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Dental Anxiety in Switzerland: Sedation and Pain Relief
Afraid of the dentist? Anaesthesia, sedation and pain relief options in Switzerland

Afraid of the dentist? Anaesthesia, sedation and pain relief options in Switzerland

In short: fear of the dentist is common, treatable and nothing to be ashamed of. A large meta-analysis estimated that around 15% of adults worldwide have dental fear or anxiety, and about 3% have a severe form. Modern dentistry offers several layers of help: better local anaesthesia, simple behavioural techniques, nitrous oxide (« laughing gas »), sedation with tablets or through a vein, and, in selected cases, general anaesthesia. For long-standing anxiety or phobia, cognitive behavioural therapy has the best evidence for lasting improvement. After treatment, a combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol is, for most adults, the most effective option for dental pain. This guide explains each option, what it involves, what it costs in terms of time and safety, and how to plan treatment in Switzerland or abroad when you are anxious.

This article is general information. It does not replace a consultation or medical advice from a dentist or doctor.

For the treatments themselves, see our guides to dental care in Switzerland in 2026, implant options, smile makeovers and crowns, bridges and dentures. This article is about comfort: how to get through treatment when the dental chair frightens you.

Contents

How common is dental fear?

Very common. If you feel your heart race in the waiting room, you are in large company, and dentists are used to it.

What do the studies say?

A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry in 2021 (Silveira and colleagues) pooled 31 population studies with 72,577 adults. The estimated global prevalence of dental fear and anxiety was 15.3%, high dental fear 12.4% and severe dental fear 3.3%. Fear was more frequent among women and younger adults, and the figures varied with the questionnaire used. A second meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2026, based on 19 studies with 9,267 participants using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale, estimated that 18% of adults have high dental anxiety, with large differences between studies.

Is there a difference between anxiety, fear and phobia?

Specialists use these words with slightly different meanings. Anxiety is a worried anticipation of something unpleasant. Fear is a reaction to a specific threat, such as the needle or the drill. Dental phobia is an intense, disproportionate fear that leads to avoidance of care and meets the criteria of a specific phobia. A 2024 review in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders distinguished between « state » anxiety (the distress you feel during treatment), « trait » anxiety (a lasting tendency to fear the dentist) and phobia, because the best interventions differ for each.

How do I know which category I am in?

Short questionnaires such as the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale ask how you feel about the waiting room, the drill, scaling and injections. A dentist or psychologist can use them to measure your anxiety and follow your progress. As a rough guide: if you postpone necessary treatment for years, if you cannot sleep before an appointment or if you have panic attacks in the chair, your anxiety is significant and deserves specific help, not just encouragement.

Where the fear comes from

Understanding the origin of your fear helps you choose the right solution.

What are the most common triggers?

  • A painful experience in the past, often in childhood, when anaesthesia was less effective or less patient.
  • Fear of needles or of the injection itself.
  • The sound, vibration or smell of the drill.
  • Loss of control: lying back, unable to speak, with someone working in your mouth.
  • Gagging or fear of choking.
  • Embarrassment about the state of your teeth after years of avoidance.
  • Fear of bad news or of cost, especially in a country where dental care is largely self-paid.
  • General anxiety, past trauma or panic disorder, which make any medical setting harder.

Can expats be more anxious about the dentist?

Some are, for practical reasons: a new system, a different language, uncertainty about prices and the absence of a trusted dentist from home. Being able to explain your fears clearly in a language you master matters. Many practices in Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Lausanne work in English; it is reasonable to ask before booking.

What avoidance costs you

Avoidance is the natural response to fear, but in dentistry it tends to make things worse.

Why does avoiding the dentist create a vicious circle?

Without regular check-ups, small cavities grow, gum disease progresses silently and the first visit after many years is more likely to involve pain, extractions or complex work. That experience then confirms the fear. The 2021 meta-analysis notes that dental fear is associated with poorer patterns of care and worse oral health. Breaking the circle usually starts with a gentle, non-invasive first appointment rather than with the biggest problem.

