SE Calgary Sedation Dentistry
Oral, nitrous and IV sedation for patients who feel anxious about dental visits.
Dental visits can cause stress and anxiety for many patients, and some avoid the care they need as a result. Your comfort and peace of mind during every visit matter to us, which is why we offer sedation options to ease anxiety, help you relax and make treatment more comfortable.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps patients who feel anxious or apprehensive about dental visits stay comfortable and relaxed. It uses safe, controlled sedatives during dental procedures, which makes it easier to receive the care you need. Sedation can be particularly helpful for people with dental phobias, a low pain threshold or a strong gag reflex. By reducing anxiety and discomfort, it allows for more efficient and effective treatment. We aim to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation provides light to moderate sedation to help ease dental anxiety. It involves taking one or two prescribed pills containing a sedative before your dental procedure or appointment. The sedative makes you drowsy, so you feel more relaxed during treatment, and it can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The first dose is usually taken about an hour before your visit. If needed, and if your dentist approves and recommends it, an additional dose can be taken the night before to help with anxiety-related insomnia.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” can help relieve anxiety and improve comfort during dental treatment. It is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, given through a mask that covers your nose. You simply breathe in the nitrous oxide to help you relax. As it takes effect, you will feel slightly groggy and less sensitive, and you stay relaxed throughout the procedure. The effects of nitrous oxide are temporary, and patients can usually return to their normal daily activities immediately after treatment, which makes it a convenient option for managing anxiety.
We also offer IV sedation, also known as “twilight sedation,” to make dental procedures more comfortable. An intravenous (IV) line is placed in your vein to deliver medication directly into your bloodstream, which gives immediate and effective sedation. A key advantage of IV sedation is its flexibility: our dentists can adjust the dosage to provide anything from minimal to deep sedation, depending on your needs and preferences. You can stay awake and aware but pain-free, or have a deeper level of sedation if you prefer. When the procedure is complete, we can give a different medication to wake you gently, so you can resume your day with minimal disruption.
Sedation dentistry helps nervous and anxious patients receive essential oral care without the stress often associated with dental visits. If you have questions about our sedation options, or you think sedation could help you and would like to book an appointment with one of our team, please call Heritage Dental Centre at (403) 253-0277.
Book with Heritage Dental Centre
To book a sedation dentistry appointment, call us at (403) 253-0277.