Dental anxiety is real, and it keeps many people from getting the care they need. Whether you had a bad experience years ago, feel anxious in medical settings, or simply can’t stand the sounds and sensations of dental work, sedation dentistry can help.
At Dentistry on 43, we offer multiple sedation options to ensure your comfort during dental procedures. From mild relaxation to deep sedation where you won’t remember the procedure, we’ll find the right approach for your needs and anxiety level.
Sedation isn’t just for people with severe anxiety. It’s helpful for anyone who:
You don’t have to suffer through dental appointments. Sedation makes care accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Nitrous oxide is a safe, mild sedative gas you inhale through a small mask placed over your nose. It’s been used in dentistry for over a century and is appropriate for patients of all ages.
Within minutes, you’ll feel relaxed and calm—some people describe a pleasant, floating sensation. You remain conscious and can respond to instructions, but anxiety melts away. The effects wear off quickly once we remove the mask, usually within 5-10 minutes.
You take a prescribed sedative medication by mouth about an hour before your appointment. The medication makes you drowsy and very relaxed, though you remain conscious.
You’ll feel extremely relaxed and may even doze off during the procedure, though you can still respond when spoken to. Many patients have little to no memory of the appointment afterward. You’ll feel groggy for several hours after.
Sedative medication is administered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. This is our deepest level of sedation and the most popular option for anxious patients and extensive procedures.
You’ll enter a twilight state where you’re deeply relaxed or asleep. Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure. You can still respond to instructions, but you won’t feel anxiety, discomfort, or stress.
Your safety is our top priority during sedation. Our team is trained in sedation dentistry protocols and emergency procedures.
Before sedation, we thoroughly review your medical history, current medications, and any conditions that might affect sedation. We’ll discuss the best option for your specific health profile.
Certain conditions may make some sedation options inappropriate:
We’ll assess your individual situation and recommend the safest, most appropriate sedation method.
One major advantage of sedation dentistry is the ability to complete more work in fewer appointments. For patients who’ve avoided the dentist for years, sedation allows us to address multiple issues in one visit.
We can combine sedation with:
Instead of multiple anxiety-inducing appointments, you can have everything done while comfortably sedated—then wake up with your dental work complete.
Sedation costs vary by type:
Some dental insurance plans cover sedation when medically necessary (for example, if you have documented anxiety or special needs). Coverage varies significantly by plan. We’ll help you understand your benefits and provide documentation for insurance submission.
Even if sedation isn’t covered, many patients find it worth the investment to receive comfortable, anxiety-free care they’ve been avoiding.
Dental anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from getting necessary care. Avoiding the dentist leads to worsening problems, pain, and eventually emergency situations that are harder and more expensive to treat.
Sedation dentistry breaks this cycle. It allows you to receive the care you need in comfort and safety, building positive dental experiences instead of traumatic ones.
Many patients who’ve avoided dentists for years tell us that sedation dentistry changed their lives—not just their smiles.
If dental anxiety has kept you away, or if you simply want your dental work to be more comfortable, let’s talk about sedation options.
Schedule your consultation today:
Call us at (780) 500-1001 or book online. You don’t have to face dental work with fear and anxiety—comfortable, compassionate care is just a phone call away.
Your comfort matters. Let us help.
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals. We continuously monitor your vital signs throughout sedated procedures and follow strict safety protocols. Modern sedation medications are well-researched and have excellent safety records. Serious complications are extremely rare. That said, we thoroughly review your medical history to identify any conditions that might make sedation inappropriate. We’ll only recommend sedation methods that are safe for your specific health profile.
Sedation keeps you relaxed and anxiety-free, but we still use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area so you don’t feel pain. Sedation addresses anxiety and discomfort, while local anesthesia prevents pain. Together, they ensure you’re comfortable throughout your procedure.
Yes, nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is commonly used for children and is very safe. It helps anxious kids relax during dental work and makes the experience positive rather than traumatic. Oral sedation may be appropriate for some children depending on age, weight, and the procedure being performed. We’ll discuss the safest, most appropriate option for your child during consultation.
Recovery time depends on the sedation type. Nitrous oxide wears off within 5-10 minutes, and you can resume normal activities immediately. Oral sedation takes several hours to wear off—expect to feel groggy for the rest of the day and avoid driving or important decisions for 24 hours. IV sedation also requires rest for the remainder of the day, with full recovery usually within 24 hours. For any sedation beyond nitrous oxide, you’ll need someone to drive you home and should plan to take it easy
You’re not alone—dental anxiety keeps many people from getting care, often for years or even decades. The good news? It’s never too late to start, and we’re experienced in working with patients who’ve been away from the dentist for a long time. We provide judgment-free care and can use sedation to make catching up on dental work comfortable and manageable. Many patients tell us that sedation dentistry finally gave them the courage to address dental problems they’d been avoiding. We’ll work at your pace and prioritize your comfort every step of the way.
