While pharmacological sedation remains a common choice, evidence-based dentistry increasingly highlights non-invasive, psychological, and holistic alternatives that foster long-term self-efficacy and habituation.

While sedation remains a vital tool for managing immediate distress, relying on it as a permanent solution for dental phobia is increasingly viewed as a palliative measure rather than a curative one. Clinical evidence suggests that while sedation facilitates the procedure, psychological intervention—specifically Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)—is the gold standard for long-term recovery.