Is it too late if I have not seen a dentist for ten years?

No. Dentists regularly see patients after long gaps. The first step is a full assessment with X-rays, then a plan that deals with urgent problems first and builds up to the rest. With modern techniques, even extensive work can be broken into manageable stages, and sedation can be used for the most demanding ones.

The first appointment when you are anxious

The first appointment sets the tone. You have the right to ask for it to be as gentle as you need.

How should I tell the dentist that I am afraid?

Say it when you book and again at the start of the appointment. Be specific: « I am afraid of the injection », « I gag easily », « I had a painful extraction as a child ». The more precise you are, the better the dentist can adapt. Some patients find it easier to write their fears down and hand over the note.

Can the first visit be just a conversation?

Yes. Many dentists offer an initial consultation in which you sit upright, discuss your history and fears, and agree on a plan before anyone touches your teeth. You can ask to see the instruments, to hear the drill before it is used and to agree on a stop signal, usually raising a hand, that the dentist will always respect.

What practical steps help on the day?

  • Choose a morning appointment so you do not spend the day worrying.
  • Eat a light meal beforehand unless you have been told to fast for sedation.
  • Avoid strong coffee, which can increase nervousness.
  • Bring headphones and music or a podcast if the practice allows it.
  • Bring a trusted person to accompany you, especially if you will be sedated.
  • Arrive a little early, but not too early, to avoid a long wait.

Local anaesthesia: why it sometimes fails and how to improve it

For most patients, the core of a comfortable treatment is effective local anaesthesia. Fear of pain is often fear of an anaesthetic that did not work in the past.

Why does the injection hurt less today?

Several details make a difference: a numbing gel applied to the gum first, very fine needles, slow injection, warming the anaesthetic to body temperature and, in some practices, computer-controlled injection devices that deliver the liquid at a steady, slow pressure. Distraction techniques, such as gently shaking the lip during the injection, also reduce the sensation.

Which anaesthetic works best?

Several anaesthetics are used, and the evidence is nuanced. A Cochrane review published in 2018 (St George and colleagues) included 123 trials with 19,223 participants. For back teeth with irreversible pulpitis needing a root canal treatment, which are notoriously hard to numb, 4% articaine with adrenaline may be more effective than 2% lidocaine with adrenaline: anaesthesia was successful in 49% with articaine compared with 31% with lidocaine, based on low-quality evidence. The figures show how difficult a severely inflamed tooth can be to anaesthetise, and why dentists sometimes need additional injections or techniques.

Why does anaesthesia sometimes not work?

Common reasons include severe inflammation (an inflamed tooth is more sensitive and the local tissue more acidic, which reduces the effect of the anaesthetic), anatomical variations of the nerves, anxiety itself (which lowers the pain threshold) and simply not waiting long enough for the anaesthetic to take effect. A good dentist checks that the area is numb before starting and adds anaesthetic if needed. You should never be expected to « bear it ».

Is the adrenaline in the anaesthetic dangerous?

The small amount of adrenaline in dental anaesthetics prolongs and strengthens the effect and reduces bleeding. It can make your heart beat faster for a short time, which anxious patients sometimes interpret as panic. For most people it is safe; if you have heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure or other conditions, tell your dentist, who can choose an anaesthetic without adrenaline or limit the dose.

What if I am allergic to local anaesthetics?

True allergy to modern dental anaesthetics is rare. Many reactions reported as « allergy » are actually fainting, a racing heart caused by adrenaline or anxiety. If you have a history of a reaction, an allergist can test you, so that you can be treated safely rather than avoiding care altogether.

Techniques without medication

Before considering sedation, simple behavioural techniques can make a big difference, especially for moderate anxiety.

Which techniques does the dental team use?

