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Dental anxiety: anaesthesia, sedation and pain in Tunisia
Afraid of the dentist? Local anaesthesia, sedation and pain control for dental treatment in Tunisia

Afraid of the dentist? Local anaesthesia, sedation and pain control for dental treatment in Tunisia

In short: Fear of the dentist is common and treatable, and it should never be the reason you put off treatment until a small problem becomes a big one. Modern local anaesthesia makes most procedures painless; the injection itself can be made far more comfortable; and for people with strong anxiety, options range from simple agreements with the dentist and cognitive behavioural therapy to nitrous oxide, tablets and intravenous sedation. After treatment, international guidance recommends anti-inflammatory painkillers, alone or with paracetamol, as first-line treatment rather than opioids. If you plan dental treatment in Tunisia, tell the team about your anxiety from the first contact, so that the plan, the schedule and any sedation can be discussed before you travel. Medespoir’s package costs roughly 60% less than comparable treatment in Switzerland, with a free personal quote within 48 hours.

This guide is written for people in Switzerland, including many expatriates in Geneva, Zurich, Basel and Lausanne, who feel tense at the thought of a dental chair, have had a bad experience in the past, gag easily, fear needles, or are worried about pain after implants or extractions. It explains what actually helps, what the evidence says, and how to prepare treatment abroad when you are anxious.

Contents

How common is fear of the dentist?

Am I unusual if I am scared of the dentist?

Not at all. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2021 in the Journal of Dentistry pooled 31 population studies with 72,577 adults worldwide. It estimated that 15.3% of adults have dental fear and anxiety, 12.4% have high dental fear, and 3.3% have severe dental fear. Fear was more common among women and younger adults. In other words, in a waiting room of twenty people, two or three are likely to share your feelings.

What is the difference between anxiety and phobia?

Dental anxiety is the unease or worry many people feel before and during treatment. Dental phobia is a much stronger, persistent fear that leads people to avoid the dentist altogether, sometimes for years, even when they are in pain. Both are recognised and both can be treated. The distinction matters because the right help differs: managing emotions during a single treatment is not the same task as overcoming years of avoidance.

Why does it matter for my teeth?

Because fear creates a vicious circle. You avoid check-ups, small problems grow, treatment eventually becomes more complex and sometimes painful, and that experience reinforces the fear. Many people who come for implants or extensive treatment abroad have been caught in this circle. Breaking it starts with recognising the fear and asking for a plan that takes it into account.

What is new in 2025 and 2026?

Which treatments for dental anxiety are supported by evidence?

The most complete answer comes from a 2024 systematic review and meta-analyses in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, which included 173 randomised controlled trials. To reduce anxiety during oral surgery, moderate-certainty evidence supported hypnosis, and low-certainty evidence supported benzodiazepines. To reduce long-standing dental anxiety, moderate-certainty evidence supported cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). For dental phobia, psychotherapy, and CBT in particular, were supported by low-to-moderate certainty evidence. The evidence did not support virtual reality exposure, virtual reality distraction, music, aromatherapy, video information or acupuncture for reducing anxiety during treatment. The authors conclude that dental anxieties are manageable and treatable, provided the intervention matches the goal.

Can CBT be done online?

Yes, according to a randomised trial published in 2025 in Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology. It tested an online CBT programme, based on education, gradual exposure to feared procedures and reframing of anxious thoughts, in 499 adults with high dental anxiety. Anxiety fell significantly in both intervention groups compared with the control group, whether the programme was supported by psychology staff or by dental staff, and the effect was still visible at twelve months. This is encouraging for people who would like to work on their fear before travelling for treatment.

Is articaine better than lidocaine?

Slightly, on some measures. A meta-analysis of 36 randomised trials with 3,088 cases, published in April 2026 in BMC Anesthesiology, found that articaine worked a little faster and lasted longer than lidocaine, and that infiltration injections with articaine were associated with lower pain scores. However, the overall success rate of anaesthesia was comparable. In practice, both are effective, and your dentist chooses according to the tooth, the procedure and your health.

How should pain after extractions be treated?

In 2024, a panel convened by the American Dental Association published an evidence-based guideline in the Journal of the American Dental Association on acute dental pain in adolescents, adults and older adults. It concludes that non-opioid medicines are first-line treatment after extractions and for the temporary management of toothache, that anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or combined with paracetamol likely provide better pain relief with a more favourable safety profile than opioids, and that opioids should be reserved for situations where first-line therapy is insufficient or NSAIDs are contraindicated.

