Sedation Dentistry in Calgary

Book Appointment

We understand that not everyone enjoys visiting the dentist, but for some patients, the thought of a dental visit induces enough anxiety that they avoid necessary visits. To help ensure that each patient has a pleasant visit Riverwalk Dental is pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

Book Appointment

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses sedatives to help reduce patient anxiety, allowing anxious patients to relax during dental procedures that would typically cause them emotional distress.

What Types of Sedation Dentistry are Offered at Riverwalk Dental?

Riverwalk Dental offers minimal, moderate, and deep sedation. Regardless of what level of sedation you receive, you will also be given a local anesthetic, if necessary, to relieve any pain you may feel during the procedure.

While most dentists are able to offer minimal sedation only specially trained, dentists are able to safely administer moderate and deep sedation.

Minimal Sedation

Minimal sedation is designed to help patients relax while still keeping them awake. Minimal sedation can include the use of nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas”, or oral sedation, which will make you pleasantly drowsy. Nitrous oxide tends to wear off quickly so you will need to receive a steady supply of it during your procedure. Your dentist will carefully control how much nitrous oxide you receive to ensure you don’t consume too much. If your dentist offers you oral sedation, you will be given a pill roughly an hour before your procedure.

While you may be able to safely drive yourself home after being given nitrous oxide, you should arrange for someone else to drive you home if you take an oral sedative. Your dental team will discuss your particular situation with you, and give you any personalized instructions before you book your sedation dentistry appointment.

Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation can be given either orally or through an IV. Oral moderate sedation is similar to oral minimal sedation, but you are given a larger dose. If you receive your sedative through an IV, it tends to work more quickly, since the medication is delivered directly to your bloodstream. IV sedation allows your dentist to adjust your dose as necessary throughout the procedure.

Moderate sedation may make you groggy enough to doze off during your procedure, but you will sleep lightly enough that you can be awakened with a gentle shake.

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation will make you groggy enough that you will likely fall asleep, but will never be wholly unconscious. Your dentist will be able to easily wake you if necessary.

Who Might Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is designed for individuals who suffer from severe enough dental anxiety that it prevents them from seeing their dentist for regular cleanings and exams, as well as necessary procedures.

Sedation dentistry may also be a good option for individuals who:

Require a large amount of dental work
Have a strong gag reflex
Have extremely sensitive teeth
Have a very low pain threshold
Have trouble sitting still during the procedure

Individuals with obstructive sleep apnea, or who are obese, should talk to their family doctor and their dentist before considering sedation dentistry because they are more likely to develop complications as a result of receiving sedation dentistry.

Children who are terrified of the dentist may also benefit from sedation dentistry, but parents should confer with their child’s dentist and pediatrician before making a decision.