Dental sedation for nervous patients
If the dentist's chair has been off-limits for years, you're not alone - and we can help. IV sedation lets even the most anxious patients have the treatment they need, comfortably and calmly.
Provided in practice
Fully private care
Your treatment coordinator
If you've been avoiding the dentist, this is for you
Dental anxiety is far more common than people realise. For some it's the sound of the drill. For others it's a bad experience years ago that's stuck around. Some patients can't put their finger on why - just that the thought of an appointment makes their stomach turn. Whatever the reason, you're not weak, and you're not unusual. You just need a practice that takes anxiety seriously and offers proper options to manage it.
That's where IV sedation comes in - and where Natural Smiles can help.
Trusted by our patients
As someone who avoided dentists for 10+ years due to being slightly phobic I absolutely cannot rate the team at Natural Smiles highly enough. Friendly and welcoming reception staff, comforting and efficient dentists and a clean and warm surgery overall. I've been with them for years now and can't imagine ever going elsewhere.
My experience at Natural Smiles was excellent, after avoiding the dentist for a couple of years I finally plucked up the courage to visit Dr Raja and I'm so glad I did, he instantly noticed I was feeling very anxious and he made me feel very comfortable and at ease. I have been to a couple of different dentists in the past but Dr Raja was by far the best I've been to, not only was he very pleasant he also talked me through every step of what he was doing. I really can't recommend Natural Smiles enough. All the staff from the receptionist to Dr Raja himself were lovely and I will be returning in the future.
I have been coming to Natural smiles in Wigston for several years now, from being very nervous to feeling relaxed enough to have a lovely set of teeth. The whole team are very friendly, kind, knowledgeable and understanding. I highly recommend the service.
100% would recommend. I had a fear of the dentist. But the staff was wonderful and put me at ease. I can't believe my new teeth. I'm so happy.
Absolutely amazing dentist Dr Waghela, the fact that they closed the surgery so I could have an operation there was amazing. They take extra care of you and make sure you are looked after from going in to leaving and then after care is amazing. This is the best dentist I have ever had. Would recommend to anyone especially if you are nervous they can sedate you and you don't remember anything that happened. Thanks to Kizzi, and the 2 nurses that dealt with me you are all fantastic. Love this place. Thank you team for your super efforts throughout.
Excellent friendly service, staff are always polite and make you feel at ease. I used to be really nervous going to the dentist and feel anxious before going but now all that has disappeared. I would definitely recommend this practice.
As a very nervous patient I was immediately put at ease and made to feel comfortable. Would highly recommend.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation - sometimes called "conscious sedation" - is a way of helping you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment, without being put fully to sleep. A small amount of sedative medication is given through a vein in your arm, and within minutes you'll feel calm, comfortable and floaty. You stay technically conscious and able to respond, but you'll usually remember very little (often nothing) about the appointment afterwards.
Dr Bhavnish Waghela provides the sedation himself, with full monitoring throughout.
When sedation is the right choice
Invisalign offers a discreet and effective way to improve both the appearance and function of your smile. During your consultation, we’ll take the time to understand your goals, assess your teeth, and determine whether Invisalign is the right solution for you.
Important to know
IV sedation is generally only offered for treatment plans over £2,000 due to the time and setup involved. It's particularly suited to patients having multiple treatments in one visit, or those undergoing more complex work such as implants, full mouth restorations, or extensive cosmetic dentistry. For straightforward routine care, we'll usually focus on other gentle techniques instead.
How a sedation appointment works
Knowing what's going to happen often takes the edge off the worry. Here's the full picture.
Before the appointment
You'll need someone to bring you to the practice and take you home afterwards. You won't be able to eat for several hours beforehand (we'll give you precise timings). Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Don't drive, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards.
On the day
We'll go through everything with you again before starting, check your medical history, and answer any last questions. A small cannula is placed in the back of your hand or arm - this is the only sharp bit, and most patients are surprised by how quick and gentle it is. The sedative is given slowly, and within a few minutes you'll feel relaxed and pleasantly drowsy.
During treatment
Your treatment proceeds as normal. We monitor your vital signs throughout, and you'll be able to respond to instructions like "open a little wider" - though you probably won't remember being asked. Time passes very quickly for you. What might feel like 30 minutes is often an hour or more.
Afterwards
You'll come round gently in a quiet area, and stay with us until we're happy you're ready to go home. Most patients don't remember much about the treatment at all. Your companion will take you home, and you'll usually feel completely back to normal by the next day.
Other ways we support nervous patients
IV sedation is just one option. For many anxious patients, there are gentler approaches that work just as well day-to-day.
Treatment coordinator consultations - chat with our coordinator before any clinical appointment, in a quiet room, no instruments involved
Longer appointment times to avoid feeling rushed
Stop signals - we agree a hand signal that means "pause" before we start
Step-by-step explanations so you know exactly what's happening at every stage
Quiet, calm treatment rooms without the clinical, intimidating feel of older practices
Music and headphones to block out clinical sounds if that helps
Why choose Natural Smiles if you're nervous
Choosing the right team makes more difference than any technology. Here's what nervous patients tell us they value about our approach.
