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Paediatric Dentistry · Primrose Hill, NW1

IV Sedation for Children's Longer Treatments in London

IV sedation is a deeper level of sedation than laughing gas, given through a small cannula, for children who need longer or more complex dental work and cannot manage it awake and alert. Your child is drowsy and relaxed rather than asleep, and usually remembers little of the visit.

A consultation tells us whether IV sedation is suitable for your child, how long the treatment is likely to take, and what it will cost.

Our clinical team is led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, GDC-registered specialist periodontist (GDC No. 104071).

Care for complex paediatric dental needs

  • Primrose Hill, London NW1
A patient consultation at London Dental Specialists
Primrose Hill, London NW1London Dental Specialists

Managing complex dental problems in children

When a child needs several fillings, an extraction, or treatment for an infection, and cannot cope with a long appointment, parents are stuck between the treatment the child needs and the distress of getting it done. Our paediatric dentistry in London uses dental x-rays to plan the full course of work before the sedation visit, so as much as possible is completed in one go.

Alongside any restorative work, we put decay prevention in place so the same problem does not come back.

Choosing the right level of sedation

Choosing sedation for a child is a serious decision, and IV sedation is not the first option we reach for. Children's care is provided by our dentists, with the practice led by Dr Ope Sodeinde, and we assess your child's needs, medical history and anxiety before recommending it. Costs are itemised at the consultation.

For milder anxiety we offer nitrous oxide for mild anxiety or The Wand computer-assisted numbing. Where the treatment is too extensive for sedation, we discuss general anaesthesia for extensive treatment, which is arranged by referral to a hospital anaesthetic team.

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Who can benefit from IV sedation

Older children and teenagers with high anxiety, children who cannot stay still for a longer procedure, and those who have had a bad experience and cannot face treatment awake. Parents often feel guilty or stressed when a child is distressed at the dentist; we take that pressure off. With IV sedation we can complete complex work while your child stays calm.

It suits children who cannot manage with local anaesthetic alone. You can compare it with the other options in our guide to children's dental treatments and which option fits. Suitability, including your child's age and medical history, is confirmed at an examination.

Your child's sedation path

The sedation assessment

We examine your child, decide whether sedation is the right choice, discuss the specific needs of the case and any risks, and explain our care for anxious children approach so the family knows what to expect.

Preparing for the visit

We give you clear instructions on preparing your child, including fasting and what happens on the day at our Primrose Hill practice.

Administering the sedation

The sedative is given through a small cannula, and your child's breathing, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored throughout.

Completing the dental work

Once the sedation has taken effect we carry out the planned treatment, with local anaesthetic for the teeth being treated, and work efficiently to keep chair time short.

Recovery and home care

We monitor your child until they are safe to leave and give you specific aftercare instructions. A parent or guardian must stay with your child for the rest of the day.

Children's care at the practice

Our preventive services for children include children's dental exams and cleanings, fluoride treatments, and dental hygiene for children and teens.

Our clinical team repairs damaged teeth with tooth-coloured composite resin or conservative dental bonding, uses a diode laser for tongue-tie division, and offers removable aligners where alignment treatment is appropriate.

Patient evidence

Patient experiences with our clinicians

Anxiety often comes with the need for longer dental treatment. We keep appointments calm and unhurried at our Primrose Hill practice.

Recently had a tooth extracted and I was feeling anxious, but the staff was super calming and the procedure was quick and painless.

We give honest options at consultations without pressure, so you can decide on the right path for your child.

Common concerns about sedation

How long is the recovery?

Your child will be drowsy for the rest of the day and should rest at home with an adult. We set out the timeline at the assessment.

How much does IV sedation cost?

Fees are confirmed after the assessment, once we know the treatment involved, and explained clearly before you decide.

How long does the sedation last?

It is maintained for the length of the treatment and adjusted throughout so your child stays comfortable until the work is complete.

Which sedation do you use?

Nitrous oxide for mild anxiety, IV sedation for longer or more complex procedures, and referral for general anaesthesia where neither is enough.

Our dentists provide this care at the practice in Primrose Hill.

Arrange a sedation assessment

Our dentists confirm whether this approach suits your child at a consultation, and give you a clear plan for the procedure and the recovery.

Read what happens at your child's dental consultation and how to book to get started.

020 7589 7792

Comfort options for children

For a lighter touch we provide nitrous oxide for mild anxiety, and The Wand computer-assisted numbing makes the injection itself more comfortable. For extensive treatment that cannot be done under sedation, we arrange general anaesthesia by hospital referral.

After the assessment you receive a written plan and itemised quote for your child's care, which is yours to keep. Arrange your assessment with the team to discuss the procedure and payment options with our staff.

020 7589 7792

Who carries out your treatment

Your specialist

Dr Ope Sodeinde, Specialist in Periodontics

Dr Ope Sodeinde

GDC-registered specialist periodontistGDC No. 104071

Profile and qualifications

Patient reviews

What our patients say

Real, verified Google reviews from patients of London Dental Specialists.

“Ope was incredibly skilled and made me feel at ease from the moment I arrived.”

Halima Diallo · Google review

“Even from my very first consultations Ope made me feel at ease and confident in his treatment plans and execution.”

Rory Hinde · Google review

“The hygienist also wanted to make me feel reassured and confident and I left much less anxious.”

Fran · Google review

“Also before by extraction, I had a hygienist appointment with Florentina who made me feel at ease and comfortable throughout, she also explained proper teeth hygiene techniques to help prevent plaque and gum disease which I will be carrying on from now on.”

Tinu O · Google review

“Ope, a specialist in Periodontics, reassured me and explained the entire process thoroughly.”

J J · Google review

“Florentina is clearly passionate (and extremely knowledgeable) about dental care and answered my numerous questions with calm professionalism.”

Juliet Ellis · Google review

“By the end, my mother felt much more comfortable with Ope, something she never felt before with dental professionals.”

Sophie O · Google review

“Recently had a tooth extracted and I was feeling anxious, but the staff was super calming and the procedure was quick and painless.”

Megan Kennedy · Google review

“Ope and his team are always very professional and reassuring.”

Jill Bowden · Google review

“I am normally anxious about dental work but Dr Patel made me feel very comfortable; she kept me updated throughout and reassured me.”

Abigail Grace · Google review

“Ope is kind, warm, and reassuring, while also being immensely professional & down-to-business.”

Hesse K · Google review

“I was anxious going to the dentist before seeing Ope but when I first visited London Dental Specialists I immediately felt at ease and the team was competent and really friendly, I am so happy with my results and would recommend them to everyone!”

Cassie · Google review

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NW1

Where we are

111 Regent's Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8UR

Tel

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020 7589 7792

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