Gentle dentistry for nervous patients

Feel calm and in control with dental sedation

If dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or past experiences have made it hard to get the care you need, you are not alone. At Floss and Smile, we help nervous patients from Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and Ashridge feel comfortable in the chair.

For some patients, oral sedation can make appointments feel far more manageable. Oral sedation uses a prescribed anti-anxiety tablet to help you feel drowsy and relaxed, while still able to respond and cooperate during treatment.

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Sedation type

Oral sedation (prescribed tablet)

Suitable for

Dental anxiety, dental phobia, sensitive gag reflex, longer appointments

Comfort-first care

Gentle team, unhurried pace, breaks when needed, calming environment

Person in a dental clinic gripping a white tooth model tightly in hand, suggesting nervousness or discomfort.

What is dental sedation?

Dental sedation is designed to reduce anxiety and help you feel more at ease during treatment. Sedation is not the same as pain relief, so we still use local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated. Sedation can make the overall experience feel calmer and less overwhelming.

At Floss and Smile, we primarily offer oral sedation. This involves a carefully prescribed medication taken before your appointment. It can help you feel drowsy, more relaxed and less aware of the sights and sounds around you, while remaining awake and able to respond

Key Benefits

Helps reduce fear and anxiety so you can move forward with treatment
Can make longer appointments feel easier to manage
Can help patients with a sensitive gag reflex or feelings of panic in the chair

Who is sedation dentistry for?

Sedation may be helpful if you:

Feel anxious before appointments or avoid the dentist
Have had a difficult dental experience in the past
Struggle with a strong gag reflex
Feel overwhelmed by noises, smells, or the feeling of loss of control
Need a longer appointment or multiple treatments and want it to feel more manageable

Woman lying back in a dental chair wearing headphones and squeezing two white stress-relief teeth toys.

Close-up of a person squeezing a white, tooth-shaped stress ball while sitting down.

Modern dental clinic room with black and white dental chair, stool, computers, and bright overhead lights.

Dental professional wearing a blue hairnet, mask, glasses, and gloves working on a patient's teeth in a clinical setting.

What treatments can sedation help with?

Oral sedation can be considered for many common treatments, especially when anxiety is a barrier, including:

Dental examinations and X-rays for very anxious patients
Fillings and restorative care
Gum treatment or hygiene visits where sensitivity or anxiety is high
Root canal treatment
Extractions
Dental implants and longer appointments, where appropriate

Sedation suitability depends on your medical history and the type and length of treatment. We will always assess this carefully before recommending it.

Book a free consultation

Abstract blue shape resembling a stylized tooth on a transparent background.

Your four-step journey

What to expect with oral sedation at Floss and Smile

Your 3D simulation appointment

Cost of first appointment £350, refunded if you go ahead with the proposed treatment

What happens during your first appointment:

Smile analysis - discuss your concerns and smile goals
Bite analysis - your dentist will examine how you bite your teeth together when chewing and at rest
TMJ assessment - the joint used with you open and close your mouth
X-rays and clinical photos are taken
Impressions and scans taken using latest technology to create your bespoke 3D treatment plan
We go through your consent form before ordering your3D simulation so you are well informed before and duringthe treatment
Around three weeks later you’ll return to our Dunstable practice to preview your new smile.

Dentist wearing blue gloves and mask examining a male patient's teeth in a dental clinic.

Step One

Preview your new smile and agree your treatment plan

Cost of first appointment £350, refunded if you go ahead with the proposed treatment

What happens during your first appointment:

Smile analysis - discuss your concerns and smile goals
Bite analysis - your dentist will examine how you bite your teeth together when chewing and at rest
TMJ assessment - the joint used with you open and close your mouth
X-rays and clinical photos are taken
Impressions and scans taken using latest technology to create your bespoke 3D treatment plan
We go through your consent form before ordering your3D simulation so you are well informed before and duringthe treatment
Around three weeks later you’ll return to our Dunstable practice to preview your new smile.

Smiling man wearing glasses, a black turban, and a white button-up shirt standing in front of a striped background.

Step two

Your journey to a straight smile begins

What happens at your third appointment and beyond:

Your aligners will arrive approximately three weeks after ordering
You will start wearing your aligners and change them every 1-2 weeks
The aligners will gently move your teeth in small, safe increments. Initially, you'll return every 2 to 4 weeks. This will change to every 6 to 8 weeks for check-ups and to receive additional aligners.
Upon completing your treatment, you will receive removable and/or fixed retainers to preserve and safeguard your new beautiful smilefor life.

Dental models of teeth placed on a table with an Invisalign branded paper bag in the background.

Step three

Smiling receptionist handing documents to a male visitor at an office reception desk.

Step 1

A calm conversation first

Tell us what worries you. We will listen and talk through the options.

Pharmacist discussing medication with a customer holding a tube of cream at a pharmacy counter.

Step 2

Safety-first assessment

We review your medical history and current medications to confirm oral sedation is suitable.

Receptionist smiling and assisting a woman who is signing on a tablet at a dental clinic front desk.

Step 3

Your sedation appointment

We guide you step-by-step, go at your pace, and use local anaesthetic as normal. Oral sedation helps you feel calmer while staying awake and able to respond.