Dr Bhavnish Waghela personally provides IV sedation for eligible treatments
A treatment coordinator who takes the time to get to know you before any clinical work
25 years as a fully private practice with a calm, unhurried approach
A modern, spacious environment that doesn't feel clinical or intimidating
Free initial consultations for implants, smile makeovers and clear aligners
Flexible finance options so cost doesn't add to the worry
Free parking right outside with easy motorway access
Common treatments combined with sedation
Sedation is particularly popular for patients undergoing more involved treatments. Some of the most common include:
- Dental implants, from single to full arch
- Multiple extractions
- Complex root canal treatment
- Full mouth restorations and smile makeovers
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Combining multiple treatments into a single visit
How much does IV sedation cost?
IV sedation costs are added to the overall treatment plan and depend on the length and complexity of the appointment. Because sedation is generally offered alongside larger treatment plans, we'll always give you a full written quote at your consultation - so you'll know exactly what's included before deciding to proceed.
Finance is available through V12 to help spread the cost: 0% over 12 months with no deposit, or longer-term plans up to five years at 9.9% APR.
Welcoming nervous patients from across the East Midlands
We see anxious patients from Wigston, Oadby, Knighton, Stoneygate, Great Glen, Kibworth, Market Harborough, Hinckley and beyond - many of whom haven't seen a dentist in years. There's no judgement, no lectures, and no rush. Just a calm conversation about what you'd like to change, and a plan that fits you.
Real stories from patients who wanted to feel like themselves again
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Frequently asked questions
Got a question about IV sedation? Here are some of the most common things our patients ask us.
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
No. IV sedation is "conscious sedation" - you'll be deeply relaxed and probably won't remember the appointment, but you'll be able to respond to instructions throughout. It's not the same as a general anaesthetic.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes, when carried out by an experienced clinician with proper monitoring - which is exactly how we provide it. Dr Bhavnish Waghela administers the sedation and monitors your vital signs throughout the appointment. We'll always go through your medical history thoroughly beforehand to make sure it's appropriate for you.
Will I remember the appointment?
Most patients remember very little - and many remember nothing at all. This is one of the things people love most about IV sedation: years of avoidance can be undone in a single, calm visit they barely recall.
Can I have IV sedation for a routine appointment?
Usually not - IV sedation is generally reserved for treatment plans over £2,000 because of the time and setup involved. For routine care, we'll focus on other gentle techniques to keep you comfortable. If routine treatment feels impossible without sedation, talk to us - we'll work out a plan together.
How long will I feel the effects?
You'll feel drowsy for several hours after your appointment, so you'll need someone to bring you and take you home. Most patients feel back to normal by the following morning. You shouldn't drive, drink alcohol or sign anything important for 24 hours.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
Yes - we'll give you full instructions when you book. The main things are: don't eat for several hours beforehand, arrange a companion to bring you and take you home, wear comfortable clothing, and don't drink alcohol the day before.
Can I still ask for sedation if I'm not having complex treatment?
Absolutely - just talk to us. We'll listen, explore the options, and find an approach that works for you. Many nervous patients are surprised at how comfortable our standard appointments can be with the right team and the right pace.
Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?
No. IV sedation is "conscious sedation" - you'll be deeply relaxed and probably won't remember the appointment, but you'll be able to respond to instructions throughout. It's not the same as a general anaesthetic.
Is IV sedation safe?
Yes, when carried out by an experienced clinician with proper monitoring - which is exactly how we provide it. Dr Bhavnish Waghela administers the sedation and monitors your vital signs throughout the appointment. We'll always go through your medical history thoroughly beforehand to make sure it's appropriate for you.
Will I remember the appointment?
Most patients remember very little - and many remember nothing at all. This is one of the things people love most about IV sedation: years of avoidance can be undone in a single, calm visit they barely recall.
Can I have IV sedation for a routine appointment?
Usually not - IV sedation is generally reserved for treatment plans over £2,000 because of the time and setup involved. For routine care, we'll focus on other gentle techniques to keep you comfortable. If routine treatment feels impossible without sedation, talk to us - we'll work out a plan together.
How long will I feel the effects?
You'll feel drowsy for several hours after your appointment, so you'll need someone to bring you and take you home. Most patients feel back to normal by the following morning. You shouldn't drive, drink alcohol or sign anything important for 24 hours.
Do I need to do anything to prepare?
Yes - we'll give you full instructions when you book. The main things are: don't eat for several hours beforehand, arrange a companion to bring you and take you home, wear comfortable clothing, and don't drink alcohol the day before.
Can I still ask for sedation if I'm not having complex treatment?
Absolutely - just talk to us. We'll listen, explore the options, and find an approach that works for you. Many nervous patients are surprised at how comfortable our standard appointments can be with the right team and the right pace.
It's time to get the smile you deserve
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- Dental check-up
- Hygiene appointment
- Dental emergency
- Teeth whitening
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