Sedation Dentistry

Dental sedation is often mistakenly thought to induce sleep. In fact, most sedatives allow the patient to stay awake during their procedure. Sleepiness is a side effect of some medications, but nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation only work to calm anxiety throughout the dental visit.

A pill is given to patient generally 1 hour before procedure that keeps patient mildly sedated throughout procedure.Generally recommended for mild anxiety level patients.

Though oral sedatives do not cause sleep, they usually dull the senses.

With or Without Oral Sedation

Laughing gas is a good option in both adults and kids with mild to moderate anxiety. It may or may not be given with some oral sedative like mixed with juice in kids and a pill in adults.

Nitrous oxide elevates the general mood and can evoke a general sense of well-being. Most importantly, it relieves anxiety and reduces pain during the procedure. When under the effects of Nitrous Oxide, the patient may experience some tingling and numbness, but these feelings dissipate when the sedation is withdrawn.

Patients who have undergone IV sedation often report feeling like they slept through their procedure.

Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn, and so they must have a ride home after the appointment.

Patient is monitored regularly for pulse,Blood pressure, oxygen level in blood and CO2 exhalation level following College of Dental Surgeons of BC guidelines.