Does intravenous sedation help during implant surgery?

A small prospective study published in the November 2026 issue of the Journal of Dentistry compared 20 patients who received intravenous sedation with 20 who had local anaesthesia alone during the placement of three or more implants, with or without bone grafting. The sedation group reported less pain, less anxiety and less discomfort during surgery, perceived the procedure as shorter, had more stable blood pressure and heart rate, and reported lower pain during the first four days. The group sizes were small and patients chose their option, so the results need confirmation, but they match what many anxious patients experience.

Where does dental fear come from?

What are the most common causes?

  • A painful or humiliating experience in the past, often in childhood.
  • Fear of needles, of the drill noise or of the sensation of vibration.
  • A strong gag reflex, which makes impressions, X-rays and work on back teeth difficult.
  • The feeling of losing control while lying back with your mouth open.
  • Shame about the state of your teeth after years of avoidance.
  • Fear of the unknown, especially before surgery such as implants or extractions.
  • Smells and sounds that trigger memories of earlier treatment.

Should I tell the dentist I am anxious?

Yes, always, and as early as possible. Dentists treat anxious patients every day. Knowing about your fear allows them to explain each step, plan breaks, adapt the order of treatment, choose the right anaesthesia and discuss sedation if needed. Hiding it often makes the appointment harder for both of you. Medespoir’s page on its dentist in Tunisia describes a very human approach intended to reassure patients who hesitate or refuse treatment.

Is shame about my teeth a reason to wait?

No. Dentists see every kind of situation, and they are interested in solutions, not judgements. Many patients who arrive for full-mouth treatment have neglected their teeth for years because of fear, illness, work or finances. Saying so at the start helps the team plan realistically.

Local anaesthesia: how to make it comfortable

Will I feel pain during treatment?

With effective local anaesthesia, you should not feel pain, only pressure, vibration and movement. That pressure can surprise anxious patients, who interpret it as pain. Knowing in advance that you will feel pressure but not sharp pain helps. If you do feel pain, say so or raise your hand: the dentist can add anaesthetic.

How can the injection be made less unpleasant?

Several simple measures help: a numbing gel on the gum before the injection, a fine needle, slow injection of the anaesthetic and gently stretching or vibrating the gum to distract the nerve signals. Some practices use computer-controlled devices that deliver the anaesthetic at a slow, steady pressure. A 2024 systematic review of 14 clinical trials, published in the Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, found lower pain perception and more cooperative behaviour with these computer-controlled systems than with a traditional syringe. Ask whether such options are available.

Why does anaesthesia sometimes not work well?

The most common reason is inflammation. A tooth with an acute infection or a very inflamed nerve, sometimes called a « hot tooth », is harder to numb, because inflamed tissue changes the way anaesthetics act. Lower back teeth are also more challenging, because the nerve is reached by a deeper injection called a nerve block. In such cases, the dentist may add a different type of injection, wait longer or, if necessary, treat the infection first and complete the work later.

How long does numbness last?

Usually a few hours, depending on the anaesthetic, the dose and the type of injection. Nerve blocks for lower teeth last longer than infiltrations for upper teeth. Until the feeling comes back, avoid hot drinks and chewing, so as not to burn or bite your lip, cheek or tongue.

Can I have local anaesthesia if I have heart problems or high blood pressure?

Usually yes, but tell the dentist about all your conditions and medicines. Most dental anaesthetics contain a small amount of adrenaline, which prolongs their effect; the dose is adapted, or a version without adrenaline is used, depending on your health. Bring a list of your medicines and, if relevant, a letter from your doctor.

Help without medication

What can the dentist do to make me feel in control?

  • Agree on a stop signal, usually raising a hand, and respect it every time.
  • Explain each step before doing it (« tell, show, do »).
  • Plan short appointments and breaks during longer ones.
  • Start with a simple, painless procedure to build trust.
  • Let you sit up for a moment if you feel overwhelmed.
  • Avoid surprises: no new instrument without warning.

Does breathing or relaxation help?

For many people, yes. Slow breathing, with a longer exhalation than inhalation, reduces the physical signs of anxiety such as a racing heart and tense muscles. Progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and release muscle groups, is another simple technique. Practising at home before the appointment makes it easier to use when you are in the chair.

Is CBT worth it for dental fear?

If your fear is long-standing, strong or has made you avoid the dentist for years, yes. CBT helps you identify the thoughts that drive fear, test them and gradually face feared situations. As mentioned above, the evidence for CBT in reducing dental anxiety and phobia is among the best of all interventions, and online programmes exist. In Switzerland, ask your GP for a referral to a psychologist or psychotherapist; some dental practices also know specialists in dental fear.

