IV sedation dentist in Colchester for nervous patients
If the thought of dental implant surgery makes you anxious, IV sedation makes it manageable. You’re awake. You can respond if needed. But you’re deeply relaxed, you don’t feel anxious, and most patients remember little or nothing about the procedure afterwards.
At Love Implants in Colchester, IV sedation is available for any implant procedure, from a single tooth implant to full-arch All-on-4 work. Dr Andrew Fennell has the training and experience to administer it safely. For patients who dislike the idea of having a line in, the other option is oral sedation using tablets. The sedation is less profound but works very well for most anxious patients.
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What IV sedation actually is.
IV sedation, sometimes called conscious sedation or twilight sedation, involves a sedative drug delivered through a small needle in the back of your hand. It takes effect within a minute or two. You remain technically conscious. You can breathe on your own. You can answer questions and respond to instructions. But you feel deeply relaxed, time passes quickly, and the anxiety that normally accompanies dental treatment disappears. Most patients describe it as feeling pleasantly drowsy, similar to the feeling just before falling asleep. Many remember almost nothing of the procedure afterwards, which is part of why it works so well for nervous patients. It’s different from general anaesthetic, where you’re fully unconscious. IV sedation is safer, requires less monitoring, and recovery is much faster.
Who IV sedation is for.
You've avoided treatment in the past because of anxiety.
You're facing a longer or more involved procedure like All-on-4 or full-mouth implant work.
You have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult.
You'd just prefer not to be aware of what's happening.
You’ll need to: have a responsible adult with you to take you home (you can’t drive afterwards). avoid eating for several hours before the appointment (specific timing will be given). take a full day off work, ideally with the following day free as well.
What's possible under sedation.
Same-day implants where the failing tooth comes out and the implant goes in at the same visit.
All-on-4 full-arch surgery, where sedation is particularly useful given the procedure length.
Multiple implant placements in a single session;
Bone grafting and sinus lifts as part of implant preparation;
Removal of failed implants placed elsewhere.
For very minor work, local anaesthetic alone is usually sufficient. We won’t recommend sedation for procedures that don’t need it.
What happens on the day.
2. A pre-treatment check confirms you're safe to proceed and reviews your medical history.
3. The sedation is given through a small needle in the back of your hand. You'll feel relaxed within a minute or two.
4. The procedure happens with you in this relaxed state. Local anaesthetic is also given so you don't feel pain.
5. You're monitored throughout by Andrew and the team.
6. Recovery takes about 30 minutes in the chair. You'll feel a bit drowsy for the rest of the day.
7. You go home with your responsible adult. Most patients sleep for a few hours and feel back to normal the next day.
What does an implant retained denture cost?
Implant retained dentures at Love Implants cost roughly half the UK average.
Pricing depends on:
- How many implants are needed (typically two for a lower denture, four for an upper).
- Whether bone grafting or sinus lift work is required.
- Whether you need a new denture or your existing one can be adapted.
- The materials chosen for the final denture. See full pricing for figures, or get a precise quote at your free consultation.
Transparent Pricing
4 implants per jaw
10-12 fixed teeth
Acrylic or Zirconia
Same day teeth where bone condition is suitable
Our Guarantees
Why Love Implants for IV sedation
Andrew is trained in conscious sedation and has administered it many times to patients having implant work.
One dentist, one procedure. Andrew does the sedation and the implant work. No separate anaesthetist to coordinate or pay separately for.
Honest about whether you actually need it. If a procedure doesn't warrant sedation, we won't push you towards it. For many patients, local anaesthetic and an experienced, calm chairside manner is enough.
Half the UK average price for the underlying implant work, with sedation as an add-on at a transparent additional cost.
Meet your LOVE implantologist
Dr. Andrew Fennell
Dr Andrew Fennell has placed over 7,000 implants in 20 years and is the lead implant dentist at Winning Smiles. He’s UK-trained, GDC-registered, and fully insured. He takes cases other clinics turn away, including failed implants from abroad and severe bone loss.
Our Guarantees
Book Yourself a Free Consultation
Meet Aisha! our 24/7 receptionist. She can answer any question you have, and book you a free consultation.
Talk to her on the phone, or text chat.
Book a free consultation with Andrew. Tell him you’re nervous about treatment. He’ll discuss whether sedation is right for your case, walk you through what to expect, and answer any questions you have. For some patients, just meeting Andrew and seeing the clinic is enough to take the edge off. For others, sedation is what makes treatment possible at all. There’s no shame in either.
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Haddon Park
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