Can a Dentist Put You to Sleep for Tooth Extraction?

Your Friendly Guide to Sedation Dentistry

That moment you hear, “You need a tooth pulled.” Your heartbeat speeds up. Your hands get sweaty. And maybe your first thought is, “Will it hurt… and can I just be asleep for the whole thing?”

If that question has ever popped up in your mind, you’re not alone. Fear of the dentist is super common, and tooth extractions—especially wisdom teeth—are at the top of the worry list. More and more people are looking for ways to make dental work easier, safer, and yes, as pain free as possible.

So, can a dentist put you to sleep for tooth extraction? Yes, they can. But how it’s done, who can do it, and what you should expect—that’s where things get interesting. In this guide, you’ll get everything you need to feel ready and more at ease. Let’s clear up the confusion, explain how things work, and talk about your choices so you can go to your next dental visit with confidence—not fear.

In This Article

Quick Navigation

• What Does “Put to Sleep” Really Mean? Demystifying Dental Sedation
• Levels of Dental Sedation: From Laughing Gas to Full Sleep
• Who Can Safely Put You to Sleep? Dentists, Surgeons, and Anesthesiologists
• Why People Choose Sedation for Extractions
• How to Prepare for Dental Sedation: Before, During, and After
• Safety First: Understanding Risks and How They’re Managed
• How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
• Who’s a Good Candidate for Sedation?
• Takeaways: How to Make Your Extraction Anxiety-Free
• Frequently Asked Questions

What Does “Put to Sleep” Really Mean?

Let’s Clear Up the Confusion

You might hear “put to sleep” and imagine falling all the way out and then waking up with everything done. Sometimes, that’s exactly what happens (that’s called general anesthesia). Other times, “being put to sleep” just means feeling really calm—so comfortable you might not remember much, even if you’re actually awake.

Dental workers use a few different kinds of calming medicines:

• Minimal sedation (you’re awake, but calm—like with laughing gas)
• Moderate sedation (you’re sleepy, can answer questions, but might not remember lots)
• Deep sedation (almost asleep, but can be woken up if needed)
• General anesthesia (fully asleep, don’t know or feel anything, and hard to wake up)

Each way helps with worry, pain, and that “I really don’t want to be here” feeling in different ways. Which one is best for you depends on your comfort, your health, and how tricky the procedure will be.

Levels of Dental Sedation: From Laughing Gas to Full Sleep

Which Type of Sedation Is Right For You?

Let’s look at your choices, from the lightest to the deepest level of “sleep” for dental work.

Minimal Sedation: Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)

How it works:

You breathe in a gas called nitrous oxide (smells a bit sweet) through a small mask on your nose. After a few minutes, you just feel better. You feel warm, chill—even a bit silly sometimes.

What it feels like:

Most people say it feels floaty and calm. You’re awake and still know what’s going on, but your nerves just go away. The feeling leaves soon after the mask is off, so you can usually drive home.

Who it’s best for:

• People with a little bit of dental fear
• Simple extractions
• Kids needing a soft nudge

Pros:

• Safe, goes away fast and easily
• No lasting drowsiness
• Dentist can turn it up or down as needed

Cons:

• Doesn’t totally knock you out
• Not enough for tough surgeries or strong fear
• Some people don’t like having a mask on

Moderate Sedation: Oral Conscious Sedation

How it works:

You take a calming pill (like Halcion or Valium) about an hour before your dentist visit.

What it feels like:

You’ll get sleepy, kinda loose, maybe a bit out of it. Most people remember almost nothing about being at the dentist, but you can still answer questions softly.

Who it’s best for:

• People with more worry or fear about the dentist
• More complicated extractions
• Teens and adults

Pros:

• Super easy (just a pill)
• No needles
• Many people almost doze off the whole time

Cons:

• You can’t drive after—get a ride
• Might feel sleepy for a long time
• Rare risk of allergy or trouble breathing

Deep Sedation: IV Sedation

How it works:

Your dentist or oral surgeon gives you medicine straight into your blood through a vein (IV). You quickly go into a dream-like state—almost asleep, won’t remember the dental work.

What it feels like:

To you, it’s all over in seconds. But you’re deeply out, still breathing on your own, and not aware of any dental work.