What about music, videos or virtual reality?

They can make the time pass more pleasantly, and there is no harm in bringing headphones. But the 2024 review did not find that they reduced anxiety during treatment in a reliable way. Use them as comfort, not as your only strategy if your fear is strong.

And hypnosis?

The 2024 review found moderate-certainty evidence that hypnosis reduced anxiety during oral surgery. It is offered by some dentists and therapists with specific training. If you are interested, look for a qualified practitioner and see whether it suits you before major treatment.

Sedation options

What sedation options exist in dentistry?

Sedation reduces anxiety and awareness while you continue to breathe on your own. It is used in addition to local anaesthesia, not instead of it: the local anaesthetic still blocks pain in the treated area. The main options are summarised in the table below. Availability depends on the practice and on the qualifications of the team.

Option How it works Awareness After treatment Typical use
Local anaesthesia alone Injection numbs the treated area Fully awake Numbness for a few hours; normal activities Most treatments
Nitrous oxide (« laughing gas ») Inhaled through a small nose mask Awake, relaxed Effects fade quickly once the gas stops Mild to moderate anxiety, shorter treatments
Oral sedation Tablet, usually a benzodiazepine, taken before treatment Awake but drowsy Drowsiness for hours; escort needed, no driving Moderate anxiety
Intravenous conscious sedation Medicines given through a vein, adjusted during treatment Drowsy, often little memory afterwards Escort needed, no driving, rest for the day Strong anxiety, implant surgery, long sessions
General anaesthesia Full anaesthesia by an anaesthetist Asleep Recovery monitoring, escort, rest Rare, selected cases, often in hospital

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Nitrous oxide is widely used in dentistry. It is breathed in mixed with oxygen through a small mask over the nose and produces a feeling of calm and lightness within minutes. Its effects disappear quickly after the gas is stopped. It is not suitable for everyone, for example in some lung conditions or early pregnancy, and it does not help much if you cannot breathe through your nose. The dentist assesses your situation.

What does intravenous sedation feel like?

Most people describe a deeply relaxed, drowsy state. You can respond to instructions, but time passes quickly and you may remember little of the procedure. Your breathing, oxygen level, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout. Sedation should be given by a trained professional, often an anaesthetist, with monitoring and emergency equipment. Ask who will give and monitor the sedation.

What preparation does sedation require?

You will usually be asked not to eat for a certain time beforehand, to come with an adult who will accompany you afterwards, and not to drive, sign important documents or drink alcohol for the rest of the day. Tell the team about all your medicines, including weight-loss injections such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, which slow stomach emptying and matter for sedation and anaesthesia. Follow the specific instructions you are given.

Is sedation available for treatment in Tunisia?

Ask in your quote request. Medespoir’s pages do not set out a standard sedation offer for dental care, so the quote is the place to confirm whether sedation is possible for your planned treatment, which type, who administers it and whether it changes the price or the schedule. Mention your anxiety clearly when you write.

Can I fly after sedation?

Do not plan a flight on the day of sedation. After intravenous sedation, you need rest and an escort for the rest of the day. After implant surgery, swelling and bleeding are also reasons to wait. Follow the team’s advice on when you can travel.

Gagging, needles and other specific fears

What can be done about a strong gag reflex?

Several things help: sitting more upright, breathing through the nose, distraction techniques, numbing spray or gel on the palate or tongue, working quickly on the back of the mouth with breaks in between, and digital scans instead of traditional impression trays. For very strong gagging, sedation can help. Tell the dentist in advance which situations trigger it.

I am terrified of needles. Is there any alternative?

For many procedures, no: local anaesthesia remains necessary to block pain. But needle fear can be managed. Numbing gel, a fine needle and slow injection make it much more comfortable, and you do not have to see the needle. Some people find that nitrous oxide or oral sedation before the injection removes most of the fear. CBT is also effective for needle phobia.

The noise and vibration of the drill bother me. What helps?

Headphones with music or noise cancellation, and clear warnings before each sound. Agree on short sequences with breaks. For some treatments, the amount of drilling can be reduced, for example with techniques that require less tooth preparation; ask the dentist whether that applies to you.

I feel claustrophobic lying back. What can I do?

Ask to be treated in a more upright position when possible, to have breaks, and to keep a hand free for the stop signal. Dental 3D scans (cone beam CT) are usually taken standing or sitting in an open machine, not in a closed tunnel.

