Sedation Dentistry Calgary AB | Foothills Sleep Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry An Overview

At Foothills Dentistry, the comfort and safety of our patients are important to our team of dentists and staff. We understand that factors like dental fear and dental anxiety can hinder patients from receiving the general dental care they need. Sedation dentistry allows anxious patients to receive treatment in a safe and relaxed state.

Under the care of our highly trained dentists, patients can receive the treatment they need without fear or discomfort. We offer a wide selection of dental sedation methods for patients to choose from.

We will perform a full dental evaluation, discuss your medical history, and may coordinate with your primary care physician in special cases. Together, you and our team will choose the best form of sedation for your dental needs.

Candidacy For Dental Sedation

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients of all ages. Children who may experience dental fear or anxiety may also receive dental sedation. Factors like dosage are considered dependent on age and your overall health. Our experienced team will work with you to choose the best form of sedation for your needs.

If any of these conditions apply to you, you may be an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry:

Sensitive teeth
A strong gag reflex
Fearful of the dentist
Dental anxiety
Fear of needles
Fear of dental drills
Experience uncontrollable body movements

sedation dentistry calgary ab dentist

The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry

Each form of sedation has its own list of benefits. Collectively, sedation dentistry offers these key benefits for patients.

Anxiety relief: For many anxious or fearful patients visiting the dentist can be a scary process. many patients end up letting their fear or anxiety hinder them from visiting the dentist, even in the case of a serious dental problem. Dental sedation allows fearful or anxious patients to receive the treatment they need without fear, discomfort, or pain.
Faster treatment: With dental sedation, your dentist is able to work faster and more efficiently. Under dental sedation, patients are calm and relaxed, which means your dentist can focus on your treatment and get you out of the chair quicker.
Fewer visits to the dentist: If you are under dental sedation, your dentist may be able to perform the treatment you need during one visit. This may reduce the number of visits needed to complete your treatment plan.

Sedation Dentistry What to Expect

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sometimes amenities are not enough to help fearful or anxious patients. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for patients to finally have a positive dental experience while eliminating any anxiety or fear they may feel during their visit.

At our Calgary dentist office, we offer two forms of sedation dentistry: oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is often referred to as “laughing gas,” and it is one of the most commonly administered dental sedation methods. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a nasal mask and takes effect as soon as it is delivered. It dissipates just as fast as it takes effect, so in most cases, patients can drive themselves after their appointment. Under this form of sedation, patients report feeling relaxed, less anxious, and some even fall asleep during their treatment.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation can often alleviate anxiety or fear patients may have about visiting the dentist. This type of sedation is administered through the mouth and is typically taken prior to your scheduled appointment. Patients must coordinate a ride to and from our office.

Oral sedation allows patients to remain comfortable and conscious during their visit. Patients can respond to their dentist’s commands during treatment. Under oral sedation, many patients report feeling calm, relaxed, and sleepy during their treatment.

Types of Sedation Dentistry Infographic

Find your calm at our Calgary dentist office

The type of sedation you receive is depended on your level of fear, the type of treatment you need, and your overall health. Our dentists closely monitor you under sedation and manage the dosage based on your needs.

Sedation dentistry has successfully allowed many patients to receive the dental care they need. Are you suffering from dental fear or anxiety? Let our compassionate and experienced dental care team at Foothills Dentistry help alleviate that fear and anxiety. Contact our team of dentists at or request an appointment online.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

How long does sedation in dentistry last?: Sedation used for dental procedures typically lasts between 4-6 hours, depending on the dose, the procedure, and the type of sedation used. Patients may feel some numbness or tingling for up to 24 hours after the procedure.
Is sedation dentistry painless?: With dental sedation, patients feel no pain throughout dental procedures. Sedation calms nerves, and makes patients feel drowsy so that they feel no pain throughout and remember nothing from the procedure.
What should you not do before being sedated?: Before being sedated patients are told not to eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to their appointment. This includes water. This will help the sedation take maximum effect without issue.
How long does dental sedation last?: The duration of dental sedation will depend on the type of sedation your anesthesiologist will use. For example, oral sedation might make you feel drowsy or doze off during your procedure. You’ll likely feel back to normal within a few hours. On the other hand, if you have IV sedation, the effects can last up to the rest of the day. The effects of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) wear off almost immediately once the anesthesiologist stops the gas. Overall, having someone drive you home after sedation is always important.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?: Some insurance plans may only cover a portion of the cost if they consider the sedation medically necessary for a complex procedure. In many cases, however, standard dental insurance plans do not cover the expenses associated with sedation dentistry. Many insurance providers consider sedation dentistry an elective or optional procedure rather than a necessary dental treatment. It will depend on your insurance plan.

Sedation Dentistry Calgary, AB