Anxiety-free care

Sedation dentistry for anxious patients

Fear or anxiety about the dentist can make it hard to look after your oral health. We offer IV sedation, a safe and effective way to help you relax and feel at ease during treatment.

What is IV sedation?

IV sedation delivers a sedative through a small vein in your arm, which allows precise and immediate relaxation. It gives a deeper level of sedation than other methods, so you feel calm and largely unaware of the procedure while still being able to respond to instructions.

Who can benefit?

IV sedation is ideal if you:

  • Have severe dental anxiety or phobia
  • Need several or complex procedures in one visit
  • Have a low pain threshold or sensitive teeth
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Find it hard to sit still for long periods

Why choose IV sedation?

  • Rapid relaxation: it takes effect within minutes
  • Adjustable: the level of sedation can be adjusted during treatment to keep you comfortable
  • Little memory of the procedure: most patients remember little or nothing, which makes future visits easier
  • Safe and monitored: our team watches your vital signs closely throughout

What to expect

  1. Consultation: we review your medical history and check that IV sedation is right for you
  2. Preparation: on the day, we give you the sedative and make sure you are fully relaxed before starting
  3. Treatment: you stay conscious but deeply relaxed, with little sense of time or discomfort
  4. Recovery: you will need someone to drive you home, as the sedative takes a few hours to wear off

Calm, stress-free care

With IV sedation, even complex treatment can be done with ease. Don't let anxiety stop you getting the care you need. Contact us to find out more and book a consultation.

Good to know

Common questions

Is sedation safe?+
In trained hands with proper monitoring, yes. Dr Kavooru has advanced training in sedation and anaesthesia, we screen your medical history beforehand and monitor your vital signs throughout.
Will I be unconscious?+
No. IV sedation is not a general anaesthetic. You can respond to instructions, you just feel deeply relaxed and usually do not recall much of it.
Can I drive home?+
Not after oral or IV sedation. You need a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you. After plain local anaesthetic you can drive as normal.
Is sedation an extra cost?+
Yes, it is charged in addition to the dental treatment. We will give you a full written quote covering both before you commit to anything.
Book a visit

Talk to us about your teeth

Call the practice, email us, or send an enquiry through the contact page. We will talk you through the options and the cost before anything is booked.

ACC Registered WINZ Support SuperGold 10% Off Sedation Available

Book an Appointment

Open Monday–Friday, 8am–6pm, and Saturday 8am–5pm.

St Albans, Christchurch: 248B Cranford Street, St Albans, Christchurch 8052

Rangiora: 15 Ivory Street, Rangiora 7400