What if I have a panic attack in the chair?

Raise your hand, sit up and breathe slowly. The team will stop, give you time and wait until you are ready. A panic attack is unpleasant but not dangerous. If you have a history of panic attacks, mention it in advance: it can influence the choice of sedation and the organisation of appointments.

Anxious about treatment abroad? Mention it in your free quote request, together with your X-rays and a description of your concerns. You receive a personal written plan in your name within 48 hours, and you can ask about sedation, the number of appointments and breaks before you book.

Pain after treatment: what is normal?

How much pain should I expect after a filling or a crown preparation?

Usually little. A tooth may be sensitive to cold or biting for a few days, especially after a deep filling or after preparation for a crown. Sensitivity that gets worse, keeps you awake at night or lasts a long time should be reported, because it may indicate an irritated nerve.

And after a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia and is often less painful than the toothache that led to it. Afterwards, the tooth can be tender to bite on for a few days. Pain usually fades progressively with simple painkillers. Increasing pain or swelling should be checked.

What is normal after an extraction?

Pain is usually strongest in the first days and then improves. Swelling and some bruising are common after surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth. A specific complication called dry socket, in which the blood clot in the socket breaks down, causes strong, throbbing pain a few days after the extraction, often radiating to the ear, with an unpleasant taste. It is more common in smokers. If you suspect a dry socket, contact a dentist: it is treated by cleaning and dressing the socket.

How painful is implant surgery?

Many patients are surprised by how manageable it is. Placing a single implant in healthy bone usually causes moderate discomfort for a few days. Pain and swelling are greater after multiple implants, bone grafts or a sinus lift, typically peaking in the first days before improving. Our guide to dental implants, All-on-4 and bone grafts in Tunisia explains these procedures in detail.

And veneers or whitening?

Veneers that require tooth preparation can cause temporary sensitivity. Whitening often causes short-lived sensitivity to cold, which usually disappears within days. Sensitivity toothpaste and avoiding very cold drinks help. See our guide to veneers, whitening and smile makeovers.

Treatment What you may feel afterwards What usually helps When to call
Filling, crown preparation Sensitivity to cold or biting for a few days Sensitivity toothpaste, avoiding extremes of temperature Pain that worsens or wakes you at night
Root canal treatment Tenderness when biting Simple painkillers, soft food Increasing pain or swelling
Simple extraction Pain for a few days, minor bleeding Pressure on gauze, cold packs, soft food, no smoking Bleeding that does not stop, throbbing pain after a few days
Surgical extraction, implant, bone graft Pain and swelling peaking in the first days Painkillers as prescribed, cold packs, head raised, rest Swelling that increases after the first days, fever
Veneers, whitening Temporary sensitivity Sensitivity toothpaste, avoiding cold drinks Persistent pain in one tooth

Managing pain at home

Which painkillers are recommended after dental treatment?

According to the 2024 ADA guideline, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, alone or combined with paracetamol, are first-line treatment for pain after extractions and generally provide better relief with a better safety profile than opioids. Your dentist will tell you which medicine to take, at what dose and for how long. Taking the first dose before the anaesthetic wears off often makes the first evening easier.

Who should avoid anti-inflammatory drugs?

People with certain stomach problems (ulcers, bleeding), kidney disease, heart failure, some forms of asthma that react to these medicines, people taking blood thinners, and pregnant women, especially later in pregnancy, among others. Tell the dentist about your health and medicines so that the prescription is adapted. Never exceed the doses on the prescription or the package.

What else helps besides medicines?

  • Cold packs on the cheek, wrapped in a cloth, in short periods during the first day.
  • Sleeping with your head slightly raised for the first nights.
  • Soft, lukewarm food and plenty of water.
  • No smoking, which delays healing and increases the risk of dry socket and implant problems.
  • No rinsing or spitting vigorously on the first day after an extraction, and following the team’s instructions on mouth rinses afterwards.
  • Gentle brushing of the other teeth from the first day, avoiding the treated area as instructed.

Why are opioids not routinely prescribed?

Because for most dental pain, they are not more effective than the NSAID and paracetamol combination and carry more side effects and risks, including dependence. The ADA guideline asks dentists to avoid routine « just in case » prescriptions and to reserve opioids for cases where first-line treatment is insufficient or contraindicated.

How long should I take painkillers?

Usually only for the first days, decreasing as the pain improves. If you still need strong painkillers after the period announced by the dentist, or if pain increases instead of decreasing, have it checked.

