatment so there are no surprises. That’s part of our EEAT commitment — ensuring every patient feels informed, reassured, and respected.
Benefits of dental sedation
The advantages of sedation go far beyond just comfort:
- Reduces anxiety and fear
- Minimises discomfort and awareness of time
- Allows multiple treatments in one visit
- Prevents involuntary movement or gagging
- Improves overall dental experience
Even routine care such as check-ups or hygiene appointments can feel easier when you know you have the option of sedation.
For more insight, read our post on dental phobia in Sheffield — it explains why fear is common and how gentle techniques can help.
What to expect after dental sedation
Recovery depends on the type of sedation:
- IV sedation – You’ll feel drowsy for a few hours. Arrange for a friend or family member to take you home, and rest for the rest of the day.
- Inhalation sedation – You’ll feel back to normal quickly and can usually resume daily activities within 30 minutes.
We’ll give you written aftercare advice before you leave. If you have any questions later, you can always contact our Sheffield team.
Why patients trust Lateral Dental
- Our dentists have provided sedation for many years, helping anxious patients receive the care they need safely and comfortably.
- We’re trained in advanced sedation techniques and emergency response protocols for complete peace of mind.
- Our approach aligns with the guidelines of the General Dental Council (GDC) and national best practices for conscious sedation.
- Every treatment plan is clearly explained — from preparation and recovery to costs — with full consent before we begin.
Dental sedation for nervous patients
Fear of the dentist can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your oral health. With dental sedation, even complex treatment can feel surprisingly easy.
We regularly care for patients who once avoided dental visits for years. Thanks to sedation and a calm, understanding approach, they now attend confidently — some even look forward to appointments.
If that sounds like something you’d like to achieve, our team at Lateral Dental Sheffield can help.
Financing your treatment
We believe everyone deserves access to comfortable dental care. That’s why we offer clear, honest pricing and flexible options, detailed on our fees and finance page.
Whether you’re considering a simple filling or full sedation for longer treatment, we’ll explain the costs upfront so you can plan confidently.
Final thoughts
If you’ve ever avoided the dentist due to anxiety, sensitivity, or fear, dental sedation could be the solution that changes your experience for good.
At Lateral Dental Sheffield, we specialise in calm, gentle care for nervous patients. Our experienced team is here to guide you through every step — from first consultation to recovery — with patience, kindness, and expertise.
You can learn more about dental phobia in Sheffield, explore our fees and finance options, or simply contact us to arrange a friendly consultation.
Because good dentistry isn’t just about healthy teeth — it’s about feeling at ease every step of the way.
Questions our patients ask about dental sedation
Yes. Sedation dentistry is extremely safe when carried out by trained professionals. At Lateral Dental, we continuously monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety throughout.
No — you’ll be relaxed and pain-free. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area, but you’ll be too calm to notice much at all.
Inhalation sedation wears off in 15–30 minutes, while IV sedation can take a few hours to fully clear from your system. We’ll give you recovery advice before you leave.
After IV sedation, you should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours. After inhalation sedation, you can usually resume normal activities the same day.
At Lateral Dental Sheffield, IV sedation starts from £250 and inhalation sedation from £165. For the most up-to-date pricing, visit our fees and finance page.
