Sedation Dentistry
A significant number of people do not visit the dentist for regular checkups because they are too fearful or suffer from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry offers an excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety-free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during the procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide works to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it’s often known, is safe for use during dental treatment when mixed with oxygen. Nitrous oxide and oxygen, when breathed in via a mask, eases anxiety and produces a pleasurable feeling. It works very rapidly reaching the brain within 20 seconds, and relaxation and pain-killing properties develop after 2 or 3 minutes.
The depth of sedation can be altered from moment to moment, allowing the person who administers the gas to increase or decrease the depth of sedation. With laughing gas, the effects are almost instant. The laughing gas can be switched off when not needed and then switched on. There’s no “hangover” effect and the gas is eliminated from the body within 3 to 5 minutes after the gas supply is stopped. You can safely drive home and don’t need an escort.
Inhalation sedation is very safe. It has very few side effects and the drugs used have no ill effects on the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, or brain. Inhalation sedation has also been found to be very effective in eliminating or at least minimizing severe gagging.
Here are some advantages associated with sedation dentistry:
- Anxiety is alleviated.
- Few side effects.
- More can be accomplished during each visit.
- No needles.
- No pain.
- Perfectly safe.
- Procedures seem to take less time.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is a technique used in our dental office to help patients relax and remain calm during many dental procedures. It involves the administration of sedative medications directly into a vein, which induces a state of deep relaxation and sometimes even sleep. Here is some information for patients regarding intravenous sedation in a dental office:
1. Purpose of IV Sedation: The primary goal of IV sedation is to alleviate anxiety and fear associated with dental procedures. It helps patients feel more comfortable during their treatment and allows us to perform the necessary procedures efficiently.
2. Administering IV Sedation: IV sedation is administered by our highly qualified dentist and nurse who have dedicated extra training in sedation dentistry.
3. Safety: IV sedation is a safe form of sedation especially when administered by our highly trained team and within our controlled environment. Prior to the procedure, we will review your medical history, including any medications you’re taking, to ensure there are no contraindications. During the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored.
4. Effects: Patients feel deeply relaxed, may fall asleep, and have little memory of the procedure due to the sedatives used.
Remember, IV sedation can greatly reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures, making it easier for you to receive the dental care you need. We can provide IV sedation for a variety of treatments and sometimes allows us to complete all of your treatment in a single visit.
If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry, please contact our office.
Your sedation options at Dentistry on Lawrence
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): mild relaxation through a small nose mask. Takes effect in minutes and wears off within minutes once the mask is removed, so you can drive yourself home. Suitable for children and adults, and for most routine treatment.
- IV sedation (conscious sedation): medication given through a small IV for deeper relaxation. You remain able to breathe on your own and respond to the dentist, but most patients doze and remember little of the appointment. Ideal for longer procedures such as wisdom teeth removal, implants, or completing a lot of treatment in one visit. You will need someone to drive you home.
Who sedation dentistry is for
Patients choose sedation for many reasons, and none of them need an explanation. The most common are:
- Dental anxiety or a bad experience in the past
- A strong gag reflex that makes X-rays or impressions difficult
- Difficulty getting fully numb with local anaesthetic alone
- Long or complex procedures, such as wisdom teeth extractions or dental implants
- Wanting to complete several treatments in a single visit
- Children who are very nervous (nitrous oxide only)
Safety, training and permits
Sedation in Ontario is regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Dentistry on Lawrence holds an RCDSO Sedation and Anesthesia Facility Permit for our office at 232 Lawrence Ave, and IV sedation is provided only by dentists who hold RCDSO sedation authorization, with your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels monitored throughout. Before any sedation appointment we review your medical history and medications to confirm sedation is appropriate for you.
What to expect
Before
You will have a consultation first. For IV sedation we will give you fasting instructions (usually nothing to eat or drink for several hours beforehand), ask you to wear comfortable clothing, and confirm that an adult is coming with you to drive you home.
During
With nitrous oxide, the mask goes on a few minutes before treatment and the level is adjusted to how you feel. With IV sedation, the medication is given gradually until you are comfortably relaxed, and the dentist checks in with you throughout.
After
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes and you can carry on with your day. After IV sedation you will feel drowsy for several hours; plan to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving, work or important decisions until the next day.
Cost and insurance for sedation
Sedation is billed separately from the dental treatment itself, with nitrous oxide costing considerably less than IV sedation. Some insurance plans cover part of the sedation fee, particularly for surgical procedures; we check your coverage and give you a written estimate before you book, and we bill most plans directly.
Sedation dentistry FAQs
Will I be asleep?
Not fully. Nitrous oxide keeps you awake and relaxed. IV sedation puts most patients into a drowsy, dream-like state where they may doze, but you can still breathe on your own and respond when spoken to. This is different from general anaesthesia.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when it is provided by trained dentists in a permitted facility with proper monitoring, which is the standard at our office. We screen every patient’s medical history first, and some medical conditions may mean one type of sedation is recommended over another.
Can I drive after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, yes. After IV sedation, no: you must have an adult take you home and should not drive for the rest of the day.
Does insurance cover sedation?
It depends on your plan. Many plans contribute to sedation for surgical procedures; coverage for routine treatment varies. We will check for you before your appointment.
Can children have sedation?
Nitrous oxide is commonly used for anxious children and is well tolerated. We will discuss whether it is appropriate for your child at their visit.
How do I book a sedation appointment?
Call (519) 744-6533 or request an appointment online and mention that you are interested in sedation. We will book a consultation first so the dentist can recommend the right option.