What is conscious sedation?
Conscious sedation uses medication to produce a deeply relaxed, calm state during dental treatment. Unlike general anaesthesia, you remain conscious throughout — able to respond to instructions and breathe independently — but you feel no anxiety, and most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterwards.
It is not the same as "going to sleep." You are conscious, co-operative and safe at all times. Vital signs are monitored continuously throughout. Local anaesthesia is also used to ensure the treatment site is completely numb. Sedation handles the anxiety; local anaesthesia handles the pain.
At Balaji's Best Dental, conscious sedation is administered by Dr. Balaji Gupta V, who is a certified sedationist in addition to being an MDS pedodontist and implantologist.
Types of sedation we offer
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Inhaled through a small nose mask. Produces a light, pleasant relaxation. Wears off within minutes of removing the mask — you can drive home yourself. Ideal for mild anxiety and children.
Oral sedation
A sedative tablet taken 30–60 minutes before the appointment. Produces moderate sedation — you'll feel drowsy and relaxed. An escort is required to accompany you home.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
Sedative medication delivered directly into a vein. Deepest level of conscious sedation — produces profound relaxation with very little recall. Continuously adjusted throughout treatment. Escort home required.
Who is conscious sedation for?
- Patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia who avoid necessary treatment
- Anyone needing complex or lengthy procedures (multiple implants, full-arch work, complex extractions)
- Patients with a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
- Children who are too anxious for conventional behaviour management
- Patients with special needs who find dental treatment challenging
- Anyone who has had a traumatic previous dental experience
- Patients who want multiple treatments completed in a single longer session
What to expect on the day
Pre-sedation assessment
A medical history review to confirm you are a suitable candidate for the type of sedation recommended. Any medications, allergies or health conditions are discussed.
Pre-appointment instructions
For oral and IV sedation: fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for a set period) and the need to arrange an escort. Nitrous oxide requires no preparation.
Sedation administration
The sedative is administered in the dental chair. Vitals monitoring (pulse oximetry, blood pressure) is commenced and continues throughout.
Dental treatment
Local anaesthesia is applied once you are relaxed. All planned dental work is then completed — you are comfortable and, in most cases, have limited recall of the process.
Recovery & escort home
You are monitored in the clinic until vital signs are stable and you are alert. A responsible adult must accompany you home for oral and IV sedation — no driving for 24 hours.
Why choose Balaji's Best Dental?
Certified sedationist on-site
Dr. Balaji Gupta V is a certified sedationist. Sedation is not outsourced — the same doctor managing your dental treatment administers and monitors your sedation.
Multiple sedation levels
From nitrous oxide to IV sedation — we match the level to your anxiety and the complexity of treatment. Not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Comprehensive treatment in one session
Sedation allows us to complete multiple procedures in a single visit that might otherwise take 5–6 separate appointments — saving your time and anxiety.
In-clinic — no hospital required
Conscious sedation at a dental chair level does not require a hospital setting. Everything is done safely at our clinic — no referrals, no hospital admissions.