Can You Ask Your Dentist To Put You To Sleep? My Hands-On Guide To Dental Sedation

I’ve always been one of those people who get nervous at the dentist. Just hearing the sound of the drill made my heart pound. After a while, I found out I wasn’t alone—a ton of people feel this way too. It looks like about 36% of adults get nervous about going to the dentist, and maybe 12% are super scared of it—that’s what they call “dental phobia.”

Things really started to get better for me when I found out I could ask my dentist to “put me to sleep”—or really, just help me calm down with some kind of sedation. Asking that question made a huge difference for my next visits.

So here’s what I learned: how I brought it up, what happened during my appointments, what kinds of sedation are out there, and what actually worked for me. If you’re scared about seeing the dentist, this guide should help.

What Does “Being Put to Sleep” at the Dentist Really Mean?

When you hear “put to sleep,” it can mean different things—dentists have more than one way of helping you relax. Here’s what I found out about the choices.

Minimal Sedation: Just a Little Extra Comfort

This was the first level I tried. Minimal sedation means you’re awake, just more calm.

Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)

This was my first step. The dental worker put a mask over my nose, and I breathed in a sweet gas. After a few minutes, my body felt lighter, and I was not so tense. When they took off the mask, I felt normal right away, and I could drive myself home.

Cost: I paid about $80 for this, but you might pay between $50 and $150 depending on where you live.

Best for: Short visits, people who are a little nervous, or even kids that need some help relaxing.

Oral Sedation (A Pill to Ease the Nerves)

For another visit, my dentist gave me a pill to take before I came in. Drugs like diazepam or triazolam are common. After about half an hour, I felt relaxed and sleepy—kind of like the start of falling asleep, but I was still awake.

One thing to know: I needed someone to give me a ride, because I was too sleepy to drive.

Moderate Sedation: “Twilight” Dentistry

For a tougher visit, my dentist suggested “moderate sedation,” or what some call “twilight sleep.” Usually they use an IV for this.

IV Sedation

They put a needle in my arm for the medicine. I could hear and answer simple questions, but it all felt dreamy. I don’t remember much after that. Best way I can say it—it’s like you’re almost asleep, but you could still answer if someone calls your name.

Cost: This cost me about $500 for a two-hour visit, but prices can go up depending on where you are and who your dentist is.

Tip: You’ll need someone to take you home, and plan on sleeping the rest of that day.

When is this used? Long visits, being very scared, strong gag reflex, or when you want to remember nothing at all.

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia: Truly Asleep

For big dental surgeries (like taking out wisdom teeth, putting in a lot of implants, or kids who can’t sit still), deep sedation or full anesthesia comes in.

Deep Sedation

This time, I was out cold and only woke up when it was all done. I did not answer or hear what people said while I was out.

General Anesthesia

This is like what you’d get for surgery in a hospital. You’re knocked out, and a doctor (anesthesiologist or oral surgeon) keeps track of your breathing and heart.

Heads up: Most dentists don’t do this in their everyday office. Usually it’s done in a hospital or special dental office.

Cost: This can cost thousands each hour and isn’t paid for by most dental plans, except if you have a really good reason.

The Process: How I Asked for Sedation and What Happened Next

Wanting help with anxiety was easier to talk about than I thought, but here’s how it went step by step.

Opening Up About My Dental Anxiety

I just told my dentist I get super anxious, sometimes even panic, when I’m at the dentist. She didn’t act surprised at all and said it was actually pretty normal.

I just asked: “Can you help me relax, or put me to sleep, for this visit?”

She said: “Of course. Let’s see what works best and what’s safe for you.”

Medical History and Safety First

Before giving me anything, my dentist checked my health history carefully. She asked about:

Allergies
Heart trouble
Problems like sleep apnea
Medicines I take
Any past problems with anesthesia

If you’re scared of sounding silly by asking, don’t worry. Dentists are used to this and want to help.

Personalized Sedation Plans

Not everyone gets the same sedation. For me, a light pill was enough for just a crown and bridge job, while I needed IV sedation for a root canal. Some people need more every time. Your dentist will help figure out what’s best for you and how scared you get.

Next up was agreement—I got a simple paper to tell me the good and bad things that might happen, and I had time to think before saying yes.

Making the Decision: Factors That Influence Sedation Choice

Not everybody can get all types of sedation. Here’s what played into my experience.

My Health and Medical Background

My dentist made sure I told the truth about any health problems. People with heart, breathing issues, or those who are pregnant sometimes can’t get certain sedation. She also double-checked what medicine I was on.

How Big the Dental Procedure Was

If it’s a long procedure (hours in the chair, lots of extractions, or work like getting a dental implant), they usually suggest more sedation. If it’s just a quick checkup or some small fillings, laughing gas or an oral pill will usually be enough.

