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Dental treatment without fear, panic and unpleasant memories. Sedation is a procedure that brings the patient into a state of deep relaxation or calm sleep while the dentist works – once awake, you remember neither the sounds, the smells, nor the duration of the procedure. It is intended above all for people with a strong fear of the dentist (dental anxiety), but also for patients facing longer surgical procedures. On this page we explain the types of sedation, what it looks like and who is a candidate.
What sedation is – and what it is not
Sedation is not general anesthesia. The patient is in deep relaxation or a drowsy state, breathes independently and responds to stimulation, but is completely calm and free of fear. Local anesthesia is still given at the treatment site – sedation removes fear and tension, anesthesia removes pain. Together they make even the most demanding procedure pass without stress.
Types of sedation
- Oral sedation – a tablet taken before the procedure; brings deep relaxation and drowsiness. The simplest form, suitable for shorter procedures and moderate fear.
- Intravenous (IV) sedation – the medication is given through a vein with continuous monitoring; the depth of sedation is precisely dosed throughout the procedure. Patients most often describe it as „a short sleep from which you wake up done“.
- Gas sedation (nitrous oxide) – inhaled through a mask during the procedure and quickly cleared from the body; common with children and milder fear.
Who is sedation for?
- People with a strong fear of the dentist – those who postpone treatment for years because of panic.
- Patients with a strong gag reflex – sedation suppresses it.
- Patients facing long procedures – placement of several implants or larger surgical interventions in a single visit.
- People who find it hard to sit still – because of back pain, Parkinson’s disease or other conditions.
- Children in special indications – with individual assessment.
What does treatment under sedation look like?
- Consultation and assessment – a medical history is taken, general health is assessed and the type of sedation is chosen.
- Day of the procedure – you arrive fasting as instructed (with IV sedation); sedation is induced before the work begins.
- The procedure – while you are sedated, the dentist completes all the planned work, often several interventions at once.
- Waking up – after the procedure you rest briefly under supervision; you go home accompanied by an adult.
Is sedation safe?
With proper preparation and monitoring, sedation is a standard and safe procedure used worldwide for decades. Before sedation, a detailed health assessment is performed, and vital parameters are monitored during the procedure. Not every clinic is equipped and licensed for intravenous sedation – if you are considering this kind of treatment, at an examination with us we will assess your fear and needs and direct you to the best solution for your case.
Fear of the dentist is common – and solvable
It is estimated that up to every third adult feels marked anxiety about the dentist. The worst consequence is not the unpleasant feeling, but the postponement: a small cavity grows into an inflammation of the nerve, and a decayed tooth into an extraction. The good news is that the cycle is broken by a single stress-free treatment – patients who once go through sedation usually come to check-ups increasingly calm afterwards. Read more about regular check-ups on the preventive dentistry page.
Where to find us
ESTERA is at Bokeljska 7, Vračar, a few minutes from Slavija square in Belgrade. Book your examination by phone at +381 66 378 372 or via the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be in a deep sleep like during surgery?
No. With sedation you are in deep relaxation or a drowsy state, you breathe independently, and you later remember neither the sounds nor the duration of the procedure. That is different from general anesthesia.
Does sedation remove pain?
Sedation removes fear and tension, while pain is removed by the local anesthesia that is still given at the treatment site. With the combination of both, the procedure is stress-free and pain-free.
Can I go home alone after sedation?
No – after oral or IV sedation you need to go home accompanied by an adult and must not drive that day.
Is sedation suitable for children?
With children, gas sedation (nitrous oxide) is most often used, with individual assessment against pediatric and anesthesiology guidelines. The decision is made case by case.
Who can receive sedation?
It is assessed in the medical history: general health, the medications you take and any heart or lung conditions. Most healthy adults are candidates for at least one form of sedation.
Content prepared and medically reviewed by Dr Nenad Stanković, DDS/DMD, specialist in cosmetology, international lecturer and trainer in aesthetic medicine.
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