Sedation Dentistry

Beat Your Fear and Start Smiling With Confidence

Gentle Sedation Dentistry in Surbiton & Surrey for Anxious Patients

Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is more common than you think.
At Surbiton Smile Centre®, we understand that dental anxiety affects everyone differently. Some patients feel nervous about specific procedures, while others may have had a difficult experience in the past—especially during childhood. Whatever the cause, our experienced team is here to help. We specialise in caring for anxious patients and offer a range of gentle dental sedation options to help you feel calm, safe, and in control.

Types Of Sedation Dentistry We Offer

Oral Sedation

Temazepam is a commonly prescribed oral sedative that helps reduce anxiety and promote relaxation before dental treatment. It’s usually taken the night before your appointment, and again about an hour before the procedure. Because it causes drowsiness, you’ll need a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the clinic. While easy to take, the effects of Temazepam can vary from person to person, depending on how your body processes the medication.

Intravenous Sedation

IV sedation involves gently administering a sedative through a small tube placed in a vein—usually in your hand or arm. This type of sedation works quickly and deeply relaxes you. In fact, many patients have little or no memory of the procedure afterward. Because it causes drowsiness, you’ll need someone to accompany you and take you home. You should avoid driving, working, or doing any strenuous activity for the rest of the day.

What to Expect Before, During & After Sedation Dentistry

Before Treatment

  • Follow your dentist’s instructions—this may include fasting and arranging a chaperone.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and arrive early.

During Treatment

  • You’ll be monitored closely by our experienced team.
  • The sedation helps you feel calm, and you may remain conscious but deeply relaxed.

After Treatment

  • You won’t be able to drive or return to work, so please rest at home.
  • Most patients feel back to normal the next day.

How We Help Nervous Patients

At Surbiton Smile Centre®, we take extra care to help anxious patients feel safe, supported, and in control.

Go at Your Pace—There’s no pressure. You might start with a simple check-up or even just sit in the chair. We’ll move forward only when you’re ready.

You’re in Control—You decide how much treatment to have and when. We’ll never push you beyond your comfort zone.

Distraction Options—Watch a DVD or listen to your favourite music through our virtual vision goggles—it’s a great way to stay relaxed during treatment.

Share Your Concerns—If you’ve had a difficult past experience or specific fear, let us know. We’ll listen and adapt your care to suit your needs.

Sedation When You Need It—We offer safe sedation options including:

  • Oral sedation (tablets)
  • IV sedation for deeper relaxation

These methods help you stay calm—and you may not remember much about the procedure afterward

Meet your Dentist

Dr. Simin Soltani

DDS . MSC . SWEDEN

Principal Dentist and founder of Surbiton Smile Centre since 2002, brings over 31 years of global experience, trained at the Karolinska Institute (Stockholm), Eastman (London), and Münster, Germany.

Specialising in cosmetic dentistry and implantology, she holds a Master’s in Oral Medicine & Implantology and is skilled in bone grafting, sinus lifts, Dental veneers, dental crowns, and full-mouth rehabilitations.

A compassionate advocate of preventive and minimally invasive care, she’s known for delivering aesthetically mindful treatments that stand the test of time.

Patient Reviews

“I’ve been visiting the team at SSC for 9 months or so. My treatment included a front tooth implant plus upper and lower alignment. From start to finish the team were fantastic – especially good with appointment times, availability and patient communication. I’ve recently concluded my treatment and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’d highly recommend to someone looking for first class cosmetic dental treatment. Thank you Simin, Theo, Claudia, Fernanda and Wendy.”

Lewis Chadwick

“Really happy with this practice – Dr Soltani is lovely and a very good dentist. Waiting times are close to none and the staff are professional and friendly. I did a teeth whitening treatment with the Enlighten method and worked amazingly.”

Ruxandra Lapusneanu

“She was brilliant. She explained exactly what she was doing. Reassured me thoroughly and I felt at ease. Considering it was Good Friday and in the evening, the price was very fair. If you are in need of a Dentist, then definitely call them.”

Brenda Baker

I had my Invisalign treatment here and am very pleased with the results. This was with the recommendation of Sure Smile aligners which have worked well. Special thanks to resident orthodontist Theo, Simin and the rest of the team as they are all very professional and friendly.

D. Bowman

Dr Soltani and her team at Surbiton Smile Centre has given me exceptional service over the last 5 years. The whole team are highly experienced as well as very friendly. I have done an implant, a crown and braces – all treatments were of first-class. I will certainly continue to let them look after my dental health and strongly recommend Surbiton Smile Centre!

