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Jul 22, 2026

Scared of the Dentist? How Dental Sedation Can Help Nervous Patients

OHDP Team

“I know I need treatment, but I’m terrified of the dentist.”

If that sounds familiar, you are certainly not alone.

Dental anxiety is extremely common. For some people it means feeling slightly nervous before an appointment. For others, the fear can be so strong that they avoid the dentist for years and only seek help when they are in pain.

Unfortunately, this can create a difficult cycle.

You avoid the dentist because you’re frightened. A dental problem gradually gets worse. You eventually need more treatment, which makes you even more anxious about going.

One option that can help some nervous patients break that cycle is dental sedation.

Why are some people so frightened of the dentist?

There isn’t always one reason.

Some people remember a difficult dental experience when they were younger. Others dislike needles, worry about pain, have a strong gag reflex or simply hate feeling that they aren’t in control.

Sometimes patients tell us:

“I know my fear isn’t rational, but I can’t control it.”

And that’s okay.

You don’t need to justify being nervous.

The important thing is to tell your dental team how you feel so that they can work with you.

What is dental sedation?

Sedation is used to help suitable patients feel much more relaxed while having dental treatment.

One form used in dentistry is intravenous conscious sedation, often shortened to IV sedation.

Medication is given through a small cannula, usually in your arm or hand, to help you become deeply relaxed.

The word conscious is important.

IV conscious sedation isn’t the same as having a general anaesthetic. You aren’t simply “put to sleep”.

You remain conscious and can usually respond to the dental team, but you should feel much calmer and more relaxed about what is happening.

Many patients also remember very little about their treatment afterwards.

Will I still feel pain?

Sedation and pain relief are two different things.

Sedation is primarily used to reduce anxiety and help you relax.

We still use appropriate local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated.

For many nervous patients, the combination of being relaxed with sedation and having the treatment area properly numbed can make dental treatment considerably easier to cope with.

What treatments can be carried out with sedation?

Sedation may potentially be considered for a wide range of dental treatments depending on the patient and procedure.

This can include treatments such as:

tooth extractions;
wisdom tooth removal;
longer or more complex procedures;
some implant procedures;
restorative dental treatment; and
treatment for patients with significant dental anxiety.

But sedation isn’t automatically necessary or appropriate for every patient or every procedure.

The first step is an assessment.

What if I haven’t been to the dentist for years?

Please don’t let embarrassment stop you seeking help.

People avoid dental treatment for all sorts of reasons.

Sometimes it’s fear.

Sometimes life simply gets in the way.

And sometimes people are embarrassed about the condition of their teeth and worry that the dentist will judge them.

Our job isn’t to lecture you about the past.

It’s to work out where you are now and what we can do to help you move forward.

The hardest appointment can sometimes be the first one through the door.

Do I have to have treatment at my first appointment?

No.

For an anxious patient, simply meeting the team and talking about what worries you can be an important first step.

We can examine your mouth, discuss any problems and explain the options available.

If sedation might be appropriate, this can then be discussed as part of your treatment planning.

Nothing should happen without your understanding and consent.

Is sedation suitable for everybody?

No.

Your dentist needs to consider your medical history, medications, the treatment being proposed and other factors before deciding whether sedation is appropriate.

That’s why sedation should always be properly assessed and planned.

What happens after IV sedation?

The effects of sedation don’t disappear the moment your dental treatment finishes.

You will need a responsible adult to accompany you home and follow the instructions given to you by the sedation team.

There are also important restrictions following treatment, including around driving and making important decisions.

We will explain these requirements clearly before your sedation appointment so you can make the necessary arrangements.

Could sedation help me finally get my teeth sorted?

Possibly.

And sometimes that is the biggest benefit.

For someone who has avoided dentistry for years because of anxiety, sedation may make treatment that previously felt impossible seem achievable.

But our longer-term aim isn’t simply to “get you through” one appointment.

Where possible, we want to help you rebuild confidence in dentistry so that looking after your teeth becomes easier in the future.

Nervous about visiting the dentist?

If dental anxiety has been preventing you from getting the treatment you need, you don’t have to start by committing to treatment.

Start with a conversation.

At Oswyn House Dental Practice in Oswestry, we can discuss your concerns, assess your dental needs and explain whether dental sedation may be an appropriate option for you.

Call our friendly team on 01691 652424 or contact us through our website.

And when you contact us, don’t be afraid to say:

“I’m a nervous patient.”

It helps us understand how best to look after you.

Written or reviewed by Jabbar Hussain.

Dentist with over 20 years’ experience in high-end general and cosmetic dentistry.

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