Dental Anxiety Is Real — And It's Nothing to Be Ashamed Of
Maybe it's been years since you've sat in a dental chair. Maybe a past experience left you with a knot in your stomach every time you think about making an appointment. Maybe you know your teeth need help, but the fear of the procedure keeps you stuck.
You're not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of adults, and it's one of the most common reasons people delay the care they need. At Renew, we hear it every week — and we never judge. Not for how long it's been, not for how your teeth got this way, and not for the fear you carry.
Sedation dentistry exists for exactly this reason. It removes the barrier between you and the care you deserve — so the only thing you have to do is show up. We'll handle the rest.
Sedation Tailored to Your Comfort Level
Oral Sedation
You take a prescribed medication before your appointment that helps you feel calm, drowsy, and deeply relaxed. You'll be awake but won't feel anxious — and most patients remember very little of the procedure afterward. It's the most common option for patients who want to take the edge off.
IV Sedation
Administered by a trained sedation professional, IV sedation puts you into a deep state of relaxation. You'll drift in and out of sleep throughout the procedure and likely won't remember any of it. It's ideal for longer treatments like All-on-4 or full arch implants.
General Anaesthesia
For patients who want to be completely asleep, general anaesthesia is available for more complex cases. You're fully unconscious throughout the procedure and wake up when everything is done. It's the deepest level of sedation and is performed with a qualified anaesthesia team.
Here's How It Actually Goes
Before You Arrive
We'll give you clear instructions ahead of time — what to eat (or not eat), when to take your medication if you're doing oral sedation, and what to wear. You'll need someone to drive you home, so plan for a ride.
You Arrive and Get Comfortable
When you walk in, our team is ready for you. We'll get you settled, answer any last-minute questions, and administer the sedation. Within minutes, you'll feel calm, relaxed, and ready.
The Procedure Happens
This is the part you won't remember. Whether it takes one hour or four, you'll be comfortable the entire time. Dr. Alex and Tom handle the implants and teeth while you rest.
You Wake Up With New Teeth
When it's over, we'll gently bring you back. You'll be groggy but comfortable. Your ride takes you home, and within a day or two you're back to normal — with a brand new smile and no memory of the procedure.
Sedation Isn't Just for the "Scared" — It's for Anyone Who Wants a Better Experience
- You have dental anxiety or a fear of dental procedures
- You've had a bad experience in a dental office before
- You have a strong gag reflex that makes dental work difficult
- You need a longer procedure like All-on-4 or full arch implants
- You want to combine multiple procedures into one comfortable visit
- You simply prefer not to be aware during treatment — and that's perfectly fine
Patients Who Were Nervous — Until They Weren't
Sedation Questions — Answered Honestly
Yes. All sedation at Renew is administered by trained professionals and monitored throughout the procedure. We'll review your medical history during your consultation and recommend the level of sedation that's safest and most appropriate for you.
It depends on the type of sedation. Oral sedation keeps you deeply relaxed but technically awake. IV sedation puts most patients in and out of sleep. General anaesthesia means you're fully asleep. We'll help you choose the right option based on your comfort level and the procedure. Learn what to expect.
The effects of oral sedation can linger for several hours after the procedure. IV sedation wears off relatively quickly but you'll still feel groggy. Either way, you'll need someone to drive you home. Plan for a restful afternoon. See the full process.
Absolutely. Most of our implant patients — whether they're getting All-on-4, full arch, or same day implants — choose some form of sedation. It makes longer procedures more comfortable and allows us to complete more work in a single visit.
Sedation is a separate part of the treatment plan, and the cost varies depending on the type. We'll include it in your all-inclusive quote during your free consultation so there are no surprises.
Fear Shouldn't Stand Between You and the Smile You Deserve
Book your free consultation and let's talk about how sedation can make your treatment comfortable and stress-free. No pressure. No judgment. Just a real conversation.