What Sedation Dentistry Is
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment. It does not replace numbing for the treated area. It works alongside local anesthesia to help you relax. The right type of sedation depends on the treatment, your health and how anxious you feel, and your dentist will recommend what is suitable for you.
Our Sedation Options
- Laughing gas (nitrous oxide): a mild sedative you breathe in through a small mask that helps you relax. It wears off quickly, so most people feel back to normal soon after.
- Oral sedation: a medication taken by mouth before your appointment to help you feel calm and relaxed.
Who Sedation Can Help
- Patients with dental anxiety or a fear of needles or drills.
- People who have had a bad dental experience in the past.
- Patients having longer or more involved procedures, such as wisdom teeth removal.
- Patients who have a strong gag reflex or find it hard to sit still for treatment.
When Sedation Is Commonly Used
Sedation options are available at our clinic, including for root canal treatment, wisdom teeth removal and emergency visits. Let us know at the time of booking if you would like to discuss sedation so we can plan appropriately.
How It Works
- Conversation: we talk about your anxiety, your health history, any medications and the treatment you need.
- Recommendation: your dentist recommends the sedation option that is suitable for you.
- Instructions: you receive clear instructions on eating, drinking and arranging transportation if needed.
- Treatment: sedation is given, and the area being treated is numbed so you stay comfortable.
- Recovery: we monitor you until you are ready to go, and give you aftercare instructions.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us about your full medical history, allergies and all medications and supplements you take.
- Follow our instructions about eating and drinking before your appointment.
- For oral sedation, arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you, as advised by your dentist.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Let us know if you are pregnant or think you might be.
After Your Treatment
- After laughing gas, most people feel back to normal quickly, but follow your dentist's advice about activities.
- After oral sedation, rest for the remainder of the day. Do not drive, work with machinery or make important decisions until you are fully alert, as advised.
- Eat and drink lightly at first, and avoid chewing until any numbness wears off.
- Follow the aftercare instructions for your specific treatment.
- Call the clinic if you feel unwell, have swelling, fever, lasting pain or bleeding.
Cost, Insurance and Direct Billing
Sedation may be an extra cost or partly covered depending on your plan and the treatment. Our fees run 5% below the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and you will receive a written cost estimate before treatment begins. We bill your insurance directly where coverage applies, and financing options and payment plans are available. Offers are currently available, so ask our front desk.
Why Choose Allard Station Dental
- Calm, judgment-free care for nervous patients.
- Laughing gas and oral sedation options.
- Open early and late, seven days a week.
- Clear explanations and written estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
When used appropriately and based on your health history, dental sedation is considered safe. Your dentist will review your health and recommend what is suitable for you.
Will I be asleep during treatment with laughing gas?
No. Laughing gas helps you relax, but you remain awake and able to respond. The area being treated is also numbed.
Can I drive after sedation?
After laughing gas, most people feel back to normal soon, but follow your dentist's guidance. After oral sedation, you should not drive, and you should arrange a ride home.
Does sedation mean I will not feel anything?
Sedation helps you feel relaxed, and the treated area is numbed so you stay comfortable. You may still feel pressure.
Can children have sedation?
Sedation options depend on the child and the treatment. Talk with your dentist about what is appropriate for your child.
Is sedation available for emergency visits?
Yes. Laughing gas and oral sedation options are available so even nervous patients can get urgent care in a single comfortable visit when possible.