Sedation Dentistry
Dental anxiety is common, and it should never stop you from getting the care you need. Sedation dentistry helps you stay calm and comfortable during your visit. At Edgemont Dental in Southwest Edmonton, we offer two sedation options, and your dentist will help you choose the one that suits you and your treatment.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation?
- Patients with dental fear or anxiety
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Patients who find it difficult to get numb
- Patients having lengthy or complex procedures
- Children who need extra support, and patients with special needs, when appropriate
Our Sedation Options
Nitrous oxide (mild sedation)
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is breathed in through a small nasal mask. It helps you relax within minutes and wears off quickly after the mask is removed, so most patients can drive themselves home afterward. It is available for adults and children.
Oral sedation (moderate sedation)
Oral sedation is a prescribed medication that you take as a pill before your appointment, usually 30 to 60 minutes beforehand. It leaves you deeply relaxed while you stay conscious and responsive, and many patients remember little of the procedure. Because the effects last after your visit, you will need a companion to take you home.
General anaesthesia is not offered in our office.
What to Expect
1. A review of your health history
Your dentist reviews your health, your medications and your level of anxiety to recommend the right option.
2. Pre-appointment instructions
We confirm details like fasting, clothing and arranging a companion, so you know exactly what to do before your visit.
3. Your sedation and treatment
Treatment starts only once you feel fully comfortable. Our trained team monitors your vital signs, including oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure, throughout the procedure.
4. Recovery
We monitor you until you are alert. If you have had oral sedation, your companion will take you home.
If you would like oral sedation, it needs a prescription, which is usually arranged at a consultation about one to two weeks before your treatment. Please mention your anxiety when you book so we can plan ahead.
Before Your Visit
- Tell us about your medical history, medications and any allergies at your sedation consultation.
- Follow the instructions we give you on eating, drinking and medications before your appointment.
- For oral sedation, take the prescribed pill when we direct you to, and arrange a companion to drive you home.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
After Your Treatment
- After nitrous oxide, the effects wear off within minutes and most patients can return to normal activities, including driving.
- After oral sedation, go home with your companion and rest. Do not drive, and follow the instructions we give you for the rest of the day.
- Follow any aftercare instructions for the treatment you had.
- Call us if you feel unwell or have questions once you are home.
Sedation With Other Treatments
Sedation can make many treatments more comfortable, including fillings, root canal treatment, wisdom teeth removal, dental implants and cosmetic work. Talk to your dentist about whether it is a good fit for your procedure.
Why Choose Edgemont Dental
- A friendly, patient team and a calm, welcoming office
- Your medical history reviewed before any sedation is recommended
- Continuous monitoring during sedation
- A treatment plan and cost estimate before treatment begins
- Direct billing to most major insurance providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is used under careful planning and monitoring. Your dentist reviews your medical history first and monitors your vital signs throughout. Tell us about any medications and health conditions so we can choose the right option for you.
Will I be asleep?
Nitrous oxide leaves you awake but relaxed. Oral sedation leaves you deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little of the treatment. We do not offer general anaesthesia.
Can I drive after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, patients can usually drive themselves home because the effects wear off within minutes. After oral sedation, you will need someone to take you home.
Can my child have sedation?
Nitrous oxide is available for children who need extra support. Your dentist will advise whether it is right for your child.
Do you offer general anaesthesia?
No. General anaesthesia is not offered in our office. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, and your dentist will help you choose the right option.
Book a Sedation Consultation in Edmonton
Call (780) 761-7070 or book online. You will find us at 20036 Lessard Rd NW, Edmonton, AB T6M 0T9.