Sections II through VI present the answer to the problem presented in Section I—the problem of fear and anxiety in dentistry. The answer includes all of the techniques that can be termed sedation and those termed general anesthesia. This terminology is defined in this section.

In Chapter 2, the reader is introduced to the concept of sedation. The term is defined and then discussed in relation to general anesthesia, a state that many persons confuse with sedation. The various stages of anesthesia, which include minimal, moderate, and deep sedation and general anesthesia, are described.

Chapter 3, The Spectrum of Pain and Anxiety Control, presents the wide range of patient management techniques available to the dentist and physician. Advantages and disadvantages of these techniques are discussed and the techniques compared.