Who it’s best for:

• People with big dental fear
• Difficult or lots of extractions (like wisdom teeth)
• Anyone who can’t stop gagging or fidgeting

Pros:

• Super comfy, don’t notice a thing
• Works fast, dentist can change how much you need easily
• More can get done in fewer visits

Cons:

• Only dentists with special training can do this
• You must have someone take you home
• Costs more, and is riskier for folks with heart or breathing problems

Full “Sleep”: General Anesthesia

How it works:

Like being put to sleep for surgery at the hospital—medicine goes into your vein and sometimes you breathe through a mask. You’re totally out and not aware of anything.

What it feels like:

You just suddenly wake up after, with no memory at all of the dentist visit.

Who it’s best for:

• Very big surgeries (like hard-to-get wisdom teeth)
• Serious fear of the dentist
• Special needs patients who cannot be awake for dental work

Pros:

• Zero memory or feeling
• Good for tricky cases or for people who can’t stay still

Cons:

• Must be done by an oral surgeon or special dentist, sometimes with an anesthesiologist
• Is the riskiest (but still safe)
• The longest recovery, and must be at a special clinic

Who Can Safely Put You to Sleep?

Dentists, Surgeons, and Sedation Experts

You want to know who’s trained for this—just like you wouldn’t let anyone drive your car.

General Dentists

Most general dentists can give you:

• Numbing shots (local anesthesia, always used for extractions)
• Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
• Calming pills

Some learn how to do IV sedation, but it depends where you live. They mostly do safe, normal cases.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

If your tooth removal is hard (like taking out a stubborn wisdom tooth) or you need IV or deep sleep, you’ll usually see an oral surgeon. These dentists are experts—years of training and lots of practice.

Anesthesiologists

For the deepest sleep, there sometimes is a dental anesthesiologist in the room. Their only job is to watch your breathing, heart, and how you’re doing all the time you’re under.

Credentials To Look For

Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about their training, papers, and what kinds of calming medicine they’re allowed to use. The office should happily show you their safety plans.

Why People Choose Sedation for Extractions

Fighting Fear, Pain, and Gagging

A lot of people get sweaty hands or a funny feeling in the stomach just thinking about going to the dentist. Studies say about 25–40% of adults get nervous. For tooth pulling, it’s even higher.

So, why do people want to be put to sleep?

• Fear and Worry: Some people panic just thinking about the dentist. Sedation helps you skip the scary sights and sounds.
• Pain: Even though we numb the mouth, some still worry it’ll hurt or are hard to numb.
• Tricky Cases: Pulling out wisdom teeth or lots of teeth at once is tougher, so sometimes you need something stronger.
• Trouble Gagging or Moving: If you gag a lot or can’t keep still, sedation helps.
• Long Procedures: If you need lots done (like a few teeth pulled), sedation helps get it done faster.

Getting sedation isn’t about being “weak.” It’s a real way to make dental care possible and comfy for everyone.

How to Prepare for Dental Sedation

What to Expect Before, During, and After

Being ready helps things go smoothly. Here’s what usually happens:

Before Your Appointment

1. Health and Medicine Check:

Tell the truth about your health, allergies, and all meds you take. This helps your dentist keep you safe.

2. Prep Instructions:

For pills, IV, or general sleep, you’ll usually:

• Not eat or drink for a few hours (“fasting”)
• Maybe stop or change some meds
• Wear loose clothes (for checking heart and breathing)

3. Get a Ride:

For anything but laughing gas, get someone to take you home—you might be a bit out of it for a while.

During the Procedure

1. They Watch You:

Your team watches your heart, oxygen, and blood pressure with beeping machines.

2. You Still Get Numbed:

Even if you’re “asleep,” they use a shot to numb around the tooth so you won’t feel pain after.

3. Friendly Team:

Your dental team should go slowly, tell you what’s happening, and help you feel calm.

After the Procedure

1. Short Rest:

You hang out in a chill room after. Just a few minutes for laughing gas. For deeper sedation, maybe 30–90 minutes.

2. Simple Instructions:

You’ll get easy-to-follow info about what to take for pain, when to eat, and what not to do.

3. Go Home and Rest:

Plan to relax, drink water, and don’t drive or make big choices for 12–24 hours (or as told).

Safety First: Understanding Risks and How They’re Managed

Dental Sedation Is Safe—With the Right Checks

It’s normal to wonder, “Is this safe?” With the right dentist, it is.

Here’s what you should know:

• Problems Are Rare: For laughing gas and calming pills, big problems happen less than 1 in 10,000 times.
• They Watch You Closely: Your team is ready for rare emergencies like allergies or breathing problems.
• Prep Is Important: If you have heart, lung, or liver issues, they’re extra careful. Some might need to go to a hospital-type clinic.

