Dental
Sedation
Designed for patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation dentistry allows you to receive the care you need in a deeply relaxed, comfortable and stress-free state.
Dentistry Without
the Anxiety
Dental sedation uses a drug called Midazolam, which creates a sleepy, dream-like state in which patients feel immediately and deeply relaxed. Often referred to as "sleep dentistry", patients are never actually asleep — you remain aware and able to communicate throughout.
Dentistry is then completed as normal, with local anaesthetic used to prevent any discomfort during treatment. Once complete, the sedation effects can be reversed, and patients typically have little or no recollection of the appointment — a completely normal and expected effect of the drug.
Your sedation is administered and monitored throughout by Chris Greenhaigh, a Consultant Anaesthetist with extensive experience — your safety is our absolute priority.
How Dental Sedation Works
A straightforward, medically supervised process from start to finish — designed entirely around your comfort and safety.
The Drug: Midazolam
Dental sedation uses Midazolam, a medically proven sedative that creates a deeply relaxed, dream-like state. You remain conscious and able to communicate throughout.
Expert Administration
Midazolam is administered and closely monitored by Chris Greenhaigh, a highly experienced Consultant Anaesthetist, ensuring your complete safety at every stage.
Treatment as Normal
With you deeply relaxed, dentistry is completed as normal using local anaesthetic to prevent any discomfort. You feel nothing and experience no anxiety.
Reversal & Recovery
Once treatment is complete, the sedation effects can be reversed. Most patients have little or no recollection of events — a completely normal effect of the drug.
Your Sedation Day Guidance
Following these simple steps ensures your sedation session is as safe, smooth, and comfortable as possible.
Before Your Appointment
Steps to follow on the day of treatment
- Bring a responsible adult to accompany you to your appointment
- Inform our team of any changes to your medical history
- Take any regular medication as normal
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Do not bring children that you may need to look after after treatment
- Avoid drinking any alcohol before your appointment
- Fast for 4 hours before your appointment — a small amount of plain water is acceptable
After Your Appointment
Important steps for a safe recovery
- Rest and relax for the remainder of the day
- Follow any instructions given to you by our team
- Have a responsible adult look after you for the rest of the day
- Take any medicines you have been prescribed
- Do not drive or operate any machinery
- Do not sign any important documents for at least 24 hours
- Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours following treatment
Please note: Patients will feel somewhat drowsy and unsteady after sedation. A responsible adult must escort you home and remain with you for the rest of the day. You must not drive, operate machinery, sign legal documents, or consume alcohol for the periods specified above.
Frequently
Asked Questions
We want you to feel fully informed and confident before your appointment. If your question is not answered here, please call our team — we are always happy to help.
Your First Step to a
Pain-Free, Confident Smile
Contact Barnton Dental Spa to schedule your complimentary sedation consultation. We will listen to your concerns, explain every step, and ensure you feel completely at ease.