If you are searching for IV sedation dentistry near me, you may feel anxious about dental treatment or have avoided care due to fear. Dental sedation, also known as intravenous (IV) sedation, is a safe and effective way to help patients feel deeply relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures.
IV sedation creates a calm, dream-like state while you remain responsive and able to breathe independently. It is commonly chosen by patients who experience dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or difficulty tolerating longer or more complex procedures.
IV sedation involves carefully administered medication delivered through a small intravenous line. The level of sedation is adjusted throughout treatment to maintain comfort while ensuring appropriate responsiveness and monitoring.
Unlike general anaesthesia, IV sedation does not render you fully unconscious. Many patients report limited recall of their appointment, although experiences vary by individual. Continuous monitoring of vital signs is maintained throughout the procedure to support safety.
Our owner and principal dentist Dr Jordan Walsh has completed certification in TCI (target controlled infusion) sedation, offering patients in the Bay of Plenty access to advanced sedation care within a private dental setting.
TCI is a specialised form of IV sedation that uses infusion technology to allow precise control of medication levels throughout treatment. This approach enables consistent sedation depth with careful titration and monitoring. With conventional IV sedation, your dentist adjusts the medication throughout your treatment based on continuous monitoring.
While conventional sedation is appropriate for shorter procedures, longer/full-day dental procedures may benefit from the predictability and comfort offered with TCI sedation. Both are valid approaches when used in the right situations.
Your suitability for TCI sedation can be determined following a comprehensive medical assessment and consultation.
Sedation dentistry may be considered if you:
A detailed medical history and clinical assessment are required to determine suitability.
Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most common reasons our patients choose to undertake dental sedation.
Sedation is not compulsory if you are having wisdom teeth surgery; our dentists always apply a local anaesthetic for this type of procedure. However, sedation can make your experience more comfortable if you:
Your dentist will let you know if they recommend your wisdom tooth surgery under IV sedation, and why this may be their advice.
Your sedation dentistry cost will depend on the duration of your procedure and the complexity of the monitoring required. This sedation fee is separate to the cost of the procedure itself.
Our current dental sedation costs, correct as of Oct 2026, are as follows.
| Conventional IV sedation | $650 per session |
| Advanced TCI sedation | $825-1650 |
| Oral sedation | $650 per session |
Following your initial consultation and assessment, your dentist will advise whether they recommend sedation for your procedure, and which type of sedation they believe will be most appropriate for your circumstances. A detailed written quote will be provided prior to treatment so that you can understand all costs.
Prior to your treatment under dental sedation, your dentist will provide you with comprehensive guidelines on what to arrange before your appointment. We also encourage you to call the clinic ahead of your appointment if you have any additional questions.
Leading up to your IV sedation appointment:
Your dentist may make additional recommendations to your pre-treatment instructions based on your personal medical history.
During IV sedation, you will feel deeply relaxed and drowsy while remaining responsive to verbal instructions. Local anaesthetic is still used to numb the treatment area, ensuring you do not experience sharp pain. Your vital signs are continuously monitored throughout the procedure to maintain safety and comfort.
After treatment, recovery varies between individuals. Many patients feel tired for the remainder of the day and will require a responsible adult to drive them home and stay with them. Detailed aftercare instructions are provided prior to discharge to support safe recovery. If you are considering IV sedation dentistry in Tauranga or Papamoa, contact Beyond Dental on 07 987 2825 to arrange a consultation and discuss suitability.
