If you feel anxious about the dentist, tell the dental team when you book and again at the appointment, because they can adapt how they treat you. Many people manage with support and relaxation techniques alone. For those who need more, conscious sedation is available in many dental practices, and general anaesthetic is reserved for hospital settings.
What dental anxiety is
Dental anxiety ranges from mild nerves to a phobia that stops people going at all. NHS England's clinical guide on dental anxiety cites the Adult Dental Health Survey, in which 36% of adults reported moderate dental anxiety and 12% reported anxiety at a level that could be considered phobic. If you feel this way, you are far from alone.
Who sedation is for
NHS England describes care for anxious patients in three tiers:
- Tier 1: general dental practice, using anxiety management techniques for patients without complex needs.
- Tier 2: conscious sedation by experienced teams, for more complex treatment or medical histories.
- Tier 3: specialist services offering more intensive help, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Your dentist can talk you through which level of support fits your situation.
What can help
Support without sedation
The NHS says you can ask the dental team to stop or take a break at any time during a check-up. The Oral Health Foundation points out that it is not possible to be anxious and relaxed at the same time, so learning relaxation techniques can help you feel more in control. It also mentions hypnotherapy as an option some people use.
For long-term anxiety, NHS England recommends CBT, typically 6 to 10 sessions of around an hour each. It can be delivered by psychologists or by trained members of the dental team.
Inhalation sedation (gas and air)
You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nosepiece. The Oral Health Foundation says it creates a calm, relaxed feeling quickly, you stay awake and aware, and the effects wear off quickly. You can usually drive again about 15 minutes after treatment.
Intravenous (IV) sedation
A sedative is given through a small injection in your hand or arm. The Oral Health Foundation says you will feel very relaxed and drowsy and may not remember much of the treatment, but you can still hear the dentist and follow simple instructions. The effects take time to wear off, so someone must take you home, and you must not drive, drink alcohol or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
Tablets
The Oral Health Foundation says that where anxiety is overwhelming, a doctor may prescribe a mild sedative in tablet or liquid form to take before your appointment.
General anaesthetic
NHS England's guidance says general anaesthetic for dental treatment is provided in hospital settings, not in high street practices.
NHS or private
NHS England's guidance sets out that sedation and general anaesthetic are accessed through local referral systems, so you cannot refer yourself. Ask your dentist whether a referral is suitable. Sedation is also offered privately by some practices, and fees vary. See our costs guide and our guides to NHS dentists and private dentists.
How to choose a practice
- Check the dentist on the General Dental Council register. Everyone providing dental care in the UK must be registered.
- Ask whether the practice offers sedation on site, which types, and who gives it.
- Ask if you can visit first, or book a short appointment just to talk.
- Look for a team that explains what will happen before each step and is happy to go at your pace.
Before and after sedation
Follow the written instructions the practice gives you. For IV sedation, arrange for an adult to take you home and plan to rest for the rest of the day. The NHS says the dental team will ask about your general health and any medicines you take, so have that information ready.
If you are in pain now, our emergency dentist guide explains how to get urgent care, or call NHS 111. When you are ready to go back, a routine check-up is a gentle place to start.
Sources: NHS England: Clinical guide for dental anxiety management; Oral Health Foundation: Relaxation and sedation; NHS: What happens when you visit an NHS dentist; General Dental Council: Registration.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice.