Not every patient needs the same level of sedation. We offer three options — from mild relaxation to deep conscious sedation — and we'll recommend the right one for you.
| Nitrous Oxide | IV Sedation | Oral Sedation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sedation level | Mild | Moderate–Deep | Mild–Moderate |
| Administered via | Mask over nose | Small IV cannula | Tablet before visit |
| Consciousness | Fully awake | Semi-conscious | Drowsy but awake |
| Memory of procedure | Full recall | Little or none | Partial recall |
| Recovery time | Minutes | 2–4 hours | Several hours |
| Can drive home? | Usually yes | No — need a driver | No — need a driver |
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose during your appointment. Within a few minutes, you'll feel calm, slightly euphoric, and deeply relaxed — but fully conscious and able to respond to Dr Sri throughout.
The effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask. Most patients are able to drive themselves home afterward, although we'll confirm this based on your individual situation.
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves medication delivered directly into a vein in your arm or hand through a small cannula. Within moments, you enter a deeply relaxed, drowsy state — often described as feeling like a heavy, dreamless sleep.
You can still breathe independently and respond if spoken to, but most patients have little or no memory of the appointment afterward. This is different from general anaesthesia — you are not fully unconscious.
Dr Sri holds a Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Conscious Sedation) from the University of Sydney and administers and monitors IV sedation personally throughout every procedure.
You'll receive specific fasting instructions — typically no food for six hours and no clear liquids for two hours before your appointment. Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from the practice and stay with you for the rest of the day. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
Dr Sri places a small IV cannula in your hand or forearm and administers the sedation medication. Once you're settled and comfortable, the dental work proceeds while your vital signs are monitored continuously. Most patients describe the experience as feeling like they drifted off and were back before they knew it.
You'll rest in our recovery area until you're alert enough to go home with your escort. Mild grogginess or nausea is normal and resolves within a few hours. Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make important decisions for 24 hours after IV sedation.
For patients who prefer not to have an IV but need more relaxation than nitrous oxide alone, oral sedation provides a middle ground. You take a prescribed sedative tablet before your appointment, which produces a calm, drowsy state by the time you arrive.
You remain conscious throughout, though you may feel very relaxed and somewhat sleepy. The effects last several hours, so you'll need someone to drive you to and from the practice.
All sedation at our practice is administered by Dr Sri — who holds a postgraduate qualification in conscious sedation from the University of Sydney. Your vital signs (oxygen levels, heart rate, blood pressure) are monitored continuously throughout every sedation appointment. A thorough medical assessment is always conducted before any sedation is planned, and we'll discuss the specific risks and requirements with you at your consultation.
Not everyone is a suitable candidate for every type of sedation. Your medical history, current medications, and the procedure planned all factor into our recommendation.
Whether you've been putting off dental care for years or you just want a calmer experience — we're here, and we understand.