Research conducted by the West Chester University of Pennsylvania explored the use of hypnosis/therapeutic suggestion as an adjunct to intravenous (IV) sedation in patients having 3rd molar removal in an outpatient setting. The amount of sedation used during the surgery, patient postoperative pain ratings, and postoperative prescription pain reliever consumption were all significantly reduced in patients receiving hypnosis compared to those who did not. Additionally, research conducted by the Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania explored the use of hypnosis as an adjunctive dental anesthetic for individuals addicted to drugs. Whereas employing chemical sedation alone on drug dependent patients had previously failed to relieve profound anxiety, the combined hypno-sedative treatment outcomes were judged to be good or excellent. Also, a case study conducted by a dentist in private practice found hypnosis to be effective in significantly decreasing anxiety and anticipation of pain for a blind woman with dental phobia.

• Mackey, E.F. Effects of hypnosis as an adjunct to intravenous sedation for third molar extraction: A randomized, blind, controlled study. Intl J Clin & Exper Hypnosis. 2010; 58(1): 21-38. West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
• Lu, D. P., Lu, G. P., & Hersh, E. V. Augmenting sedation with hypnosis in drug-dependent patients. Anesth Prog. 1995; 42(3-4):139-43. Department of Oral Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Allentown, PA, USA.
• Gow, M.A. Hypnosis with a blind 55-year-old female with dental phobia requiring periodontal treatment and extraction. Contemp Hypnosis. 2006; 23(2): 92-100.