IV Sedation

If your child has higher levels of dental anxiety, complex treatment needs, or hasn’t responded well to happy gas, IV sedation can help. It’s delivered by our specialist paediatric sedation team, who monitor your child closely throughout, allowing treatment to be carried out safely and comfortably.
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About IV Sedation

We understand that visiting the dentist can feel a little daunting for some children, which is why we offer IV sedation for those who need a deeper level of support.

Delivered through a small cannula placed into a vein, it helps your child feel very drowsy and deeply relaxed while continuing to breathe independently. It’s best suited to children with higher levels of anxiety, complex treatment needs, or those who haven’t responded well to inhalation sedation. Our trusted specialist paediatric sedation team monitors your child closely throughout, and you stay with them the whole way — from the practice to home.

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The IV Sedation Process

1
Pre-Appointment Assessment
The specialist team reviews your child's medical history and suitability for IV sedation before the appointment is confirmed.
2
Getting Comfortable
At your child's appointment, the specialist places a small cannula and administers the sedative medication. Your child will feel very drowsy and deeply relaxed very quickly.
3
Treatment Time
The specialist team continuously monitors your child's oxygen levels, heart rate, and breathing throughout the procedure.
4
Recovery
Your child is cared for in a recovery area until they're fully alert and stable. A parent or guardian accompanies them home and stays with them for the rest of the day.

Benefits

Suited to complex or anxious cases
Ideal for children with higher levels of dental anxiety, complex treatment needs, or those who haven't responded well to inhalation sedation.
Deeper relaxation
Your child will feel very drowsy and deeply relaxed, often appearing to be asleep, while continuing to breathe independently throughout.
Continuous specialist monitoring
A specialist paediatric sedation team monitors your child's oxygen levels, heart rate and breathing throughout the procedure.
Cared for through recovery
Your child is looked after in a recovery area until they're fully alert and stable, with a parent or guardian accompanying them home.
Got questions about IV Sedation? Here are some common ones.

IV Sedation FAQs

How is my child monitored during IV sedation?

Your child's breathing, heart rate, and overall wellbeing are closely monitored by our experienced team for the full duration of treatment.

Will my child need to rest after IV sedation?

Yes, recovery takes a little longer than with gas alone. Your child will need time to fully come round before going home, and may feel drowsy for the rest of the day.

Does my child need to prepare beforehand?

Yes, your child will need to avoid eating or drinking for a set period before their appointment. We'll provide full fasting instructions ahead of time.

Is IV sedation right for every child?

It's particularly suited to children with higher levels of dental anxiety, complex treatment needs, or those who haven't responded well to inhalation sedation. We'll assess your child's medical history and suitability before confirming the appointment.

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