What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Dental anxiety should never prevent you from receiving the care you need. At Martindale Smiles, we offer sedation dentistry options to help patients of all ages feel calm, relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax. It is sometimes called sleep dentistry, but with the options we offer you stay conscious and able to respond. Our team, including Dr. Priya Bansal, who is certified in sedation dentistry, provides safe and effective sedation tailored to your level of anxiety and the complexity of your treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that you breathe in through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you feel relaxed and at ease while you stay fully conscious and able to respond to your dentist.
The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, so you can drive yourself home and return to normal activities right away.
Oral Sedation
For patients with moderate to severe anxiety, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. It creates a deeper state of relaxation while you remain conscious. You will feel drowsy and calm throughout the procedure and may have limited memory of the treatment.
A companion must drive you to and from your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide vs Oral Sedation
Both options help you relax, and the right choice depends on your anxiety level and your treatment.
- Nitrous oxide gives a light, quick-acting calm and wears off within minutes, so you can drive afterward.
- Oral sedation gives a deeper level of relaxation, and you need a companion to take you home.
- Your dentist recommends an option after reviewing your health history and talking with you about your concerns.
Who Is Sedation Dentistry For?
Sedation dentistry may be a good choice if:
- You feel anxious, nervous or afraid about dental visits
- You have put off dental care because of fear
- You need a long or complex procedure such as wisdom tooth extraction
- You are caring for children who feel nervous about treatment
- You find it hard to stay comfortable in the dental chair
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Pre-treatment consultation. We talk about your concerns, review your health and medical history and assess your needs.
- 2Discussion of sedation options. We explain the choices and recommend the best fit for you.
- 3Pre-procedure instructions. We tell you about fasting and medication timing before your visit.
- 4Continuous monitoring. Our team watches over you throughout treatment.
- 5Post-sedation recovery and discharge instructions. We make sure you are ready to go home and explain how to care for yourself.
How to Prepare and Recover
- Tell us about all medications, supplements and health conditions
- Follow the fasting and medication instructions we give you
- For oral sedation, arrange for a companion to drive you to and from your appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing
- After oral sedation, rest for the remainder of the day
- After nitrous oxide, you can usually return to your normal activities
Why Choose Martindale Smiles for Sedation Dentistry
- Certified sedation dentistry practitioners
- Multiple sedation options available
- A safe, monitored environment
- Experience with anxious patients and children
- A compassionate, patient-focused approach
- Open seven days a week, with same-day appointments available
- Direct insurance billing available
Related Treatments
- TMJ treatment in Northeast Calgary: relief for jaw pain, clicking and headaches.
- Dental emergencies in Northeast Calgary: fast care when a dental problem cannot wait.
- Wisdom tooth extraction in Northeast Calgary: comfortable removal with sedation options available.
Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation and the length and complexity of your treatment. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are priced differently, and the sedation fee is separate from the fee for the treatment itself. We explain both before we begin.
We follow the ADA Fee Guide and offer direct billing to insurance. Coverage for sedation varies from plan to plan. Patients with the Canadian Dental Care Plan can find details on our CDCP page, and eligible First Nations and Inuit patients can learn more on our NIHB page. To receive a personalized quote, please contact our team.