Emi Watanabe

I have been going to Surbiton Smile Centre for nearly 20 years, that is surely testament to their service, friendliness, advice and overall experience. Fine fine work Simin and Wendy!

Chris Napper

Dr Simin Soltani and the Surbiton Smile Centre team have been world class. The professionalism, quality of treatment, and customer experience have been exemplary.

David Talbot

I needed quite a bit of dental work so went to a few different surgeries to get their opinions. I chose Surbiton Smile Centre because Dr Soltani actually gave me options – all of which would work to varying degrees and, significantly, to varying costs. She took the time to try the most cost-effective option, but always with the possibility of shifting course if needed. Eventually, to get my teeth decently functional, I needed quite a few crowns – including on front teeth. She allowed me time to get used to the adjustments as the process went on, and always made sure each stage was both comfortable and looked good. I am very pleased with the result, again both aesthetically and functionally. Would most heartily recommend!

Gareth Davies

I recommend my dentist, Simin with the highest regard. Over the years, she has transformed my problematic mouth to a smile of stable, healthy teeth.
Simin has restored an old implant for me and also inserted a new one. She has helped me with crowns and also replaced old black fillings with natural looking white ones. Simin has always been very professional, kind and helpful.
Thank you Simin!

Marina Craig

I have been going to Surbiton Smile Centre for approximately 5 years. The service, treatments and team are exceptional. Simin Soltani, the principal dentist is amazing, her work is to a very high standard, and she makes you feel at ease. My teeth have never been as healthy since I joined the practice. I would highly recommend Surbiton Smile Centre and Simin to anyone. The best Dentist in Surbiton!

Julia Granados-Gillow

Easily the most outstanding dental practice I have ever visited. Simin, Fernanda, Theo and Wendy provide personalised service and make you feel extremely welcome and well cared for. This team really cares about getting great results for their clients and go above and beyond. I have received dental, orthodontic and hygienist services and they have all been amazing. Would strongly recommend.

Mark Weller

I would highly recommend to anyone to visit Surbiton Smile Centre, especially to people with dental complications in need of a cosmetic treatment to regain a confident smile. After a consultation with the knowledgeable team at Surbiton Smile Centre I was confident that having my treatment done as they also have a team that can translate make easy to understand. I had implant and cosmetic veneer treatment I have had dental work, check-ups and teeth cleaning done at Surbiton Smile Centre. I highly recommend Surbiton Smile Centre for their expert treatment, friendly staff, great service, and reasonable prices. All my friends and family have commented on my fantastic new teeth and my partner had treatment at Surbiton Smile Centre because I told her of my positive experience. I cannot thank Dr Simin and all team Surbiton Smile Centre

Mark Weller

Frequently Asked Questions On Sedation Dentistry

Sedation is the use of medication to help patients feel calm, relaxed, or even sleepy during a medical or dental procedure. It is commonly used for patients with anxiety, strong gag reflexes, or a fear of treatment.

Sedation is ideal for:

  • Patients with dental or medical anxiety
  • Individuals with low pain thresholds
  • Those who need complex or lengthy procedures
  • Patients with a strong gag reflex

  • People who have had traumatic past experiences with treatment

  • Oral Sedation: A pill taken before your appointment. It helps you feel drowsy and relaxed.
  • Inhalation Sedation (Nitrous Oxide): Also known as “laughing gas,” this is inhaled through a mask and wears off quickly.
  • IV Sedation: Administered through a vein, it works quickly and allows for deeper sedation.

Yes, sedation is very safe when administered by trained professionals. Before administering any sedative, we review your medical history and current medications to ensure the safest experience.

Not necessarily. Most sedation options keep you awake but relaxed. Only general anesthesia makes you completely unconscious, and it’s used only when absolutely necessary.

This depends on the type of sedation:

  • Nitrous oxide: You can usually eat a light meal beforehand.
  • Oral or IV sedation: You may be asked not to eat or drink for 6–8 hours prior. We will provide specific instructions in advance.

Yes. For oral, IV, or deep sedation, you must have a responsible adult escort you to and from your appointment and stay with you afterward. For nitrous oxide only, an escort is usually not required.

Recovery time varies:

  • Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes.
  • Oral or IV sedation may take several hours. You may feel drowsy or disoriented for the rest of the day.

No. Sedation is combined with local anesthetics to ensure you’re comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.