Sedation Dentistry in Calgary, AB

Some people need a bit of extra care in the dentist office. Whether this is due to health conditions, phobias or just anxiety about a specific procedure. Sedation can help. Sedation dentistry involves a number of procedures that are meant to relax a person prior to a complex procedure. A lot of patients are struggling with fear and anxiety, and the use of minimal, inhaled sedation can completely change their dental experience.

Oasis Dental in Calgary, AB ensures that every dental procedure goes without pain and anxiety. We are able to modify the dosage during the procedure, making sure that a patient doesn’t take more substance than necessary.

What types of dental sedation are there?

Sedation can be offered in various shapes and forms and can produce different results. These are known as modalities. Sedation can vary from general anesthesia (which usually gets done in a hospital setting), IV sedation, nitrous oxide all the way to oral sedation options. In most cases, sedation is not meant to put you to sleep, but instead, to relax you, eliminate pain, and prepare for a procedure.

Here are the types of sedation a patient might receive:

• General anesthesia
• Minimal sedation
• Moderate sedation
• Deep sedation

At Oasis Dental, we are proud to offer oral sedation options to our patients. Our dentists have been trained in and has offered sedation options to our patients for over 10 years. As a part of the pre-operative process we will take a comprehensive medical history. We will then assess your height and weight as well as required measurements of vital signs. On the day of the procedure, we will also measure your vital signs throughout the procedure.

How is dental sedation administered?

The form of administration depends on the sedation that was used:

• Inhaled sedation: A patient will breathe in laughing gas or nitrous oxide. The substance will be administered via a mask that goes over the nose. When a patient breathes in the substance, it will cause quick relaxation. A dentist can control how much gas is administrated. Inhaled sedation is mild, and a person might even be able to drive back home after the procedure.
• Oral sedation: Like with inhaled sedation, a dentist can control the amount of substance you will take during oral sedation. The professional can administer a minimal to moderate dose. Most patients will utilize oral pills such as Halcion. This drug will cause drowsiness, but a patient will not fall asleep. According to the expert’s assessment, a strong drug can be utilized.
• IV moderate sedation: The main advantage of IV sedation lies in its quickness. A dentist will inject it through a vein, and the substance will instantly reach a patient’s bloodstream. When using IV sedation, the expert can continuously adjust the dosage during the procedure.

If you are undergoing sedation, you will need to arrange to be driven to and from your appointment. You also should not consume alcohol following the sedation appointment and you should not plan to sign any legal documents, take care of young children or drive any vehicles for at least 24 hours afterwards (the time needed depends on the specific medication that we will prescribe for you).