Calm, Comfortable Dental Care, Designed Around You

If anxiety, fear or past experiences have made dental care feel difficult, sedation and relaxation dentistry can help you feel calmer, more comfortable and more in control.

If you are looking for a dentist who supports nervous patients, Start Smiling offers a patient-led approach designed to make dental care feel more manageable.

banner
image

What Is Sedation & Relaxation Dentistry?

Sedation and relaxation dentistry focuses on helping patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment, particularly those with dental anxiety or phobia.
This may involve:

  • A calm, reassuring environment
  • Clear communication and control
  • Gentle techniques and modern dentistry
  • Dental sedation options where clinically appropriate

The aim is to help reduce anxiety and support you through treatment in a calm, carefully managed way.

Why Choose Start Smiling For Sedation & Relaxation Dentistry?

We understand that fear can be a real barrier to dental care.
Patients choose Start Smiling for sedation and relaxation dentistry because we offer:

  • A calm, non judgemental approach
  • Experience supporting anxious patients
  • Clear explanations and consent at every stage
  • Gentle dentistry focused on comfort
  • Sedation options discussed openly and responsibly

Your comfort, safety and wellbeing are central to your care.

image
image

Sedation & Relaxation Dentistry At Start Smiling, What Makes Us Different?

Sedation is never a one-size fits all solution.
At Start Smiling, our supportive approach for anxious patients focuses on:

  • Understanding your anxiety before recommending sedation
  • Explaining all options clearly, including benefits and limitations
  • Patient control, including stop signals and pacing
  • Safety-first care, following appropriate clinical guidance
  • A calmer experience, from arrival to aftercare

In many cases, reassurance, communication and extra time may be enough. Sedation is only offered where clinically appropriate.

image

Who Is Sedation & Relaxation Dentistry Suitable For?

This approach may be ideal if you:

  • Experience dental anxiety or phobia
  • Have a strong gag reflex
  • Struggle to sit comfortably for treatment
  • Have had traumatic dental experiences
  • Avoid dental care due to fear
  • Need complex or longer treatments

We’ll assess your needs, medical history and planned treatment before discussing the most appropriate level of support.

Smile Gallery

What Does A Sedation & Relaxation Appointment Involve?

Your care is carefully planned and explained.

image
We talk openly about your anxiety, concerns and past experiences.
If sedation is being considered, we assess your medical history, current health and planned treatment to check whether it is suitable and appropriate.
We agree on the most suitable approach, whether that is relaxation techniques, extra time or sedation.
Treatment is carried out at a pace that feels manageable, with reassurance and clear communication throughout.
We explain what to expect afterwards and check that you are ready to leave before you go home.

What Types Of Sedation Are Available?

Sedation options vary depending on clinical suitability, treatment needs and availability.
These may include:

Inhalation sedation, also known as relative analgesia
Oral sedation, where suitable
Other relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques and extra appointment support

Sedation does not always mean being asleep. Many forms of dental sedation are designed to help you feel relaxed while remaining conscious and able to respond.

image

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

Costs depend on the type of sedation, appointment length and treatment involved.
At Start Smiling:

  • Sedation starts from £300 per hour
  • Fees are explained clearly before treatment
  • No sedation is provided without informed consent
  • Finance options may be available for treatment plans
  • We’ll explain any preparation or aftercare requirements in advance

Transparency helps reduce anxiety. We are always clear about pricing.

