Calgary Sedation Dentistry

Forest Lane Dental understands that the thought of having any kind of dental treatment causes anxiety for many people. Many people avoid visiting the dentist completely because they are too nervous about what the treatment will entail. Forest Lane Dental’s top priority is to ensure that you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible throughout your entire visit. That is why we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry options to help ease your anxiety and calm your nerves so you can receive the dental care you need.

If you are anxious about visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry can provide options to help keep you calm, relaxed and comfortable during your dental visit. By using a combination of sedatives and comfort measures, Forest Lane Dental ensures that taking care of your oral health needs does not need to be a source of stress or anxiety.

IV sedation, or “twilight sedation” as it is often called, is an intravenous sedation method that puts patients into a state of extreme drowsiness through the use of a combination of medications. It offers immediate effects by carefully placing an IV in your vein and administering the medication directly into your bloodstream. With IV sedation your dentist is able to adjust the dosage from minimal sedation to deep sedation. This allows you to still be awake during the procedure, if you so choose, but feel no pain. Once the procedure is completed, IV sedation also allows your dentist to administer a different medication to wake you up so you can get on with your day.

Oral sedation allows for light to moderate sedation for anxious patients. It is accomplished by taking one to two prescribed pills of a sedative medication before a procedure or appointment. The medication is strong enough to bring about a feeling of sleepiness that results in a more relaxed state during your treatment and a reduced sense of stress or anxiety. An initial dose of medication is taken approximately one hour before your appointment and, if needed, an additional dose may be taken the night before a procedure to help with anxiety-related insomnia.

Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a common way doctors help relieve
patients’ anxiety. Administered through a face mask worn over the nose, you breathe in a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide, which helps you to relax and allows you to feel calm and comfortable during your treatment. As the anesthetic begins to work, you will feel a bit groggy and desensitized, but relaxed. Patients who choose to use nitrous oxide are able to resume normal daily activities by the time the procedure is completed.