Warning signs

When should I seek help after dental treatment?

  • Swelling that keeps increasing after the first days, or that spreads to the eye, the neck or under the jaw.
  • Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
  • Difficulty swallowing, opening your mouth or breathing: call 144 immediately.
  • Bleeding that does not stop after pressing firmly on gauze for a sustained period.
  • Numbness of the lip, chin or tongue that persists after the anaesthetic should have worn off.
  • An implant that becomes mobile, or a temporary prosthesis that breaks.

In Switzerland, contact a dentist or your GP, or the dental emergency service of your canton. Inform the team that treated you as well; Medespoir provides remote follow-up after your return. Care received in Switzerland after your return is paid by you or by your insurer according to the usual rules.

Preparing in the weeks before treatment

What can I do in the weeks before treatment to feel calmer?

Preparation reduces uncertainty, and uncertainty feeds anxiety. Ask for the treatment plan in writing, with the steps of each appointment, and read it calmly. Write down your questions and send them before you travel. If your fear is strong, consider starting CBT or an online programme a few weeks in advance. Practise slow breathing every day, so that it becomes automatic. Some people find it helpful to visit a local dental practice for a simple check-up or cleaning beforehand, to rebuild confidence with a low-stakes appointment.

Which health information should I prepare?

Prepare a list of all your medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes treatments, bone-strengthening medicines, weight-loss injections, supplements and herbal remedies, with doses. Note your allergies, especially to anaesthetics, antibiotics or latex, and any previous reaction during dental treatment. If you have a heart condition, a joint replacement, diabetes or a bleeding disorder, ask your doctor for a short letter. These details influence the choice of anaesthetic, the need for antibiotics, the risk of bleeding and the healing of implants. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own before dental treatment: the dentist and your doctor decide together.

Should I stop smoking before dental surgery?

Yes, ideally. Smoking reduces blood flow in the gums, delays healing, increases the risk of dry socket after extractions and is associated with more implant problems. Stopping, even for a few weeks around the treatment, is worthwhile. Your GP or pharmacist can help with nicotine replacement or other support.

How can I make the first appointment easier?

Treat the first appointment as a meeting rather than a treatment: examination, X-rays, discussion of the plan and agreement on signals. Ask the dentist to explain what you will feel at each step. Many anxious patients find that once they have met the team and seen the room, their fear drops noticeably. If possible, schedule the first technical step, such as a cleaning or a simple filling, before the more demanding ones, so that you start with a positive experience.

What if I panic the night before?

It happens, and it does not mean you cannot go through with treatment. Use breathing techniques, keep the evening quiet and avoid alcohol, which disturbs sleep and is not compatible with sedation. If you have been prescribed a tablet for anxiety, take it exactly as instructed and never combine it with alcohol. In the morning, tell the team how you feel: they can adapt the pace of the day.

Planning dental treatment in Tunisia when you are anxious

How should I start?

With a clear message in your quote request: say that you are anxious, what frightens you most and whether you would like sedation to be considered. Send recent X-rays, or a 3D scan if you have one, and photographs of your teeth. This allows the team to propose a plan that respects your limits, for example splitting a long session into several shorter ones within the stay.

How many trips does treatment usually require?

It depends on the treatment. Veneers and crowns are often completed in one stay; implants usually require two stays, one to place the implants and one, after healing, for the final teeth. Knowing the full timeline in advance reduces anxiety. Our guide to crowns, bridges and dentures in Tunisia describes typical schedules.

Can someone come with me?

Yes. The Tunisian package includes full-board hotel accommodation for you and one companion, as well as all transfers. A companion is especially useful if you are anxious or if sedation is planned, because you will need someone with you afterwards.

Who will treat me?

Medespoir’s dentist page presents Dr Dina Sghaier Chaabane, who receives patients at her practice in Tunis, in the Berges du Lac district, or at the Medespoir polyclinic. In Tunisia, consultations and medical documents are in French. You can ask for a video consultation or a call before travelling to get to know the team and ask your questions.

What practical tips help on treatment days?

  • Choose morning appointments, so that you do not spend the day worrying.
  • Eat a light meal before local anaesthesia, unless you have been told to fast for sedation.
  • Avoid too much coffee, which can increase nervousness.
  • Bring headphones and something comforting.
  • Agree on the stop signal at the start.
  • Plan a quiet afternoon afterwards, with soft food ready.

What happens if I need a break in the middle of the stay?