  • Tell, show, do: the dentist explains each step, shows the instrument and only then uses it.
  • Stop signal: an agreed gesture that pauses treatment immediately.
  • Structured breaks: short pauses at fixed intervals.
  • Graduated exposure: starting with easy procedures, such as a cleaning, before more demanding ones.
  • Breathing techniques: slow breathing, with a longer exhalation, reduces the physical symptoms of anxiety.
  • Muscle relaxation: tensing and relaxing muscle groups before and during treatment.
  • Distraction: music, audiobooks or, in some practices, video glasses.

Do music and virtual reality really work?

They can make the experience more pleasant, but the evidence for reducing anxiety is weaker than many people expect. The 2024 meta-analysis in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders (Steenen and colleagues), which examined 173 randomised trials, found that the evidence for music, aromatherapy, video information, acupuncture and virtual reality distraction or exposure did not support or was inconclusive for reducing anxiety during treatment. That does not mean they are useless for you; it means they should not replace other approaches when anxiety is high.

What about hypnosis?

The same meta-analysis found moderate-certainty evidence that hypnosis reduces anxiety during oral surgery. Some dentists in Switzerland are trained in medical hypnosis or work with hypnotherapists. It can be a useful option for people who want to avoid medication.

Specific fears: needles, gagging, noise and panic

Many anxious patients are not afraid of « the dentist » in general but of one particular element. Targeting that element is often the quickest way to make treatment bearable.

What if my main fear is the needle?

Ask for a numbing gel and allow it a few minutes to work, ask the dentist not to show you the syringe, and look away or close your eyes during the injection. Slow injection is less painful than fast injection. Some patients prefer to be told exactly when the injection starts; others prefer not to know. Tell the dentist which you prefer. For people with a true needle phobia, a few sessions of exposure therapy with a psychologist can be remarkably effective.

What can be done about a strong gag reflex?

Gagging is a frequent reason for avoiding the dentist, particularly for impressions and X-rays at the back of the mouth. Useful measures include sitting more upright, breathing slowly through the nose, keeping the instruments away from the soft palate where possible, using digital scanners instead of impression trays, and short procedures with frequent breaks. Some people find that distraction, such as lifting one leg slightly or concentrating on their breathing, helps. Nitrous oxide or sedation can reduce the reflex when other measures fail.

And the noise of the drill?

Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs with music reduce the sound. Some treatments can be done with less noisy instruments, and the dentist can warn you before switching the drill on. Hearing the drill once while sitting upright, before treatment starts, takes away some of the surprise.

What if I have panic attacks?

Tell the dentist in advance and agree on what should happen if a panic attack starts: stopping, sitting you upright, giving you time to breathe. Panic attacks are frightening but pass. If they occur in other situations too, ask your doctor about treatment for panic disorder, which can also make dental care easier.

What if lying back makes me feel trapped?

Ask for the chair to be reclined gradually and only as far as necessary, and for regular pauses in which you can sit up. Knowing that you can stop treatment at any time with the agreed signal restores a sense of control, which is often the core of the problem.

Anxiety in particular situations

Some situations require extra care in choosing how to manage anxiety and pain.

Can I have dental treatment when pregnant and anxious?

Necessary dental treatment is generally possible during pregnancy, often preferably in the second trimester, with local anaesthesia. Sedation and some painkillers are restricted, especially anti-inflammatory medicines later in pregnancy, so non-drug techniques become more important. Tell your dentist that you are pregnant and involve your gynaecologist or midwife if in doubt.

What if I have a heart condition or take blood thinners?

Bring a full list of your medicines and, if possible, a recent report from your doctor. Blood thinners are often continued for minor procedures but may require adjustments for surgery, decided with the prescribing doctor. The choice of anaesthetic and sedation is also adapted. Never stop a blood thinner on your own.

Are older patients treated differently?

Older adults often take several medicines and may be more sensitive to sedatives, so doses are usually lower and monitoring careful. Anxiety in older patients is sometimes linked to past experiences of painful dentistry decades ago; modern techniques can be a pleasant surprise.

Can my fear affect my children?

Children often pick up their parents’ anxiety. If you are afraid, consider asking another adult to accompany your child, avoid words like « pain » or « needle » before the visit, and present check-ups as routine. Starting regular visits early, before any problem arises, gives children positive experiences of the dental chair.

Planning a long treatment in stages

Extensive treatment, such as several implants or a full set of crowns, can feel overwhelming for an anxious patient. Breaking it into stages helps.

How should a long treatment be organised?

A common sequence is: assessment and X-rays; urgent treatment of pain and infection; cleaning and gum treatment; then restorative work, starting with simpler steps and moving to more complex ones. Each successful appointment builds confidence for the next. If sedation is planned, it is often used for the most demanding sessions, such as surgery, rather than for every visit.

Is it better to do everything in one long session?

It depends. Some anxious patients prefer to « get it over with » under sedation or general anaesthesia in one or two long sessions. Others cope better with short, frequent appointments. Long sessions are more tiring, may cause jaw stiffness and increase swelling after surgery. Discuss both options and choose what fits your fear and your health.

How do I keep motivated between stages?

Ask the dentist to explain the plan in writing with the expected number of appointments, keep track of what has been completed, and agree on temporary solutions that look and feel acceptable so that daily life is not affected while treatment continues.

Sedation: nitrous oxide, tablets and intravenous

When behavioural techniques are not enough, sedation can make treatment possible. Sedation is not the same as general anaesthesia: in conscious sedation you remain able to breathe on your own and respond to instructions, but you feel relaxed and may remember little.

What is nitrous oxide and how does it feel?

Nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, is breathed through a small nose mask mixed with oxygen. Within minutes most people feel calm, warm and slightly detached. The effect stops quickly when the gas is turned off and pure oxygen is given, so many adults can return to normal activities soon afterwards; ask your dentist whether you may drive. It works best for mild to moderate anxiety and is less suitable if you cannot breathe through your nose. It is not used in early pregnancy and in some medical conditions.

What is oral sedation?

Oral sedation uses a tablet, usually a benzodiazepine, taken before the appointment. The Journal of Anxiety Disorders meta-analysis found low-certainty evidence that benzodiazepines reduce anxiety during oral surgery. The effect is less predictable than intravenous sedation, because absorption varies from person to person, and drowsiness can last for hours. You must not drive, work or sign important documents for the rest of the day, and you need someone to accompany you home.

What is intravenous sedation?

In intravenous (IV) sedation, a sedative is given through a small cannula in the hand or arm. The dose can be adjusted during treatment, which makes it more controllable than tablets. Many patients remember little of the procedure. IV sedation requires monitoring of breathing, oxygen levels and heart rate, staff trained in sedation and emergency procedures, and a recovery period before going home with an escort. It is frequently used for longer procedures such as multiple extractions, implant surgery or the removal of wisdom teeth.

Who decides which type of sedation is suitable?

The dentist, together with an anaesthetist when needed, based on your anxiety level, medical history, the procedure and the setting. Conditions such as sleep apnoea, severe obesity, heart or lung disease, pregnancy and some medications increase the risk and may require treatment in a hospital setting or a different approach. Always give a complete list of your medicines and mention alcohol or recreational drug use honestly.

Option How it is given Best for Practical constraints
Local anaesthesia alone Injection near the tooth Most treatments, mild anxiety None beyond numbness for a few hours
Nitrous oxide Breathed through a nose mask Mild to moderate anxiety, short procedures Requires nasal breathing; quick recovery
Oral sedation Tablet before the appointment Moderate anxiety Variable effect; escort needed; no driving that day
Intravenous sedation Through a vein, with monitoring Severe anxiety, long or surgical procedures Fasting rules, escort, trained team
General anaesthesia By an anaesthetist, usually in hospital Extensive work, special needs, failure of sedation Highest level of organisation and risk

Is sedation safe?

When performed by trained teams with appropriate monitoring and patient selection, conscious sedation has a good safety record. The main risks are excessive sedation with breathing problems, which is why monitoring and emergency equipment are essential. Ask who will monitor you, what equipment is available and what training the team has. A practice that offers sedation casually, without asking about your health, is a warning sign.

Anxious about a large treatment? You can request a free, personalised dental quote and mention your fear and any wish for sedation. The answer arrives within 48 hours, without commitment, and states what is possible for your case.

General anaesthesia

General anaesthesia means you are fully asleep. It is the most complete solution to fear during treatment, but also the most demanding.

When is general anaesthesia used for dental treatment?

It is used for extensive treatment in one session, for certain surgical procedures, for people with disabilities or medical conditions that make cooperation impossible, and for severe phobia when sedation has failed. It is usually carried out in a hospital or a day-surgery centre with an anaesthetist.

What are the downsides?

General anaesthesia carries its own risks, requires fasting, a pre-anaesthetic assessment and a recovery period, and costs more. It also does not treat the fear itself: if every future check-up requires an anaesthetic, routine care becomes very difficult. Many specialists therefore combine an initial treatment under general anaesthesia, to solve urgent problems, with work on the anxiety so that future visits are possible with less support.

Can I be put to sleep for a simple filling?

In principle it is possible, but rarely appropriate. The balance of risk and benefit usually favours local anaesthesia with behavioural support or light sedation for simple treatment. Discuss your fears openly; there is almost always an intermediate solution.

Treating the fear itself: CBT and other therapies

Sedation helps you through an appointment; therapy can change how you feel about the next one.

Does cognitive behavioural therapy work for dental fear?

Yes, it has the best evidence for lasting change. The 2024 meta-analysis found moderate-certainty evidence that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) reduces dental trait anxiety, the long-term tendency to fear the dentist, and low-to-moderate certainty evidence that psychotherapy, and CBT specifically, help people with dental phobia. CBT typically involves understanding the thoughts that fuel the fear, learning relaxation skills and gradually facing the feared situations in a controlled way. Several sessions are usually needed.

Where can I find help in Switzerland?

Ask your family doctor or dentist for a referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist experienced in anxiety disorders. Before starting, ask the therapist and your health insurer under which conditions the sessions can be reimbursed, as this depends on who prescribes and provides the therapy and on your insurance cover. Some university dental clinics also have experience with anxious patients.

Can medication treat dental phobia in the long term?

Not on its own. Sedatives help during a procedure, but they do not teach your brain that the situation is safe. For people with a broader anxiety disorder, a doctor may propose treatment of the underlying condition, which can make dental visits easier as a side effect.

What can I do myself between appointments?

  • Practise slow breathing daily, not only on the day of treatment.
  • Visit the practice for a short, non-treatment appointment to become familiar with it.
  • Start with a cleaning or a check-up rather than a major procedure.
  • Write down catastrophic thoughts (« it will be unbearable ») and counter them with facts (« I have a stop signal; the anaesthetic will be checked »).
  • Reward yourself after each appointment.

Pain after treatment

Fear of the dentist often includes fear of pain afterwards. Good pain management, planned in advance, keeps discomfort under control for most procedures.

Which painkillers work best for dental pain?

For most adults, a combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol (acetaminophen). An overview of systematic reviews published in the Journal of the American Dental Association in 2018 (Moore and colleagues) found that this combination was associated with the greatest benefit and the highest proportion of adults experiencing maximum pain relief. Medicines containing opioids were among those most frequently associated with acute side effects. The authors concluded that anti-inflammatory medicines, with or without paracetamol, offer the best balance between benefits and harms.

Can everyone take ibuprofen?

No. Anti-inflammatory medicines are not suitable for some people with stomach ulcers, kidney disease, certain heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, some forms of asthma, during late pregnancy, or with certain blood thinners. Your dentist or pharmacist will advise an alternative. Never exceed the maximum daily dose on the packaging, and remember that paracetamol is also found in many combination products.

When should I take the first dose?

Many dentists recommend taking the first dose before the local anaesthetic wears off, so that pain does not take hold. Then follow the regular schedule your dentist gives you for the first one to three days rather than waiting until pain becomes intense.

What else reduces pain and swelling?

  • Cold packs on the cheek for short periods during the first day after surgery.
  • Rest with the head slightly raised the first night.
  • Soft, lukewarm food and plenty of fluids.
  • No smoking, which slows healing and increases the risk of complications after extraction.
  • Gentle cleaning of the rest of the mouth, following instructions for the operated area.

When is pain a warning sign?

Contact your dentist if pain increases after the third day instead of decreasing, if you have fever, swelling that spreads or makes swallowing or breathing difficult, a bad taste with throbbing pain several days after an extraction (possible dry socket), bleeding that does not stop with pressure, or numbness that persists long after the anaesthetic should have worn off. Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing is an emergency.

What to expect after common procedures

Knowing what is normal makes the recovery less worrying.

Procedure Usual sensations Typical duration Contact the dentist if
Filling Sensitivity to cold or pressure A few days to a few weeks Pain when biting, or throbbing pain
Root canal treatment Tenderness when biting A few days Swelling or increasing pain
Simple extraction Moderate pain, slight bleeding Two to three days Pain increasing after day three, bad taste
Wisdom tooth surgery Swelling, stiffness of the jaw About a week Fever, spreading swelling
Implant placement Mild to moderate pain, swelling A few days Persistent pain, numbness, mobility
Scaling and root planing Gum tenderness, sensitivity A few days Bleeding or swelling that persists

Is implant surgery very painful?

Most patients find it less painful than they feared, often comparable to an extraction. Pain and swelling are usually greatest in the first two or three days. Larger procedures, such as bone grafts or full-arch implants, cause more swelling and may be done under sedation. Our guide to implant options explains the procedures in detail.

Does preparing teeth for veneers or crowns hurt?

The preparation is done under local anaesthesia. Afterwards, temporary teeth can feel sensitive to cold. Preparing many teeth in one session is long, which is a situation where nitrous oxide or sedation can be helpful for anxious patients.

Can I fly after dental surgery?

It is common to fly home a few days after surgery when treatment takes place abroad. Ask your dentist when it is safe in your case, particularly after sinus lifts, where changes in pressure matter and specific advice is given.

Insurance and practical questions in Switzerland

For expats, the Swiss dental system is one of the main surprises, and uncertainty about cost can add to anxiety.

Does basic insurance pay for dental treatment?

In general, no. Under Article 31 of the Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal), basic insurance only covers dental treatment in specific situations: when it is caused by a severe disease of the chewing system, by another severe illness or its consequences, or when it is needed to treat a severe illness. Accidents are covered by the accident insurance. Routine treatment, check-ups, fillings, crowns and implants are usually paid by the patient or by a supplementary dental insurance.

Is sedation covered?

Sedation or general anaesthesia for dental treatment follows the same logic: if the dental treatment is not covered, the sedation usually is not either, although specific medical situations can be assessed differently. Ask for a written cost estimate that includes sedation and anaesthesia fees before treatment, and check your supplementary insurance conditions.

How do I ask for a cost estimate without feeling embarrassed?

It is entirely normal in Switzerland to ask for a written estimate before any substantial dental work. Ask for each item to be listed, including X-rays, sedation, temporary teeth and follow-up visits. Knowing the cost in advance removes one source of stress.

Can I ask for a second opinion on a large treatment plan?

Yes, and it is common in Switzerland for extensive or expensive plans. A second opinion can confirm the diagnosis, suggest a simpler alternative or a different sequence, and reassure you before you commit. Bring your X-rays and the written estimate so the second dentist does not need to repeat everything. For anxious patients, feeling that the plan is right removes one more source of doubt.

How do I find a dentist used to anxious patients?

Ask your family doctor, friends or colleagues, and look for practices that mention anxious patients, sedation or hypnosis. The Swiss Dental Association (SSO) lists its members. During the first call, ask how they work with anxious patients and whether sedation is available, and with whom.

Anxious patients and treatment abroad

Many people in Switzerland consider having extensive dental work abroad. For anxious patients, this raises particular questions.

Is it a good idea to have major dental work abroad when I am anxious?

