Oral Sedation
If you feel anxious about dental treatment, oral sedation can help make the experience more manageable. It’s a simple, safe, and effective option that uses medication taken by mouth—usually about an hour before your appointment—to help you feel relaxed, drowsy, and at ease throughout your visit.
A Calm, Controlled Way to Take the Edge Off
If you feel anxious about dental treatment, oral sedation can help make the experience more manageable. It’s a simple, safe, and effective option that uses medication taken by mouth—usually about an hour before your appointment—to help you feel relaxed, drowsy, and at ease throughout your visit.
At Riseley Street Dental, we commonly use temazepam or lorazepam as part of our oral sedation protocol. These medications are well understood, widely used in dentistry, and allow us to provide care in a calm, comfortable way—without the need for IV lines or full anaesthesia.
What to Expect
- You’ll take a prescribed tablet (or dissolve it under the tongue) around 30–60 minutes before your appointment
- The medication will make you feel deeply relaxed, and in many cases, a little sleepy or detached from the experience
- You’ll remain conscious and able to respond, but the edge will be taken off your awareness and anxiety
- You must have someone drive you to and from the appointment, and plan to rest for the remainder of the day
Oral sedation is ideal for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing longer procedures who simply want to feel more at ease.
When We Recommend Oral Sedation
- Complex or time-consuming treatment
- Patients with dental phobia or past trauma
- Difficulty getting numb with local anaesthetic alone
- History of panic or physical tension during appointments
- For those who prefer not to remember the details of the procedure
We’ll assess your suitability based on your medical history, current medications, and the type of treatment planned. You’ll receive clear instructions about what to do before and after your appointment, including fasting if required.
FAQs: Oral Sedation at Riseley Street Dental
Will I be asleep?
No—oral sedation is not general anaesthesia. You’ll be drowsy and relaxed, but still conscious and responsive.
Will I remember anything?
Most patients have only a vague or patchy memory of the appointment. The goal is to make the experience feel short, calm, and manageable.
Is oral sedation safe?
Yes, when prescribed and monitored appropriately. We’ll carefully screen your medical history to ensure it’s suitable, and monitor you throughout your appointment.
Can I drive afterwards?
No. You’ll need someone to escort you home, and you shouldn’t drive, work, or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
How is this different from IV sedation?
IV sedation is stronger and more predictable, with faster onset and deeper relaxation. Oral sedation is a simpler option that works well for many people, especially when full sedation isn’t necessary.
Let's take care of your smile, the right way.
Experience personalised care, a calming atmosphere, and a genuine commitment to doing good dentistry. Start your journey with a team that focuses on the details that truly matter.
Commonly asked questions about our practice
Here are some common questions we get asked, along with clear, straightforward answers
Yes, we can organise payment plans through trusted third-party providers. Let us know if you'd like to spread out your treatment costs—we’ll talk you through what’s possible without any pressure.
Yes, you’re welcome to request a specific clinician when booking.
Yes, we have parking available on-site. We’re also accessible by public transport.
Yes! We take a thoughtful and calm approach to care and will always go at your pace. We also offer sedation options for more complex or lengthy procedures. If you’re nervous, feel free to let us know ahead of time so we can help make the visit more comfortable.
We focus on detail-oriented, high-quality care designed with longevity in mind. Each treatment is approached with careful planning and clinical consideration, with the aim of achieving results that are both functional and long-lasting. We take the time to listen, collaborate, and tailor care to each person’s needs—so patients feel informed, confident, and well-supported at every step.
Let's take care of your smile, the right way.
Experience personalised care, a calming atmosphere, and a genuine passion for detail. Start your journey with a team that focuses on what truly matters.