Sedation

Conscious sedation may be an alternative to a General Anaesthetic for nervous children.

What is dental sedation

At Toothbuds, we understand that some older children can still feel especially nervous about dental treatment. For older (at least school age) children who may need extractions or a single procedure to be completed, conscious sedation may be an alternative to a General Anaesthetic.

In some specific cases sedation is a safe and effective way to help children relax during their dental care. The most common type we use is an oral sedation which helps children feel calm while still awake and responsive. At Toothbuds our sedation will be administered and monitored by a specialist paediatric anaesthetist to ensure your child is in the safest hands.

Why it’s used

Sedation may be recommended when:

  • A school age or older child feels anxious or fearful about dental treatment

  • A single more complex procedure is needed

  • A child has a strong gag reflex or difficulty keeping still

We want to ensure a positive experience and avoid creating dental fear in the future Sedation in some cases can make treatment smoother, less stressful, and more comfortable for both child and parent.

How it works

  • Dental assessment: We will complete a thorough clinical and radiographic exam and let you know if sedation may be an option for your child’s dental treatment.

  • Before the appointment: We’ll explain how sedation works and answer your questions. You’ll receive simple instructions to follow on the day.

  • Pre assessment: Our specialist anaesthetist will review your child’s medical history to ensure that they are a suitable candidate for in clinic sedation.

  • During treatment: Depending on the sedation used within 10-20minutes, your child will feel relaxed, sometimes a little giggly or floaty, but remain awake and able to talk to us. Your child will be continuously monitored by a specialist anaesthetist while Dr Katie completes the treatment.

  • After treatment: Once the procedure is complete, your child will be monitored while they safely recover. Once our specialist anaesthetist is happy that your child is ready to go home they will be discharged with post operative instructions.

Sedation is very safe and closely monitored throughout by our specialist team. Our aim is to make dental care a calm, positive experience - building confidence for future visits.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SEDATION WILL NOT BE OFFERED UNTIL WE MOVE INTO OUR PURPOSE-BUILT ROOMS IN EARLY 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Q: How can I find a paediatric dentist near me with sedation?

A: At Toothbuds, we provide safe sedation options with a specialist anaesthetist for anxious children who meet our criteria. In many cases a general anaesthetic will be needed especially when children are young and extensive treatment is required.

Q: Is dental sedation safe for toddlers?

A: Toddlers and young children with extensive work are usually treated under general anaesthetic. This is the saftest way for us to provide the highest quality dental treatment for your child.