How does dental sedation help?
Dental sedation can help patients who experience extreme anxiety when visiting the dentist. It accomplishes this by helping them relax during whatever procedures they need.
The dental sedation we use can provide patients with a general sense of calm and well-being, allowing them to relax enough to undergo dental treatment.
At Bay Street Dental Associates there are four main types of dental sedation we utilize to help Toronto patients:
IV Sedation
Our dentists at Bay Street Dental Associates use a mild to moderate form of IV sedation that does not put the patient to sleep. Instead, it induces a trance-like state of relaxation in patients. It can also have an amnesiac effect on some people, leaving them with little to no memory of their dental treatment. IV sedation is given intravenously.
IV sedation may not be right for everyone, as the guidelines regarding its administration are somewhat stricter than those of other types of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can be used alone or together with an oral sedative. It is an inhaled gas that helps patients feel calm and relaxed during their dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide gas is clear and odourless, and when combined with oxygen, it gives patients a calm, almost euphoric feeling. It has no long-term effects, so patients who do not use it in conjunction with an oral sedative can drive home after their appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
A variety of medications can be used to achieve oral conscious sedation. Our Toronto dentists can recommend the best oral conscious sedation option for your child and will always be happy to answer any questions you may have.
While oral conscious sedation usually does not render a patient unconscious, it can make them drowsy enough to sleep during the procedure. After the sedation wears off, many patients have no recollection of their dental procedure.
General Anesthesia
The term "general anesthesia" refers to the use of drugs to render a patient unconscious. Anesthesia is usually recommended for patients who have limited comprehension, serious behavioural issues, and/or high pain sensitivity.
Is sedation safe?
Sedation is considered very safe when administered by a qualified professional. Nitrous oxide is even advised for use in infants (this is determined on a case-by-case basis for children with especially high levels of dental anxiety).
Feeling Anxious? Talk To Us.
Before undergoing dental treatment, you can speak with our team at Bay Street Dental Associates about any anxieties or concerns you may have. We understand how you feel, so don't be afraid to discuss your anxiety or nervousness with our team. We'll talk about your needs and help you decide if dental sedation is the best option for you.