Sedation Dentistry and General Anaesthesia
Sedation and general anaesthesia change consciousness, not the dental work: conscious sedation leaves the patient responsive, general anaesthesia does not.
- Two consultant anaesthetists
- Continuous monitoring
- Paediatric and adult protocols
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Written by: Dr Ömer Faruk Şarkbay, PhD · Medically reviewed by: Dr Hakan Kaval
Sedation and general anaesthesia are ways of delivering dental treatment. They change how conscious the patient is and what monitoring the team must provide, and they never change what is done to the teeth. Under conscious sedation the patient is drowsy, responds to speech and breathes unaided; under general anaesthesia consciousness is fully suspended, breathing is supported and vital functions are watched continuously by an anaesthetist. The recorded safety data are specific. Across 3,742,068 office-based dental procedures under deep sedation or general anaesthesia in Ontario from 1996 to 2015, there were 3 deaths, an adjusted 0.8 per million cases (PubMed 31545669).
- 01Treat anaesthesia as a separate line in the plan, with its own consent, its own provider and its own quote. A package advertised as full-mouth treatment in one sitting is describing scheduling; the clinical work underneath stays the same.
- 02Monitoring is where the measurable difference lies. Adding capnography to pulse oximetry during intravenous sedation lowered hypoxaemia (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.70-0.83) and desaturation episodes (RR 0.79, 0.71-0.87) and detected apnoea 2.60 times sooner, across 14 randomised trials (PubMed 32556657). Ask which monitoring is used and who watches it.
- 03There is no proven best sedative agent. A Cochrane review of 50 studies and 3,704 participants counted 34 different sedatives and could pool only oral midazolam against placebo (SMD 1.96, 95% CI 1.59-2.33, moderate certainty), with 81% of studies at high risk of bias (PubMed 30566228).
- 04Nitrous oxide did not separate from other techniques on the outcomes that were measured. Patient satisfaction, recall of the procedure and successful completion showed no statistically significant differences, and safety could not be assessed because none of the included studies investigated it systematically (PubMed 40428887).
- 05Dental fear is common enough to be planned for rather than improvised around. Pooled across 31 studies and 72,577 adults, prevalence was 15.3% (95% CI 10.2-21.2) for dental fear and 3.3% for severe dental fear (PubMed 33711405).
How Sedation Is Used in Dental Treatments
Sedation is an anesthesia method used to eliminate pain, anxiety and fear that may occur during dental treatments. With the effect of sedative drugs that provide comfort and forgetfulness, the patient who is in a state of drowsiness or half-unconsciousness does not remember the content of the procedure, pain perception decreases, and unwanted intraoral reflexes are prevented. A comfortable treatment experience can make it easier for the patient to come to dental treatment in the following sessions.
It can be performed with drugs that can be given intravenously, orally or rectally, and sometimes by inhaling a sedative anesthetic gas. It is a lighter method than general anesthesia, and recovery after the procedure is usually quicker.
It is an anesthesia method that can be applied, following the dentist's assessment, to children, adults and disabled patients who are afraid of dentists or needles, who cannot have dental treatments due to nausea, vomiting, gag reflex.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Duration | Procedure-dependent |
| Materials Used | Anaesthesia equipment · Monitoring |
Treatment Process
- 01Consultation: Initial examination and needs assessment; imaging where required.
- 02Treatment: Pre-op evaluation, anaesthesia administration, post-op observation.
- 03Follow-up: Outcome review and aftercare guidance.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the patient's being fully anesthetized and connected to the anesthesia device during the procedure under the influence of the medications given in the operating room environment and under the control of the anesthesiologist. A nasal or oral breathing tube is attached to the patient and connected to the anesthesia device. The device delivers oxygen and anesthetic gas to the patient in a certain mixture until the procedure is completed. During the procedure, all vital functions of the patient are monitored instantly. In general anesthesia, there is a complete loss of consciousness, the patient in a deep sleep state does not see or hear anything, the sense of pain is completely eliminated. At the end of the procedure, the patient is awakened by appropriate methods.
