Can a Dentist Put You to Sleep?
From Dr. Eastwood at Summerbrook Dental & Implants – Fort Worth, TX
Yes, a dentist can put you to sleep—depending on the level of sedation needed and the procedure being performed. At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we offer several types of sedation to help patients feel relaxed, comfortable, and stress-free during their dental visits.
For patients with mild to moderate anxiety, we offer oral sedation or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). These methods don’t put you fully to sleep, but they do help you stay calm and often result in limited memory of the procedure. Another option is IV sedation, which provides a deeper level of relaxation and allows us to adjust the medication throughout your treatment. You will remain conscious, but extremely drowsy and unaware of the procedure.
If you need or prefer to be completely asleep, we also offer general anesthesia—administered by a licensed MD anesthesiologist. This is ideal for complex dental surgeries, full-mouth reconstructions, or for patients with extreme dental fear. Safety is our top priority, which is why we only use medical doctors trained specifically in anesthesia to monitor you throughout the procedure.
Not all dental offices are equipped to offer all levels of sedation, especially general anesthesia. At Summerbrook Dental & Implants, we’re proud to provide a full range of sedation options—so you never have to delay needed care due to fear, anxiety, or medical complexity.
Dr. Eastwood has extensive experience treating patients with dental anxiety and is known for his compassionate, non-judgmental approach. Whether you’re having a simple extraction or a full arch of dental implants, we’ll make sure you feel safe, comfortable, and informed every step of the way.
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist due to fear or discomfort, give us a call today. Let’s talk about the sedation options that are right for you.