Smiling couple embracing happily outdoors, man wearing sunglasses and headphones, woman in white hat laughing.

Step 4

Getting home safely

You will need a responsible adult to accompany you, and you will not be able to drive after your appointment.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Dentist wearing protective gloves, mask, and hair cover, preparing dental tools for a patient in a clinic.

Our comfort-first approach, even without sedation

Many nervous patients find they do not need sedation once they experience our approach. We support you with:

A calm, friendly team that understands dental anxiety
Unhurried appointments with time for breaks
Clear explanations so you know what to expect
Distraction options such as TV or music
A judgement-free environment where you stay in control

Frequently asked questions about

Dental Sedation at Floss and Smile

Will I be asleep with oral sedation?

No. Oral sedation is usually conscious sedation. You feel relaxed and drowsy, but you remain awake and able to respond.

Is oral sedation safe?

For suitable patients, oral sedation is widely used. We assess your medical history carefully and only recommend sedation when it is appropriate.

Can I drive myself home after sedation?

No. You will need someone to accompany you and you must not drive after oral sedation.

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What should I do before my sedation appointment?

We will give you clear instructions before your visit. You will also be asked about your medical history and any medications you take.

Can anyone have sedation?

Not always. Sedation may not be suitable for certain medical conditions, some medications, pregnancy, or if you do not have an escort to take you home. If oral sedation is not suitable, we will discuss other ways to help you feel comfortable.

Does sedation mean I will not need an injection?

Sedation helps with anxiety, but it does not replace pain control. We still use local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated.

Will I be asleep with oral sedation?

No. Oral sedation is usually conscious sedation. You feel relaxed and drowsy, but you remain awake and able to respond.

Is oral sedation safe?

For suitable patients, oral sedation is widely used. We assess your medical history carefully and only recommend sedation when it is appropriate.

Can I drive myself home after sedation?

No. You will need someone to accompany you and you must not drive after oral sedation.

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What should I do before my sedation appointment?

We will give you clear instructions before your visit. You will also be asked about your medical history and any medications you take.

Can anyone have sedation?

Does sedation mean I will not need an injection?

Sedation helps with anxiety, but it does not replace pain control. We still use local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated.

I’m interested in getting dental implants, what should I do?

The first thing to do is to book a consultation with us here at Floss and Smile! At your consultation we will answer any questions you may have. Based on a comprehensive examination we will plan the best treatment for you and walk you through all the costs involved. Our patients get extra reassurance by having access to a text mobile 24/7 during and after the treatment.

I have a loose denture. Can dental implants help me?

Yes they can. Dental implants are an excellent solution for the millions of people who have loose dentures and offer many advantages over conventional dentures. Conventional dentures are often uncomfortable and, due to the movement, limit a person’s ability to speak and eat normally. Because of this, many people feel self-conscious wearing their dentures. The dentures can be secured into place by locking on to 2-4 implants. Implants are commonly used to replace individual missing teeth, but they can also be used to secure or stabilise loose dentures in either the upper or lower jaws. Instead of having a crown (cap) fitted to the top of the implant a precision-made attachment is fitted which inserts into the underneath surface of the denture, securing the denture to the implant. In the lower jaw this can be achieved with as few as two implants. If there is sufficient bone available and you are willing to have more implants inserted then you can often be fitted with a completely solid set of teeth attached to the dental implants (a full-arch bridge). This set of teeth would stay in permanently and would look and feel very similar to a natural set of teeth.

Is dental implant placement painful?

Dental implants are typically placed under local anaesthetic to ensure you are comfortable throughout the treatment. If you are very nervous or suffer from dental phobia we can offer you sedation. Our whole team has trained extensively in caring for nervous patients, and over the years, we've successfully treated many people with high levels of anxiety. We've not only transformed their smiles and improved their oral health but also significantly reduced their dental treatment-related anxiety.

How long does it take to place dental implants?

Your dental implants may be placed in as little as 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the location and the number of implants being placed. Your dentist will be able to give you a clear idea of the treatment time during your first appointment with us.

When will I receive my new teeth?

Treatment time varies for each patient. Typically, you will have some type of temporary teeth until your implants bond to the bone. We can provide a time estimate based on your treatment needs, during your initial consultation here in Dunstable.

How do I care for my dental implants?

Home care for your implants consists of brushing and flossing. Regular dental visits are required for long term health and success.

How long can dental implants last?

Implants can last many years if cared for properly. Many implants have been in place for more than 40 years.

How does the long term value of dental implants compare to other options?

Dental implants are low maintenance and provide stability and confidence in your smile. Therefore, the long term value of dental implants far exceeds conventional treatment options.

Are dental implants safe?

Yes, dental implants are considered a safe and effective treatment option for replacing missing teeth. At Floss and Smile, our dentists have a special interest in dental implant surgery and have restored hundreds of smiles over the years, using gold standard implants.

How long does it take to get dental implants?

The journey to receiving dental implants varies based on personal factors like oral health, potential need for procedures such as bone grafting, and the body's healing response. Typically, from the first consultation to achieving a complete restoration, the process spans several months. This period allows for the implant to fuse securely with the jawbone (known as osseointegration), a critical phase lasting approximately 3 to 6 months.