Nervous about dental treatment?
You're not alone, and you won't be rushed. We explain each step, agree a stop signal before we start, and go at your pace.
You're in calm, careful hands
Many people of all ages and backgrounds feel anxious about dental and implant treatment. Dental fear is real, and it can stop you asking for the help you need. With the right support, that cycle can be broken.
We explain every step, agree a stop signal before we begin, and never rush you. If you'd prefer, treatment can be carried out under intravenous sedation, so you feel deeply relaxed throughout.
How we help
Your consultation, at your pace. Expect a caring, patient and non-judgemental approach. Your dentist will look at your teeth, take some X-rays and talk you through your options, with plenty of explanation and reassurance along the way.
You stay in control. Before we begin, we agree a stop signal. You can start or stop treatment at any time, simply by raising a hand.
Nothing happens without your agreement. We always ask for your consent and take your wishes into account. We explain all the options and costs before any treatment, so you can make an informed choice.
Careful local anaesthetic. Implants are usually placed under local anaesthetic, and our dentists take great care to make it as comfortable as possible.
How IV sedation works
Intravenous (IV) sedation, also called conscious sedation, relieves anxiety and leaves you deeply relaxed while you are still awake. It is provided at our Cirencester practice.
Talk it through first. A sedation consultation lets you discuss your treatment and how sedation would work for you.
On the day. You come in with a responsible adult, who waits and takes you home afterwards.
The sedative. A sedative (midazolam) is given through a small needle in the back of your hand or the inside of your elbow, so you feel deeply relaxed.
Monitored throughout. We monitor you carefully, and make sure you are comfortably sedated, relaxed and happy before any treatment starts. You'll still be able to talk and respond to instructions throughout.
Home to rest. When treatment is finished, you go home with your escort and rest. Someone needs to stay with you for 24 hours; a family member or friend is usually happy to help.
Who provides sedation
IV sedation is provided by two of our dentists:
Dr Joao Souteiro
Associate Dentist
GDC 249325
Associate dentist with a special interest in implants, gum (periodontal) care and IV sedation for nervous patients. Co-Director of the Cirencester ITI Study Club.
Profile: Dr Joao Souteiro
Dr Melanie Bennett
Associate Dentist
GDC 302190
Associate dentist and former pharmacist who enjoys treating nervous patients and children. Mel provides IV sedation at Cirencester.
Profile: Dr Melanie Bennett
Before your sedation
After sedation, your co-ordination and logical thinking may be affected for a while, so it is important to follow this advice. You'll be able to talk and respond to any instructions throughout your treatment.
On the day of treatment:
- Have a light meal at least two hours before your treatment.
- Do not drink any alcohol.
- Take any routine tablets or medicines at the usual time.
- Bring a responsible adult with you who is able to wait and escort you home afterwards.
After your sedation
Follow this advice for 48 hours after your treatment.
- Rest for 1 to 2 days.
- Do not drive a car or ride a bicycle.
- Do not operate machinery or do anything that needs skill or judgement.
- Do not climb ladders.
- Do not take sleeping tablets.
- Do not drink alcohol.
- Do not make any vital decisions or sign legal documents.
- Make sure someone stays with you for 24 hours after your treatment.
If you have any concerns after your treatment, call the practice on 01285 640248, or outside surgery hours, the on-call mobile on 07912 668541. You can also download the sedation advice sheet.
Fees
A sedation consultation is £95. Sedation is from £415 for the first hour and from £250 for each hour after that.
| Item | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sedation consultation | With Dr Joao Souteiro or Dr Melanie Bennett. | £95 |
| IV sedation, first hour | from £415 | |
| IV sedation, each further hour | from £250 |
Sedation is added to the cost of your treatment and shown in your written, fully costed plan before anything begins. See all fees.
Questions about sedation and nerves
Does having an implant hurt?
Implants are usually placed under a local anaesthetic, which numbs the area while we work. Afterwards, much as after having a tooth out, you may have some discomfort in the week after surgery, such as a dull ache, swelling or slight bruising. How much depends on how many implants you have and how involved the surgery is. If you’re very nervous, or your treatment is complicated, intravenous (IV) sedation is available to help you feel deeply relaxed. General anaesthetic is rarely used for implants, and only for very complicated cases.
I'm nervous. What can I expect at my consultation?
You’re not alone: many people feel anxious about dental and implant treatment. You can expect a caring, patient and non-judgemental approach. Your consultation goes at your pace, and we’ll explain everything as we go. The dentist will look at your teeth, take some X-rays and give you advice. Before we start, we’ll agree a stop signal, so you stay in control throughout.
What if I need a break during treatment?
Just raise your hand. Before we begin, we’ll agree this as your stop signal, and we’ll pause whenever you use it. You’re always in control while you’re in our care, and you have the power to start or stop treatment at any point. We explain each step as we go, so nothing comes as a surprise, and we never rush you.
Book a consultation and tell us you're nervous. We'll take it at your pace, and you'll leave with a clear, fully costed plan to take home and think over.