Comfort and calm for nervous patients

Sedation Dentistry in Scotland

Many patients avoid going to the dentist because of past trauma, a phobia of needles, or anxiety around the dental chair.

At Dental Studio Scotland, we take this seriously. Our dedicated sedation dentistry service helps nervous patients receive the care they need, comfortably and confidently. Whether you’re coming in for a check-up or a more complex dental procedure, we offer safe, proven forms of sedation to ease your worries and improve your experience.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses a sedative drug to help you feel deeply relaxed during your dental treatment. It’s also called conscious sedation because you stay awake but calm and detached from fear or discomfort.

This approach is ideal for:

  • Patients with dental phobia or generalised dental anxiety
  • Those undergoing longer or more involved treatments
  • People with a strong gag reflex or difficulty staying still
  • Patients who find visiting the dentist overwhelming
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Types of Sedation We Offer

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

A strong, fast-acting type of sedation, IV sedation is delivered into the bloodstream via a small tube in your arm or hand. It’s typically administered using a short-acting benzodiazepine, such as Midazolam.

IV sedation allows you to:

  • Stay awake but free of fear and pain
  • Feel drowsy and unlikely to remember the procedure
  • Respond to your dentist, if needed
  • Remain comfortable for the full duration of treatment

You’ll still receive a local anaesthetic once you’re relaxed to ensure a pain-free experience. 🌬️

Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

Also known as “laughing gas”, this lighter option is ideal for anxious patients needing shorter treatments. You’ll breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nosepiece to feel calm, floaty, and in control.

Also called inhalation analgesia, this form of sedation:

  • Takes effect quickly
  • Wears off soon after treatment
  • Allows you to resume your day with minimal downtime

This is particularly useful for children, teens, and adults with mild to moderate dental anxiety.

What Does Sedation Feel Like?

Conscious sedation creates a deep sense of relaxation. While you remain responsive, many patients say they feel disconnected from the sounds, smells, and sensations of the dental practice. You won’t feel pain during the dental procedure, and in many cases, you won’t remember it afterwards.

Is Sedation Safe?

Both IV sedation and nitrous oxide are extremely safe when delivered by trained professionals. We monitor your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and breathing throughout.

Before your dental appointment, we’ll review your medical history to ensure sedation is appropriate for you. Sedation may not be suitable if you’re pregnant, have allergies to certain medications, or underlying health conditions.

Your dentist will determine your eligibility during consultation.

Aftercare and Side Effects

After IV sedation, you’ll need:

  • A responsible adult to escort you home
  • To rest and avoid work or driving for 24 hours
  • To avoid using machinery, cookers, or alcohol

You may feel drowsy or nauseous temporarily, these side effects usually wear off quickly. If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, contact your dental practice. Inhalation sedation wears off faster. Most patients return to normal activity shortly after treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be fully asleep during sedation?

No. You’ll remain conscious but calm. This is called conscious sedation—not general anaesthetic.

Do I still need anaesthetic if I’m sedated?

Yes. Sedation helps with anxiety, not pain. Your dentist will use local anaesthetic after you’re sedated, so you won’t feel anything.

Can I drive after sedation?

Only if you’ve had inhalation sedation. With IV sedation, you must not drive for 24 hours.

What if I’ve had a bad dental experience before?

That’s exactly what sedation dentistry is for. Many of our nervous patients say this approach helped them rebuild trust in dental care.

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Hear From Our Smiling Patients

I had my first dental inspection today with Mr Strang. He thoroughly examined and polished my teeth, and I found him to be very calming, friendly and extremely professional. The dental nurse Laila (… Read More

Elizabeth Morrison

My first visit to Mr Strang the dentist. Had a check up with scale and polish which was done with great care and attention. Of course he was ably assisted by the very pleasant dental nurse, Lilah. All… Read More

Frank Morrison

Both my kids go to Mrs strang. He is an amazing dentist. Both boys struggle with being anxious at dentist but he settles them and makes them feel very comfortable. I myself go to Anna in practice and… Read More

Alana

I had a slight throbing pain in my right ear for around 2/3 months, after several visits to my medical practice, it still persisted. I decided to visit my dentist (Dr Strang) and through his experienc… Read More

ronnie christie

My daughter, Emilia (6 years old), was referred to Mr Strang for inhalation sedation to assist in a tooth extraction. Emilia is an extremely anxious child and was terrified of “getting the tooth out”…. Read More

Rachael Robb