How combined sedation works:
Combined Oral & Nitrous Oxide Sedation in Calgary
Maximum Relaxation, Fully Conscious Sedation
For those with higher levels of dental anxiety or patients undergoing extensive procedures, Buffalo Run Dental offers a combination of oral sedation and nitrous oxide sedation at our Calgary practice. By combining both sedation methods, we can achieve deeper relaxation while keeping you conscious and responsive. This combined approach is sometimes referred to as “conscious sedation” or “moderate sedation,” and it’s an excellent option for individuals who need more than nitrous oxide alone but want to avoid or augment IV sedation.
Prior to your appointment, you’ll take an oral sedative (such as a prescribed anti-anxiety medication) as directed by your dentist. This pill will help you arrive in a calmer state, often feeling drowsy and carefree. Once you’re seated and prepared for treatment, we will also administer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) through a nose mask. The oral sedative provides a steady baseline level of relaxation, and nitrous oxide can be adjusted up or down to fine-tune your sedation level as needed.
Under the influence of both medications, you will be very calm. Many patients reach a point where they are so groggy that they might doze off lightly during the procedure, though they can still be aroused if needed. You likely won't remember much of the procedure afterwards (both the oral sedative and nitrous contribute to amnesia). You will, however, still be breathing on your own and maintaining protective reflexes – this is not general anesthesia. We'll monitor your vital signs continuously to ensure you're safe and comfortable.
This dual-method sedation is particularly useful for lengthy sessions (for example, having multiple extractions and crowns done in one visit) or for those with significant dental fear who want the maximum relaxation possible without going to sleep entirely.
Request an Appointment
If dental anxiety has been preventing you from getting care, or if you need extensive dental work and want to complete it in fewer, longer sessions, ask us about combined oral and nitrous oxide sedation at Buffalo Run Dental. Our team is highly experienced in sedation dentistry and will develop a safe, effective plan tailored to your specific needs.
Benefits of Using Oral + Nitrous Sedation
Deeper relaxation for severe anxiety
If you’ve avoided the dentist due to fear, this method can make a huge difference. The oral sedative calms your overall nervous system, and the nitrous can then further reduce any residual anxiety. It’s a one-two punch that leaves you extremely mellow.
Makes long appointments easier
Keeping your mouth open and staying still for a lengthy procedure can be challenging. Combined sedation helps you stay relaxed and still for an extended time, allowing the dentist to work efficiently. You’ll feel like the procedure was much shorter than it actually was.
Highly effective gag reflex control
If you have a strong gag reflex, sedation greatly suppresses it. The oral sedative reduces gag triggers, and nitrous oxide further relaxes throat muscles. This means procedures such as impressions, X-rays, or work on back teeth become much more tolerable.
Safety and flexibility
We avoid the need for IV drugs by using this combined approach, yet we can achieve a similar level of sedation in many cases. Because we can control the nitrous in real time, if you become more sedated than we’re comfortable with, we simply lower the gas, and you lighten up within minutes. Your safety is closely watched throughout.
Pain perception reduced
Although a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area, sedation often enhances comfort by altering how your brain perceives sensations. Many patients feel little to no discomfort (even the pinch of the numbing needle might not be noticed). Sedation doesn’t replace anesthesia, but it works with it to keep you pain-free and relaxed.
What to Expect & Important Notes
You Must Have an Escort
As with oral sedation alone, if you’re using the combination, you must have a responsible adult escort you to and from the appointment. You shouldn’t drive, work, or make important decisions until the next day, as the oral sedative’s effects will linger.
Fasting Before Your Appointment
Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6 hours before your procedure, if possible (a light meal the night before is fine). An empty stomach reduces the risk of nausea. After the appointment, you’ll be quite groggy from the pill for a few hours. Plan to go home and rest.
Continuously Monitored for Your Safety
During the treatment, you’ll be exceedingly relaxed. You may remember us placing the nasal mask or speaking with you at the start, but you may not recall the middle or end of your procedure. We keep you comfortable, monitor you closely, and make sure everything goes smoothly. It truly is a stress-free way to get dentistry done.
If dental anxiety has been preventing you from getting care, or if you need extensive dental work and want to complete it in fewer, longer sessions, ask us about combined oral and nitrous oxide sedation at Buffalo Run Dental. Our team is highly experienced in sedation dentistry and will develop a safe, effective plan tailored to your specific needs. We’re committed to helping you receive the treatment you need in the most calm and comfortable manner possible – because everyone deserves a healthy smile without fear!
