Conscious IV Sedation Dentistry in Christchurch

For patients who feel real anxiety about dental treatment, conscious IV sedation offers a way to stay relaxed and comfortable throughout. Our team has been providing this service for ten years, and it remains one of the ways we help dental fear stand aside so you can get the care you need.

What Is IV Sedation? A medicine called Midazolam is given through a small cannula into a vein in your arm to help you relax and ease anxiety about treatment. You may fall asleep during the procedure and remember very little afterward. Local anaesthetic is also used in the gums, so you feel no pain, and we provide extra oxygen through the nose throughout.

Who It's For? Sedation is well suited to patients with dental anxiety, and to fit and healthy adults (or those with mild, well-controlled medical conditions). Some children over 12 may also be candidates. It is not suitable for everyone, including those with a history of sleep apnoea or severe snoring, certain medical conditions, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and we'll discuss your full history with you beforehand.

Safety & Monitoring. Your breathing, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels are closely monitored throughout with dedicated patient monitoring equipment. We also keep a reversal medication on hand, though it is very rarely needed.

On the Day. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you afterward. We will ask you not to eat for four hours beforehand, to avoid alcohol, and to wear loose, comfortable clothing. We will walk you through the full list of before-and-after instructions well ahead of your appointment.

Meet the dentists behind this treatment

Kristine and Catherine are both highly experienced in providing conscious IV sedation as part of treating anxious patients.