General anesthesia is used for mentally handicapped individuals with communication difficulties, in surgical interventions requiring long procedure time where local anesthesia and sedation will be insufficient.
General anesthesia requires preparation before the procedure. According to the condition of the patient who is examined by the anesthesiologist, necessary tests such as ECG, lung x-ray, blood tests may be requested. Before the procedure, hunger and thirst for a certain period of time are required in adult and pediatric patients.
During sedation and general anesthesia, drug-related side effects, allergic reactions, airway difficulties and traumas can be seen. These unwanted effects can be quickly and easily eliminated under the control of an experienced team of experts. Nowadays, complications related to anesthesia are very rare when performed under appropriate conditions.
- 1.El-Mowafy A, Yarascavitch C, Haji H, Quiñonez C, Haas DA. Mortality and Morbidity in Office-Based General Anesthesia for Dentistry in Ontario. Anesth Prog 2019;66:141-150. PubMed 31545669
- 2.Silveira ER, Cademartori MG, Schuch HS, Armfield JA, Demarco FF. Estimated prevalence of dental fear in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dent 2021;108:103632. PubMed 33711405
- 3.Ashley PF, Chaudhary M, Lourenço-Matharu L. Sedation of children undergoing dental treatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018;12:CD003877. PubMed 30566228
- 4.Piccialli F, Fiore M, Giurazza R, Falso F, Simeon V, Chiodini P, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Nitrous Oxide (N(2)O) Inhalation Sedation Compared to Other Sedative Agents in Dental Procedures: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Medicina (Kaunas) 2025;61. PubMed 40428887
- 5.Askar H, Misch J, Chen Z, Chadha S, Wang HL. Capnography monitoring in procedural intravenous sedation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Oral Investig 2020;24:3761-3770. PubMed 32556657
Planning your stay in Istanbul
- Arrival
- Our international team helps coordinate your arrival, including hotel recommendations and airport transfer.
- Location
- Bahçelievler, Istanbul; about 30 minutes from both Istanbul airports.
The exact schedule is written into your treatment plan after the examination. How the patient journey works
What our guests say.
Real reviews from Google and Trustpilot; guests who had this treatment come first.
I was terrified at the prospect of having my teeth ground down but I had sedation I was totally relaxed when having this done and after that I felt calm and had no more fear I must say that everyone there was very nice… polite and professional and made me feel like I was the only patient they had… especially Ozgur who was there every step of the way from beginning to end organizing… reassuring and allaying any worries I had So many thanks to him I waited a long time to have this done and I had my concerns about having this done in another country There are not many clinics that offer sedation and this was the main reason I went to Mosdent… but I could not have made a better decision The end result… which is the all important part was amazing and surpassed my expectations If you want the best treatment at a very reasonable price I strongly recommend you chose Mosdent This is a genuine review and I have very high expectations which were more than reached
I visited for teeth cleaning and teeth whitening, and all of my procedures were completed quickly and professionally. I would like to sincerely thank the patient consultant, Ms. Ecran, for her kindness and support, Dr. Ferit for his excellent care, and Endodontic Specialist Dr. Melike for her prompt diagnosis and treatment. The entire team was friendly, attentive, and professional. I left the hospital very satisfied. Thank you to everyone for their outstanding service.
I found Mosdent through various platforms after searching for 2 years for a reputable dentist in Turkey for an all-on-6 implants. Their stellar reviews on multiple platforms and their great communication won me over. I traveled from the Netherlands to to the clinic for the first stage of extractions and from the communication to the end of my 1st stage, the team Bahadir Olcay,Alaaddin Kilicaslan and Pelinsu Yikilmaz has shown utmost professionalism and kindness.My first appointment with DT Kaval was extremely kind, very precise and took his time to explain everything and made me feel at ease. I wish all dentists had the same talent. I'm extremely satisfied with the staff and treatment.Special thanks to Ozgür for flawless communication and support
An advanced clinic and an excellent experience! I came from Oman for a jaw problem and got the perfect splint at a much lower price than other places. The entire staff is wonderful and the service is highly professional. I strongly recommend them.
