Gentle Sedation

We understand that dental visits can be stressful, which is why we offer nitrous oxide sedation to ease anxiety during routine check-ups and major procedures. This option helps reduce fear and stress, ensuring a more comfortable experience. For deeper relaxation, we also provide intravenous sedation as a safe and effective way to help you feel at ease during your treatment, allowing you to maintain your oral health and overall well-being.

What is Nitrous Oxide Sedation?

Nitrous oxide sedation is typically used for dental procedures where the patient is awake but relaxed. The gas is delivered through a mask that is placed over the patient’s nose, helping them to relax. The dentist controls the amount of gas the patient receives during the procedure.

Dentistry that uses nitrous oxide is often referred to as “sleep dentistry.” However, this is actually an inaccurate description of the procedure since the patients are typically awake, unless they choose to undergo general anesthesia.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

There are different types of sedation dentistry available. These include:

Oral Sedation

The dentist will give the patient medication that provides either mild or moderate sedation. Halcion and Valium are typically used for these procedures. Both make the patient drowsy but they are still awake. Patients that receive a stronger dose to moderately sedate them may even fall asleep.

IV Sedation

This is another form of moderate sedation where the patient receives a sedative through an IV so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows a dentist to control the level of sedation.

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia

This process renders the patient either partially or completely unconscious. Using this method, the patient is not awakened until the effects of the medication have worn off.

Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry

Nitrous oxide can be used to reduce anxiety in those who have a real fear of dental work.

Nitrous oxide has the chemical components to inhibit pain receptors, which helps the patient to have little to no pain during and after the procedure. However local anaesthetic is still required.

By being able to communicate during a dental procedure, the patient’s cooperation allows the dentist to perform the procedure with better efficiency.

With little to no anxiety experienced, the patient is comfortable both mentally and physically.

If the patient opts for a mild sedation, they are conscious during the dental procedure and can communicate with the dentist for when they are required to move or respond.

As many dental procedures can take time, patients may have issues with their gag reflex. Mild sedation can help reduce or eliminate the problem.

Call Today to Book an Appointment for Sedation Dentistry in Etobicoke

If you need a dental service and wish to have the option of dental sedation as part of the treatment plan, contact the team at Princeview Dental Group. We offer nitrous oxide sedation treatments for your comfort.

What to Expect with Intravenous Sedation

Before your appointment, our team will discuss your medical history and sedation options to ensure IV sedation is suitable for you. Once you arrive for your procedure, a trained dental professional will insert a small IV into your arm, allowing the sedative to be administered. As the medication takes effect, you will enter a state of deep relaxation, remaining conscious and responsive throughout the procedure while feeling calm and at ease.

After your treatment, the effects of the sedative will wear off relatively quickly, but you may feel groggy. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as it’s best not to operate a vehicle until you are fully alert.

Benefits of IV Sedation

IV sedation offers several key advantages, including:

You’ll feel the calming effects within minutes of administration.

Your dentist can easily modify the level of sedation during the procedure to ensure optimal comfort.

Most patients experience very few side effects, making it a safe option.

The effects wear off relatively quickly, allowing you to return to your daily activities soon after your appointment.

Contact Us for More Information

If you’re considering intravenous sedation for your next dental visit or want to learn more about how it can help you relax during treatment, contact Princeview Dental today. Our compassionate team is here to discuss your options and ensure you receive the care you need in the most comfortable way possible.

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My family has happily been visiting Princeview Dental for almost 30 years now, and wouldn’t go anywhere else. The dentists and hygienists here take the time to explain everything thoroughly and answer all questions, and I always feel confident that I’m receiving exceptional care. All staff are very accommodating, friendly and professional. Highly recommend!
— S McKenzie
A modern dental clinic interior featuring a dental chair and equipment with a minimalist design.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Nausea & vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Headache

For all forms of sedation in dentistry, using nitrous oxide is one of the safest methods of reducing anxiety while blocking pain receptors. The amount of the gas used is measured by the dental professional based on the type of procedure, the patient’s pain tolerance, and the length of the specific treatment.

As a colourless and odourless gas, nitrous oxide is a combination of nitrogen and oxygen that acts as a mild sedative when drawn in through the nose and expelled through the mouth. Within 20 seconds, this gas stimulates the brain cells to inhibit pain receptors within minutes. By blocking neurotransmitters, any anxiety experienced is diminished, giving way for dopamine release by the brain.

While it takes only a few minutes for nitrous oxide to take effect, the time for the effects to wear off can vary from 5 to 20 minutes. As with the required level needed, sedation will last dependent on the amount used by the dentist. However the effect is completely gone before you can leave the dental office.

The cost of using nitrous oxide for dental sedation depends on the length of time it is used. This will be determined by the dentist based on the type of procedure being performed and the length of appointment needed. Talk to your dentist about the costs of sedation and whether or not it is covered by your extended health insurance plan.

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