Sedation Dentistry in Kanata, ON

Sedation dentistry involves the use of sedatives to help relax anxious patients during their dental treatments.

The use of sedation is typically recommended for patient that require a lot of dental work, that have a low pain threshold, and for those who have trouble sitting still.

Sedation dentistry comes in a variety of different forms which vary from conscious to unconscious, but each form of sedation will help ease pain and anxiety associated with going to the dentist.

The main types of sedation offered by dentists include:

Oral Sedation – a prescription medication that relaxes you without making you unconscious

IV Sedation – an IV sedative that helps a patient go into a light sleep for the duration of the procedure

Inhaled Sedation – nitrous oxide, otherwise known as “laughing gas” is used to keep a patient relaxed throughout a dental procedure

General Anesthesia – a form of deep sedation in which a patient will either be partially or totally unconscious.

You may benefit from sedation dentistry if you:

• Have a low pain threshold
• Have a strong gag reflex
• Require a lot of dental work
• Have sensitive teeth
• Have trouble sitting still during dental procedures

Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea or patients who are obese should consult with their family doctor and their dentist before getting any dental procedures done with sedation involved.

The duration for which the sedative will last will depend on the length of treatment, the dosage, and on your body’s ability to recover. Most forms of sedation will typically leave a patient feeling drowsy. As such, it is highly recommended to plan for a helper to assist you with getting home safely after your procedure.

Dentists use sedation for a wide variety of both general and cosmetic dentistry procedures, including:

• Teeth whitening
• Filling
• Crowns
• Veneers
• Extractions
• Bonding
• Implants
• Braces
• Wisdom Tooth Removal
• And more!

Yes. Nitrous oxide is one of the most extensively studied and widely used sedatives in dentistry. It's been used safely for over 100 years and is appropriate for most patients, including children. Before your appointment, our dentist will review your medical history to ensure it's a suitable option for you.

No. With nitrous oxide, you remain fully conscious and able to respond to our dentist throughout the procedure. Most patients describe feeling deeply relaxed, slightly euphoric, and largely unconcerned with what's happening — but you won't be asleep.

Yes. Nitrous oxide is commonly used for children who experience anxiety, have difficulty sitting still, or need more involved dental work. It's considered safe and effective for pediatric patients. Our team will assess your child's needs and walk you through what to expect beforehand.

For nitrous oxide, preparation is minimal. We generally recommend eating a light meal a few hours before your appointment rather than arriving on a completely empty or very full stomach. Our dentist will provide any specific instructions based on your individual situation.