Dental sedation

Sedation is a great option for nervous patients and anyone who feels anxious about receiving treatment. With safe and proven techniques, we administer sedation medication to place you in a relaxed and dream-like state, making it feel as though your appointment passes in no time.

The experienced team at Oakmead Dental Care have helped thousands of patients overcome lifelong fears and dental phobias to finally get the treatment they need.

Sedation facts

  • It really works! You really can relax through your dental appointment
  • When sedated you will be conscious, but unaware of what is going on around you
  • You will have little or no memory of the experience

When receiving sedation you will be fully informed beforehand of any potential side effects and given advice to help with your recovery. You may be advised to bring someone along with you to the appointment who is able to take you home afterwards, and it's advisable to rest for the remainder of the day. You should be back to normal within 24 hours.

We offer the following types of sedation at Oakmead Dental Care:

IV sedation

IV sedation is a very effective and safe way of treating those with moderate to severe anxiety and even phobia. This technique is started by the anaesthetist and involves the use of a small cannula (needle) placed in the back of the hand or the arm through which a sedative is administered prior to treatment.

As a patient you are conscious for the entire procedure, but don’t let this put you off. You will experience an extremely relaxed state, to the point of drowsiness. Many patients are more than happy to take a nap during treatment. IV sedation is not intended to put you to sleep or make you unconscious like a general anaesthetic, you just feel so relaxed and oblivious to your surroundings that you are happy to doze off. Because of this time passes in what appears to be minutes, even when undertaking many hours of treatment.

With refined care and expertise we’ve been helping patients throughout East Grinstead, Crawley and Royal Tunbridge Wells manage their fear of the dentist for many years - we can do it for you too. Take the first step today…why not give us a call on 01342 325363 for a chat and to find out how we could help you.

Dentist

Paul Cassidy

Paul qualified from Queen’s University Belfast, and completed Postgraduate training in Oral Surgery and Sedation at The University of Bristol. He has worked in practices specializing in Implantology and Oral Surgery for 15 years, and has received training from leaders in Dental Implantology and bone-grafting. Implant treatments available range from the replacement of a single missing tooth right...

Paul Cassidy
Patient Reviews

People are talking about us

The biggest complement we receive is when our patients refer their friends and family to Oakmead Dental Care. In fact, we have built much of our practice on these valued, trusted recommendations over the years. Read our reviews to hear why our patients are recommending us…

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Patient reviews

1342 Reviews

5.0

5th June 2026

I have been very lucky over many years to have complete faith in my dentist and have continuity over this period of time

4th June 2026

Full confidence in the dentist.

31st May 2026

Andrew shows his confidence and calmness in what he is doing and is also personable. He puts you at ease and is polite and welcoming.

31st May 2026

Very friendly and helpful- listened to my needs

31st May 2026

From arriving at the appointment, scheduling the next appointment and payment all executed perfectly.

31st May 2026

My family and I have always had a great experience with Dr Hopkins. He's by far the best dentist we've been to and always makes us feel comfortable and relaxed.

LW

Lisa Worman

Andy and Sophy were both fantastic at my children’s dental appointment. They were friendly, patient, and made my children feel completely at ease throughout the visit. Their caring and professional approach made the experience stress-free and positive. Thank you both for the excellent care.

30th May 2026

Great patient care. Andy is brilliant, made my children feel welcome and explained to them about brushing teeth and not eating sugar an hour before bed.

30th May 2026

The people, are caring, compassionate and attuned to my needs

30th May 2026

I have been a patient of Oakmead for many years. I am always made to feel welcome and the treatment I have received over that time has been excellent.

29th May 2026

I was very nervous, and they were very kind and patient with me through my tooth extraction. And made me feel at ease, explained exactly the procedure I was having and after care instructions. Plus any problems to contact them.

29th May 2026

A great friendly team, highly experienced, and always discussing options and suggestions regarding immediate and future dental care and needs

21st May 2026

Been using for years. I am a very frightened patient so I need someone I can trust.

21st May 2026

The treatment was carried out in a proffesional manner. I was totaly satisfied with the way it was done. Both dentist & nurse were extremely competent but also kind & friendly. Up to normal high standard of treatment.

20th May 2026

Friendly staff

11th May 2026

Excellent treatment and kind and helpful staff.

7th May 2026

Dr Hopkins has been looking after my teeth for ma y years. He has always been absolutely superb.

7th May 2026

Ash is a great dentist and is the reason we use this practice. The fact that I have any teeth is down to him

2nd May 2026

On time, friendly staff, thorough explanation of treatment and advice

2nd May 2026

All staff are polite and courteous, making one feel valued as a patient.

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