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).

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 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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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.
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.
We give you clear instructions on preparing your child, including fasting and what happens on the day at our Primrose Hill practice.
The sedative is given through a small cannula, and your child's breathing, pulse and oxygen levels are monitored throughout.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fees are confirmed after the assessment, once we know the treatment involved, and explained clearly before you decide.
It is maintained for the length of the treatment and adjusted throughout so your child stays comfortable until the work is complete.
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.
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
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

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