With a sedation, the patient is given a sedative prior to the dental treatment, which keeps him in a twilight sleep (so-called sedation) in which he has reduced sensory perception and little or no memory of the dental treatment afterwards. Unlike with a general anaesthesia (narcosis), there is no breathing tube inserted as the patient always remains conscious.

This method is well suited for anxious patients as sensation of pain is significantly reduced by the sedation as well. However, sedation is generally more suitable for shorter interventions.