I recently had a gum graft procedure at Mosdent and had an excellent experience. The dentist was highly skilled, my contact person was very helpful and the overall cost was quite reasonable. The entire team was friendly and professional. I definitely recommend Mosdent.
I had a truly wonderful experience at Mosdent Dental Hospital. The entire team was exceptionally professional and patient, providing meticulous care from start to finish. It was more than just a treatment — it was an enjoyable and reassuring journey. A special thank you to Delnaz for her all-round support and prompt responses at every stage. Her assistance made the whole process smooth and worry-free. Mosdent will definitely be one of the most beautiful memories of my time in Turkey. Highly recommended!
I had an exceptional experience at Mosdent Dental Hospital in Istanbul. From my initial inquiry to post-treatment follow-up, Elsa ensured seamless communication, addressing all my concerns with utmost professionalism. The entire staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, patiently answering my questions without ever pressuring me into unnecessary procedures. Their commitment to patient-centered care and transparency truly sets them apart. I highly recommend Mosdent for anyone seeking quality dental services in a welcoming environment.
I recently visited Mosdent for two different procedures—my daughter’s tooth extraction and my own dental implants—and I couldn’t be more impressed! From start to finish, the team was professional, caring, and highly skilled. They made my daughter feel completely at ease during her extraction, ensuring a smooth and pain-free experience. As for my dental implants, the entire process was handled with precision and expertise. The staff took the time to explain everything clearly, and the results have been fantastic! I truly appreciate their exceptional service, friendly approach, and high level of professionalism. If you’re looking for a trustworthy dental clinic that puts patient care first, I highly recommend Mosdent
At my first visit everything was fine and everything went well. Great clinic, professional ,knowledgeable Staff and great service Elsa was extremely helpful during my treatment. I recommend this clinic.
Super pro and very friendly and concerned about your health not only about your money.
I had the whole treatment from A to Z done at this center. Extremely satisfied. Great customer service and support, great treatment and good pricing.
I was terrified at the prospect of having my teeth ground down but I had sedation I was totally relaxed when having this done and after that I felt calm and had no more fear I must say that everyone there was very nice… polite and professional and made me feel like I was the only patient they had… especially Ozgur who was there every step of the way from beginning to end organizing… reassuring and allaying any worries I had So many thanks to him I waited a long time to have this done and I had my concerns about having this done in another country There are not many clinics that offer sedation and this was the main reason I went to Mosdent… but I could not have made a better decision The end result… which is the all important part was amazing and surpassed my expectations If you want the best treatment at a very reasonable price I strongly recommend you chose Mosdent This is a genuine review and I have very high expectations which were more than reached
I visited for teeth cleaning and teeth whitening, and all of my procedures were completed quickly and professionally. I would like to sincerely thank the patient consultant, Ms. Ecran, for her kindness and support, Dr. Ferit for his excellent care, and Endodontic Specialist Dr. Melike for her prompt diagnosis and treatment. The entire team was friendly, attentive, and professional. I left the hospital very satisfied. Thank you to everyone for their outstanding service.
I found Mosdent through various platforms after searching for 2 years for a reputable dentist in Turkey for an all-on-6 implants. Their stellar reviews on multiple platforms and their great communication won me over. I traveled from the Netherlands to to the clinic for the first stage of extractions and from the communication to the end of my 1st stage, the team Bahadir Olcay,Alaaddin Kilicaslan and Pelinsu Yikilmaz has shown utmost professionalism and kindness.My first appointment with DT Kaval was extremely kind, very precise and took his time to explain everything and made me feel at ease. I wish all dentists had the same talent. I'm extremely satisfied with the staff and treatment.Special thanks to Ozgür for flawless communication and support
An advanced clinic and an excellent experience! I came from Oman for a jaw problem and got the perfect splint at a much lower price than other places. The entire staff is wonderful and the service is highly professional. I strongly recommend them.
