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Does going to the dentist make you anxious?

You're not alone - dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off getting the care they need. At Modwena Dental, we offer IV sedation to help you get through treatment feeling calm, comfortable, and completely at ease.

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A medical professional comforts a worried woman by placing a hand on her shoulder.

Dental anxiety is more common than you think

Lots of people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. For some it's a mild unease, for others it's enough to put them off for years. Either way, it's nothing to be embarrassed about - and it's exactly the kind of thing we're here to help with.

At Modwena Dental, we've always taken a gentle, unhurried approach with nervous patients. We'll never rush you, we'll always explain what we're doing before we do it, and we'll work entirely at your pace. But for patients who need a little more support, IV sedation can make a real difference.

What is IV sedation, and how does it help?

IV sedation is a way of helping you feel deeply relaxed during dental treatment. A sedative medication is given through a small cannula in your hand or arm, and within a few minutes you'll feel calm, drowsy, and largely unaware of what's going on around you.

You won't be unconscious - IV sedation isn't a general anaesthetic - but you'll be in a very relaxed state and most patients have little to no memory of the treatment afterwards. It's sometimes called "twilight sedation" for this reason.

It's a particularly good option if you:

Feel significant anxiety or fear around dental treatment

Have had a bad experience at the dentist in the past

Need a longer or more complex procedure and want to feel more comfortable

Have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult

Have been avoiding the dentist for a long time and need to catch up on care

How does IV sedation work at Modwena Dental in Stoke-on-Trent?

Your sedation is carried out by Edward Cully, one of our most experienced dentists with a long-standing special interest in treating anxious patients. Edward has been part of the Modwena team for decades and is well known for his calm, reassuring approach.

Here's what to expect on the day:

  • You'll arrive at the practice and be looked after by our team from the moment you walk in
  • Noel will talk you through everything before anything happens - there's no rushing
  • The sedative is given through a small cannula, usually in the back of your hand
  • Within a few minutes you'll feel deeply relaxed and the treatment can begin
  • You'll remain conscious throughout but will feel calm and comfortable, with little awareness of the procedure
  • Afterwards, you'll need someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day - you won't be able to drive
Dentist wearing gloves checking a smiling woman's teeth using dental tools in a clinic.
Not every case is suitable for Invisalign. For more complex orthodontic issues, fixed braces may be more appropriate - or a combination of both. Richard will assess your teeth thoroughly and give you an honest recommendation at your consultation.

What treatment can be carried out under sedation?

Most dental treatments can be performed while you're sedated. If you've been putting off a check-up, need a filling, require root canal treatment, or are looking into something more involved like dental implants or oral surgery, sedation means you don't have to keep delaying care because of how it makes you feel.

It's worth having a conversation with us about what you need - we can then plan your treatment and sedation together so everything is covered in as few visits as possible.

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IV sedation is available from

£250

How much does IV sedation cost in Stoke-on-Trent?

IV sedation is available from £250, depending on the length and complexity of your treatment.

Your sedation cost will be confirmed at your consultation, alongside the cost of any treatment being carried out. We'll always be transparent about pricing before anything is agreed.

What our nervous patients say

Patients who've had IV sedation at Modwena often tell us it was the thing that finally helped them get on top of their dental health after years of putting it off. That means a lot to us.

If you haven't been to the dentist for a long time and you're not sure where to start, the best first step is simply getting in touch. We'll have a proper conversation about how you're feeling, what you need, and how we can make it as easy as possible.

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Amazing with children, clean and very professional.

Shannan Lambert
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I've had both a dental check up and a hygienist appointment here recently and the level of treatment and care shown at both was outstanding. Thank you!

Jack Gregory
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I'm usually petrified of dentists because my previous dentist always seemed to rush things ,thus causing me to be uncomfortable but modwena dentist have the loveliest staff Ive ever come across and my dentist is extremely patient and puts me at ease always, I have problems with my spine so the dentist is very understanding and helpful in order for me to be as comfortable as possible before starting.. I just googled dentists in stoke and rang this one, I'll always stay with modwena now, they are 100% the best dentist I've ever been to.

Debbie orourke
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Amazing experience and very helpful.

Elena Charalambous
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Excellent.

Kelly swash
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Phoebe Bennett – Real patient

Frequently asked questions about dental sedation

Will I be unconscious during IV sedation?

No - IV sedation isn't a general anaesthetic. You'll remain conscious throughout, but you'll feel very deeply relaxed and largely unaware of what's happening. Most patients have little or no memory of the treatment afterwards.

Is IV sedation safe?

Yes. IV sedation is a well-established and widely used approach in dentistry. At Modwena, it's carried out by Noel O'Donovan, who has extensive experience administering sedation safely. You'll be monitored throughout your treatment by our trained team.

Can I have sedation for any dental treatment?

Most dental treatments can be carried out under IV sedation. At your consultation, we'll discuss exactly what you need and plan everything together so it can be covered as efficiently as possible.

How will I feel afterwards?

Most people feel a little groggy and tired after sedation, which is completely normal. This is why you'll need someone to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. By the following morning, most patients feel completely back to normal.

I haven't been to the dentist in years - is it too late to start?

It's never too late. We see patients all the time who've been avoiding dental care for a long time - sometimes many years. We don't judge, and we don't make you feel bad about where things are at. We just help you get to a better place, one step at a time.

Do I need a consultation before my sedation appointment?

Yes - before your sedation treatment we'll want to meet with you, understand your medical history, and plan your treatment properly. This means on the day everything runs smoothly and there are no surprises for you or for us.

Referring your
patient to us

We welcome dentist referrals across the Midlands your patients will receive specialist care and excellent results.

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Ready to feel more relaxed about your dental care?

We've helped a lot of patients in Stoke-on-Trent - and from across Staffordshire, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Hanley, and beyond - finally get the treatment they've been putting off. If anxiety has been holding you back, let's have a chat.