It can be, if it is planned carefully. Some anxious patients prefer to concentrate treatment into a few days with a team that knows their fear, rather than spreading it over months. Others find that an unfamiliar environment, a different language and travel increase their stress. Be honest with yourself about which group you belong to.

What should I ask before choosing a clinic abroad?

  • Do you treat anxious patients regularly, and how?
  • Is sedation available? Which type, given by whom, with which monitoring?
  • How many appointments and stays will my treatment require?
  • Who will explain each step to me, and in which language?
  • What happens if I have pain or a problem after returning to Switzerland?

What does Medespoir offer?

Medespoir works with a dental surgeon in Tunis, Dr Dina Sghaier Chaabane, who holds a master’s degree in oral surgery and dental implantology. Her practice covers implants, extractions, root canal treatment, bridges, veneers, whitening and orthodontics, and Medespoir’s page states that she aims to bring gentleness to treatment. Medespoir’s prices in Tunisia are around 60% below Swiss levels; the exact price, the number of stays and any sedation options are specified in a free, personalised quote sent within 48 hours. For Turkey, the quote states whether the dental treatment you need is possible and where. Consultations in Tunisia are in French; direct flights from Geneva and Basel-Mulhouse take about two hours.

How can I keep my stress low on a dental trip?

  • Travel with a companion if possible.
  • Arrive the day before the first appointment, rested.
  • Send your X-rays and medical history in advance so that there are no surprises.
  • Agree on a stop signal and on breaks at the first appointment.
  • Plan rest days after surgical steps rather than sightseeing.
  • Pack your usual painkillers after checking with the dentist which ones are suitable.
  • Arrange in advance where you would go in Switzerland if a problem arose after your return.

FAQ

How many people are afraid of the dentist?

About 15% of adults worldwide have dental fear or anxiety according to a 2021 meta-analysis, and about 3% have severe fear.

Is laughing gas safe?

Nitrous oxide is a well-established, short-acting form of light sedation when given by trained staff with suitable equipment. It is not suitable for everyone, for example in early pregnancy.

Can I drive after sedation?

Not after oral or intravenous sedation; you need an escort and should not drive for the rest of the day. After nitrous oxide, ask your dentist.

Why does my anaesthetic sometimes not work?

Severe inflammation, anatomy, anxiety and not waiting long enough are common reasons. Your dentist can add anaesthetic or use another technique.

What is the best painkiller after an extraction?

For most adults, ibuprofen combined with paracetamol, if there is no contraindication. Ask your dentist or pharmacist which doses suit you.

Does therapy really help dental phobia?

Yes. Cognitive behavioural therapy has moderate-certainty evidence for reducing long-term dental anxiety and helps people with phobia.

Does Swiss basic insurance cover sedation?

Usually not, because routine dental treatment is not covered. Exceptions exist for severe illness under Article 31 KVG.

Can I have all my treatment under general anaesthesia?

It is possible in selected cases, but it requires a hospital setting and does not treat the fear itself. Most people do well with less intensive options.

I am embarrassed by my teeth. Will the dentist judge me?

Dentists see neglected teeth every week. A good dentist focuses on the plan, not on blame.

Your next step: request a free, personalised dental quote, mention your anxiety and the treatment you need, and receive an answer within 48 hours. Medespoir’s prices in Tunisia are around 60% below Swiss levels.

Main sources: Silveira et al., Estimated prevalence of dental fear in adults, Journal of Dentistry (2021); High dental anxiety among adults worldwide, British Journal of Clinical Psychology (2026); Steenen et al., Interventions to reduce adult dental anxiety and phobia, Journal of Anxiety Disorders (2024); St George et al., Injectable local anaesthetic agents for dental anaesthesia, Cochrane review (2018); Moore et al., Analgesic medications for acute dental pain, Journal of the American Dental Association (2018); Management strategies for adults with dental anxiety, Australian Dental Journal (2022); Swiss federal health insurance legislation (fedlex); Medespoir, dental surgeon in Tunisia, dental care guide and prices.

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