Helping You Move Forward With Confidence

Many patients find that sedation or relaxation support helps them:

  • Complete overdue dental treatment
  • Build trust and confidence over time
  • Feel more prepared for future visits

Our goal is not just to support you through one appointment, but to help dental care feel more manageable long-term.

image
bg

Frequently Asked Questions

Dental sedation uses carefully selected medication, where suitable, to help patients feel calmer and more relaxed during treatment.
Dental sedation can be safe when provided by appropriately trained professionals following a careful assessment. We’ll explain the benefits, risks and alternatives before treatment.
Not necessarily. Some patients only need sedation for certain treatments or early visits, while others may manage well with reassurance, extra time and clear communication.
Sedation may be suitable for many treatments, but availability depends on clinical assessment and the procedure involved.
Sedation may be suitable for nervous patients or those with dental anxiety, depending on their medical history, treatment needs and clinical assessment.
Yes. Sedation is commonly used for patients with dental anxiety or phobia, alongside other relaxation techniques.
This depends on the type of sedation used. For some forms of sedation, you should not drive afterwards and will need a responsible adult to take you home. We’ll advise you clearly before your appointment.
We’ll discuss your anxiety, medical history and treatment needs during a consultation to decide whether sedation, relaxation support or another approach may be suitable.

What our patients have to say...

Denise Somers

Patient

Every member of staff is always extremely kind, thorough, and patient. Always thorough in explanations and ensure every client feels valued.

qoute

Jeff Emberson

Patient

My Dentist is Tony Aneiros, he has been my Dentist for many years. I have confidence in his skills as Dentist and he has always been very professional when caring for my teeth. He has a friendly manner and is mindful to keep the patient at ease and pain free. We recently moved and now live a long way from the surgery, but I have no intention of changing Dentist.

qoute

Gill Carter

Patient

Bradley the Hygienist is very considerate as I really don’t like the process but I know it’s necessary. I would recommend him if you are a nervous patient.

qoute

Lynn Culley

Patient

Have been going to Start Smiling for as long as I can remember. I am an old person, but still wants a good smile. 😬. Natalie the hygienist is lovely. Receptionist are always polite and friendly. Tom my dentist is good. Never felt worried or anxious when I go.

qoute

Anne-Marie Winch

Patient

Very satisfied with all treatment received so far. I shall be using Start-Smiling from now on for check ups, hygienist, etc. A very friendly and helpful team. Thank you

qoute

Michael Seymour

Patient

I had some excellent treatment at Start smiling and can’t thank the team enough. The care and kindness shown by everyone really stood out and put me completely at ease. A fantastic dentist and a genuinely caring practice

qoute

John Robinson

Patient

I have been using start smiling for the last 4 years, I can highly recommend their services. I had 3 implants fitted, and also some cosmetic work done . I am very pleased with the results. Thank you to all the staff there.

qoute

Steve Franks

Patient

Turned up late for my appointment due to train issues, I was already extremely nervous but the staff were very kind and considerate. Appointment itself was fine despite my rambling on in my nervousness. Very professional service. Thank you Start Smiling I would recommend you to anyone with similar 'phobias'

qoute

Toni Featherstone

Patient

Absolutely amazing, before coming here I had a terrible fear with dentist. From the day I went to start smily I have felt completely at ease! Can’t not recommend them enough! Thank you so much I can’t wait now for the final finish of my new teeth 🦷

qoute

Nicky Allen

Patient

We’ve had such a great experience with Tony, the orthodontist treating my son. His teeth are coming along beautifully and we’re so pleased with the progress. Tracey on reception and the nurse are both absolutely lovely — always welcoming, kind, and they truly go above and beyond. The whole team makes every visit a positive experience. I would highly recommend.

qoute

A-A Ron

Patient

Great practice, very friendly, high quality of dental care from Dr Tom Sealey and his colleagues. Just had a brace fitted and it was carried out very quickly with no discomfort. I have been going for 10 years or so. Thoroughly recommend.

qoute
image

Book A Calm, Relaxed Appointment Today

If anxiety has been holding you back, support is available.

📅 Book a consultation to discuss sedation & relaxation options
💬 Talk openly about your concerns, we’re here to listen
✨ Experience dentistry designed around your comfort

Contact Us

If you would like to book a general dentistry appointment, routine check-up or ask a question about your oral health, please complete the form below and one of the team will be in touch.

Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1
Award Logo 1

We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. You can accept all, reject all, or manage your preferences.