I recently had a gum graft procedure at Mosdent and had an excellent experience. The dentist was highly skilled, my contact person was very helpful and the overall cost was quite reasonable. The entire team was friendly and professional. I definitely recommend Mosdent.
I had a truly wonderful experience at Mosdent Dental Hospital. The entire team was exceptionally professional and patient, providing meticulous care from start to finish. It was more than just a treatment — it was an enjoyable and reassuring journey. A special thank you to Delnaz for her all-round support and prompt responses at every stage. Her assistance made the whole process smooth and worry-free. Mosdent will definitely be one of the most beautiful memories of my time in Turkey. Highly recommended!
I had an exceptional experience at Mosdent Dental Hospital in Istanbul. From my initial inquiry to post-treatment follow-up, Elsa ensured seamless communication, addressing all my concerns with utmost professionalism. The entire staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, patiently answering my questions without ever pressuring me into unnecessary procedures. Their commitment to patient-centered care and transparency truly sets them apart. I highly recommend Mosdent for anyone seeking quality dental services in a welcoming environment.
I recently visited Mosdent for two different procedures—my daughter’s tooth extraction and my own dental implants—and I couldn’t be more impressed! From start to finish, the team was professional, caring, and highly skilled. They made my daughter feel completely at ease during her extraction, ensuring a smooth and pain-free experience. As for my dental implants, the entire process was handled with precision and expertise. The staff took the time to explain everything clearly, and the results have been fantastic! I truly appreciate their exceptional service, friendly approach, and high level of professionalism. If you’re looking for a trustworthy dental clinic that puts patient care first, I highly recommend Mosdent
At my first visit everything was fine and everything went well. Great clinic, professional ,knowledgeable Staff and great service Elsa was extremely helpful during my treatment. I recommend this clinic.
Super pro and very friendly and concerned about your health not only about your money.
I had the whole treatment from A to Z done at this center. Extremely satisfied. Great customer service and support, great treatment and good pricing.
Who is this treatment for?
- Fear of the dentist or needles
- Inability to undergo dental treatment due to nausea, vomiting or gag reflex
- Pain, anxiety or fear during dental treatment
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities and communication difficulties
- Insufficient local anaesthesia and sedation during lengthy surgical procedures
Doctors specialising in this treatment
Frequently asked
01What is the difference between sedation and general anaesthesia?+
Conscious sedation keeps the patient drowsy but responsive; general anaesthesia produces full unconsciousness. An anaesthesiologist determines which is appropriate based on treatment scope and the patient's anxiety level.
02Is dental treatment under sedation safe?+
Yes. At Mosdent all sedation procedures are performed under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist with full monitoring; patient safety is managed to the highest standards. For scale: across 3,742,068 office-based dental procedures under deep sedation or general anaesthesia in Ontario from 1996 to 2015, there were 3 deaths.
Oral Surgery
Implant
A dental implant is a titanium screw replacing a lost tooth root; it usually fuses with bone in 3-6 months, then a zirconium or porcelain crown is fitted.
Explore→02Full Mouth Dental Implants
Full mouth dental implants replace every tooth in a jaw with one fixed bridge screwed onto four (All-on-4) or six (All-on-6) implants, planned on a CBCT scan.
Explore→03Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth extraction removes a third molar at the back of the jaw under local anaesthesia, sectioning it if impacted; not every wisdom tooth must come out.
Explore→04Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and dental surgery, a four-year dental specialty in Turkey, covers impacted tooth removal, implant placement, root-end resection and jaw fracture repair.
Explore→05Jaw Correction
Jaw correction (orthognathic) surgery cuts and repositions one or both jaws at bone level to correct skeletal discrepancies that tooth movement cannot close.
Explore→06Jaw Fracture Treatment
Jaw fracture treatment depends on displacement: minimally displaced, stable fractures are held with wires or elastics, displaced ones with plates and screws.
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