How Scared I Really Was

My dentist looked for signs of fear, not just what I said. She asked about bad memories, and if I’d skipped visits because of fear.

Dentist’s Training and Facility Capabilities

Turns out, not every office can do every type of sedation. Some do just laughing gas. Some have extra certifications or bring in a special dentist. It’s smart to ask. If they can’t help, they’ll know someone who can.

The Cost Maze: Sedation Dentistry and Insurance

Now for the question everyone asks—how much will this cost, and does any insurance help?

Typical Costs I Encountered

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): $50–$150 extra
Oral Sedation: $150–$500 per visit
IV Sedation: $300–$800+ every hour (it can be more in some places)
General Anesthesia: $500–$1,500+ an hour, sometimes paid to a different provider

These are rough numbers. I was usually in the middle somewhere.

Insurance—and the Realities There

Bad news: Most dental plans don’t pay for sedation if you’re just nervous. Medical insurance sometimes pays for deeper sedation or full anesthesia, but only for big surgeries or people with big health needs.

What worked for me: I asked about ways to pay before I said yes to sedation. Lots of offices have payment plans.

How I Handled Logistics and Payments

Since I couldn’t drive after oral or IV sedation, I always made sure someone could take me home. I also picked days I could go home and nap without worrying about school or work.

What to Expect: My Step-by-Step Experience with Sedation Dentistry

After a few tries and a few types, here’s what the whole process looked like for me.

Before My Appointment: Getting Ready

Getting ready depends on the type:

Laughing gas: Just show up, maybe eat something light first.
Oral or IV sedation: Don’t eat or drink (except water) for six hours before. Get a driver.
Bring a list of medications and any health changes.
Your dental team will give you clear instructions too.

During the Procedure: What I Felt

With laughing gas, I felt like things were happening to someone else. The oral pill made things kind of foggy. IV sedation? I remember getting an oxygen mask, then waking up after it was all done, no pain, no bad memories.

My heart, breathing, and blood pressure were all checked the whole time. They had ways to fix things if something went wrong, but nothing bad ever happened to me.

Afterwards: Recovery and Post-Op Tips

Laughing gas: Good to drive, eat, and go back to work right away.
Oral or IV sedation: I slept for a while, ate soft food, and took it easy for the day.
My ride got me home safe.
Followed written directions for eating and medicine.
Any grogginess or soreness didn’t last to the next day.

Finding the Right Sedation Dentist: How I Chose

If you want sedation, not every dentist will be a good fit. This is how I picked mine.

Questions I Asked

What types of sedation do you offer?
Are you trained for moderate or deep sedation?
How often do you do sedation?
If I need general anesthesia, will there be an anesthesiologist?
What emergency plans do you have?

I also checked if they had worked with nervous people or kids before, since my anxiety was tough to handle.

Checking Credentials and Comfort Level

I looked at their credentials online and read what other anxious patients said. Some dentists also work with good labs for special appliances, like night guards or dentures, which made me feel more comfortable about my care.

Online searches and forums made it easier to trust my choice.

Conclusion: Taking Control of My Dental Experience

I used to let fear keep me away from the dentist. Now, after trying a few kinds of sedation, I really believe there’s a way to help almost anyone feel safe. Sometimes it’s laughing gas, a simple pill, or being fully asleep with a trained specialist there.

It’s okay to ask about sedation. It isn’t weird or wrong—it’s an important thing for your health and peace of mind. Stand up for what you need. You deserve care that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ask my dentist to put me to sleep for any dental procedure?

Yes, you can ask—but what happens depends on your health, what you need done, and what your dentist is trained for. Be honest about your fears.

What types of sedation are most common?

Laughing gas and oral sedation are used a lot. IV sedation is more for bigger needs or if you’re really anxious. General anesthesia is usually for surgery or some special patients.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

From my experience and what I read, dental sedation is very safe with trained dentists. They run checks before, watch you during, and there are rules for safety.

Will insurance pay for dental sedation?

Dental insurance almost never pays unless there’s a big medical reason. Medical plans may help for general anesthesia if you really need it, but you usually pay for laughing gas or oral/IV sedation yourself.

How do I find a dentist who offers sedation?

Ask your dentist or search for “sedation dentist near me.” Always look at training and what patients say. Look for offices connected with trusted labs for restorative work—some, like a top china dental lab, keep quality high for your dental needs.

If you’re still here, you’re already taking steps to make your dental story better. For me, asking to be “put to sleep” turned out to be what helped me get the care I really needed. I hope telling my story helps you find the calm and confidence you need too—because having a healthy mouth (and feeling okay about it) really does matter.

Can You Ask Your Dentist to Put You to Sleep? My Hands-On Guide to Dental Sedation

Table of Contents

Introduction: Facing My Dental Fears Head-On

What Does “Being Put to Sleep” at the Dentist Really Mean?