Tell the team. A good plan leaves some flexibility between appointments, especially after surgical steps. An extension of the stay for convenience is not included in the package, so discuss the schedule in advance if you think you will need more time.

Can I compare Tunisia and Turkey for dental treatment?

Both destinations remain clearly less expensive than Switzerland, and a quote can compare them. Medespoir confirms only hair transplants for Turkey; for dental treatment, the quote states whether it is possible and where.

Price and Swiss insurance

How much does dental treatment in Tunisia cost?

It depends on the plan, the number of teeth, the materials and the number of stays. Medespoir’s Tunisian package costs roughly 60% less than comparable treatment in Switzerland. The exact price is given in a free, personal quote issued in your name within 48 hours. If you are considering sedation, ask for it to be mentioned explicitly.

Does Swiss basic insurance pay for dental treatment?

Only in narrowly defined situations, such as certain severe diseases of the chewing system, treatment made necessary by a serious general illness, or the consequences of an accident, which are usually covered by accident insurance. Routine fillings, crowns, implants and veneers are not covered by basic insurance (KVG/LAMal), and planned treatment abroad is generally not covered. Supplementary dental insurance may pay part of the cost depending on your contract; check before travelling.

Is travel insurance useful?

Yes, it is recommended. Check that it covers medical problems linked to planned treatment abroad and repatriation. Your flight, personal expenses, travel insurance and care received in Switzerland after your return are not included in the package.

Is it reasonable to do treatment abroad if I am very anxious?

It can be, provided the plan takes your anxiety into account and you are not rushed. Some anxious patients find it easier to concentrate treatment into one or two planned stays with a companion than to face many separate appointments at home. Others prefer to start by treating their fear in Switzerland, for example with CBT, and then plan treatment. Both approaches are valid; what matters is not letting fear delay necessary care.

This article provides general information and does not replace a medical or dental consultation. Your dentist and doctor are the right people to advise you on anaesthesia, sedation and painkillers.

Ready to plan treatment at your pace? Request your free quote and mention your concerns. For an overview, read our 2026 guide to dental implants, veneers and whitening in Tunisia.

Sources

  • Silveira E. R. et al., « Estimated prevalence of dental fear in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis », Journal of Dentistry, 2021: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Steenen S. A. et al., interventions for dental anxiety and phobia, systematic review and meta-analyses of randomised trials, Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 2024: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Tellez M. et al., online cognitive-behavioural intervention for dental anxiety, 12-month randomised trial, Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, 2025: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Gong H. et al., articaine versus lidocaine, meta-analysis of randomised trials, BMC Anesthesiology, 2026: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Carrasco-Labra A. et al., ADA guideline on pharmacologic management of acute dental pain in adolescents, adults and older adults, Journal of the American Dental Association, 2024: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Liu X. et al., intravenous sedation in dental implant surgery, prospective cohort, Journal of Dentistry, 2026: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Altuhafy M. et al., computer-controlled local anaesthesia delivery, systematic review, Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 2024: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  • Federal Health Insurance Act (KVG/LAMal, SR 832.10): fedlex.admin.ch
  • Medespoir (in French): dentist in Tunisia, dental care guide, implant dentistry, veneers, prices

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to be afraid of the dentist as an adult?

Yes. Around one adult in seven has dental fear or anxiety, according to a 2021 meta-analysis, and it is more common among women and younger adults.

Will I feel the drill if I have local anaesthesia?

You will feel vibration and pressure, but not sharp pain. If you feel pain, signal it and the dentist can add anaesthetic.

Can I be put to sleep for dental treatment?

General anaesthesia is rarely used for adults. Intravenous sedation, which leaves you drowsy and relaxed, is more common for anxious patients. Ask whether it is possible for your treatment.

Does laughing gas make you unconscious?

No. Nitrous oxide makes you feel calm and relaxed while you stay awake, and its effects fade quickly after the gas is stopped.

Which painkiller is best after an extraction?

Guidance recommends an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen, alone or with paracetamol, as first-line treatment, if you have no contraindication. Follow your dentist’s prescription.

How long does pain last after implant surgery?

Usually a few days, peaking early and then improving. It is greater after several implants, bone grafts or a sinus lift.

Can I drive after dental sedation?

No. After oral or intravenous sedation, you need an escort and should not drive for the rest of the day.

Can I bring someone with me to Tunisia?

Yes. The package includes hotel accommodation for you and one companion, and all transfers.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency after returning to Switzerland?

Contact a dentist or your canton’s dental emergency service, and inform the team that treated you. For difficulty breathing or swallowing, call 144.

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