Possible, Mild Side Effects:

• Sleepiness
• Feeling sick (very rare with gas)
• Dry mouth
• Feeling foggy after

Serious (But Super Rare) Problems:

• Allergies
• Getting too sleepy and breathing slows
• Heartbeat gets weird (usually only in very sick patients)

Be Honest:

If you ever had trouble with calming or numbing medicine, tell your dentist before anything starts.

How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

How Much Does It Cost—And How to Plan

A lot of people ask, “Will it cost a lot?” Sedation adds extra to your bill, depends on what they use, and where you live.

Here’s a simple chart:

• Insurance sometimes helps. If you really need sedation for health or strong fear, some insurances help, but not always for basic worry.
• Get a cost idea before you start. Always ask so you’re not surprised later.

Talking about money helps you know what to expect and plan ahead.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Sedation?

Is “Sleep Dentistry” Right for You?

Sedation can help a lot—but not for everyone. How do you know if it’s right for you?

Sedation is good for:

• Teens and adults who get really scared at the dentist
• People who gag a lot
• Anyone needing lots of dental work
• People where the numbing shots don’t work well
• Kids (with kids’ dentists)
• People with disabilities (but always with careful watching)

When Sedation Might Not Be Okay:

• People with serious, unstable heart, breathing, kidney, or liver disease
• Women who are pregnant (always ask your doctor first)
• Allergic to sedative drugs
• Severe sleep apnea (for deep or full sleep)

Your dentist will check your health and might talk to your doctor to choose what’s safest.

Be honest: If you’re not sure, just ask! There is almost always a way to help you get the treatment you need, comfortably.

Your Healthy Takeaway

Easy Steps to a Stress-Free Extraction

• Dentists can “put you to sleep” for pulling a tooth—whether it’s just a little relaxation or full sleep, depending on you.
• There are many ways to do sedation, from very light to very deep. Best choice is based on your health, how nervous you are, and how tough the extraction will be.
• Sedation dentistry works well, is safe, and makes most people super happy. Studies show it helps thousands beat dental fear every year.
• Most people feel better really fast after dental sedation. You’ll need a helper to get home for anything stronger than laughing gas.
• Always talk to your dental team about your fears or questions. Getting care for your teeth shouldn’t be scary.
• Don’t let fear keep you from a healthy mouth.

Want to feel better about your dental visit?

Make an appointment to talk with your dentist or oral surgeon about your sedation options. A kind team will explain everything so you can get dental care the comfy way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers for the Curious (and Concerned)

Q: Will I feel anything if I’m put to sleep?

With deep sedation or general anesthesia, most people feel nothing. Lighter sedation means you might remember some things, but not pain.

Q: Can I drive myself home after sedation?

Only if you had laughing gas. For anything stronger, get a ride—your reflexes will be slow.

Q: Is sedation safe for kids?

Yes, with a properly trained dentist or oral surgeon, and if they’re carefully watched.

Q: Who picks the kind of sedation I get?

Your dentist will talk with you about your needs, your health, and how hard the extraction will be.

Q: What if I have other health problems? Should I skip sedation?

Not always. Your dentist will help decide, and may talk to your doctor or send you to a hospital dentist if needed.

Real-World Tips: Building Trust with Your Dental Team

• Don’t try to hide your worries—dentists understand, and want to help you.
• Bring a list of your medicines and allergies with you.
• Don’t be shy about asking about side effects, how you wake up, who’s watching you, and what to do if you’re nervous on your appointment day.
• If you might need crowns or bridges after an extraction, your dental office may work with a crown and bridge dental laboratory for your fake teeth—another reason sedation can help you get through the process more easily.

Need Advanced Restorations After Extraction?

If your plan includes dental implants, bridges, or dentures, your dentist might work with special labs, like a china dental lab or even a digital dental lab. These places make fake teeth fit just right—even if your dental work is done while you’re “sleeping.”

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone. Help Is Here.

Dental fear is nothing to be embarrassed about. Every year, millions of people beat their worry and get healthy thanks to sedation dentistry. Start by talking about it. With the right info, a caring team, and your own choices, tooth pulling doesn’t have to be scary—it can be the way to a better, pain-free mouth.

Remember: A great dentist isn’t just good at fixing teeth—they’re great at listening and making you feel safe, too.

For more info about dental work, extractions, or what new teeth are out there, check out other resources on our site or talk with your dentist. Your comfort—and your smile—matter most!