What Are the Basics of Sedation Dentistry

Last updated on May 5th, 2025 at 03:39 pm

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Whilst we all understand the importance of regular dental checkups to help ensure good oral health, this can be problematic for those who struggle with dentophobia (a fear of the dentist). Ranging from a mild uneasiness over visiting the dentist to extreme panic that can potentially result in an avoidance of necessary dental care, this is a real and recognised condition. Research shows that it affects around 3% of adults, and it is estimated that around 36% of adults have a fear of dental treatment, with 12% having an extreme fear.

Fortunately, for those who really struggle with the idea of undergoing dental treatment, there is a solution. Conscious Sedation Dentistry is the ideal solution for nervous dental patients, allowing them to access the dental care they need.

How does conscious sedation work?

This is a unique type of sedation, allowing the patient to settle into a deep and calm state of relaxation before the dentist treats them.

Sedation is offered intravenously, ensuring that the dose given contains the correct amount of medication needed for the patient to feel at ease for the duration of the treatment. This dosage level allows the patients to be aware of what is happening around them during the treatment, even leaving them able to move positions and respond to questions.

What happens when the treatment is done?

Once the treatment is over, the sedation will wear off, leaving the patient treated, calm and relaxed. Any aftereffects of the sedation should last for around an hour, so this is a much better option than general anaesthetic. There should be no unpleasant side effects like nausea, and you should be free to go about the rest of your day. However, you should bring someone to your appointment with you so that you can get home and are not alone for the rest of the day.

What are the benefits of using sedation?

Besides helping you feel calm and relaxed, allowing you to get necessary dental treatment, your dentist should be able to work more efficiently than if you didn’t have the sedation. This means treatments that may normally need to be split over a couple of visits can instead be completed in one, making the entire process much less stressful.

This can be a good option for patients needing several different treatments in one sitting or multiple fillings. For patients with a strong gag reflex, sedation can help reduce this, making it much easier for treatment to be carried out.

Who is sedation dentistry best suited to?

If you have any of the following, then you may be suitable for sedation:

A strong fear of the dentist
A history of difficulty with dental procedures
Unpleasant childhood memories of dental work
Difficulty feeling the effects of local anaesthetic
A strong gag reflex
Very sensitive teeth
Complex dental problems
Limited time to attend multiple visits
A strong sensory issue around the noises, smells or tastes associated with visiting the dentist
A phobia or embarrassment about your teeth
Learning/behavioural difficulties (patient/parental/guardian consent-dependant)

Conclusion

If you have dental issues but are scared of going to the dentist, look for a dentist who can offer you sedation dentistry. They should be certified and licensed to offer IV sedation. Booking an initial consultation will help you become familiar with the clinic and allow the dentist to note any problems you have. There is no need to struggle with dental issues or pain, so make sure you book that appointment as soon as possible.