Oral Sedation Dentistry in Calgary
Comfortable, Anxiety-Free Dental Care
If the thought of going to the dentist makes you nervous, you're not alone – and we can help! Buffalo Run Dental offers oral sedation to ensure anxious patients can receive the dental care they need in a relaxed, stress-free state. Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative medication by mouth before your appointment. This simple option helps take the edge off your anxiety, so by the time you're in the dental chair, you feel calm, drowsy, and unconcerned about the dental work. It's an excellent choice for patients with moderate dental fear, a strong gag reflex, or those undergoing longer procedures.
During your examination or before treatment, our dentist will evaluate your health history and anxiety level to determine the appropriate sedative and dose. Commonly, we use a class of anti-anxiety medications called benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam or triazolam). These medications are very effective at reducing anxiety and have amnesic properties (meaning you likely won't remember much of the procedure afterwards). You'll be given specific instructions on when and how to take the medication. In many cases, you'll take a pill about an hour before your dental appointment. If your anxiety is severe, we might prescribe one pill for you to take the night before (to help you sleep) and another to take the day of the procedure.
Request an Appointment
Don't let fear of the dentist keep you from a healthy, beautiful smile. With oral sedation at Buffalo Run Dental, you can feel at ease while we care for your teeth. Talk to our dental team about our oral sedation options when you schedule your next appointment. We're dedicated to providing comfortable, anxiety-free dentistry so you can get the care you need and deserve.
By the time you arrive at our clinic, the medication will be taking effect. You'll feel notably more relaxed – perhaps a little sleepy or lightheaded, but in a pleasant, carefree way. Our team will escort you and ensure you're comfortable in the dental chair. We'll monitor your vital signs throughout your visit (such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) to ensure your safety. Keep in mind, you will still receive local anesthetic (numbing) for the actual dental work – oral sedation doesn't block pain, it eases anxiety – but by that point, you likely won't mind the numbing process or even be very aware of it.
Under oral sedation, you remain conscious the entire time. You can breathe on your own, and you can respond to voice commands or gentle nudges. However, you’ll be in a deeply relaxed state – many patients doze off lightly (you can still be easily awakened). Time may seem to pass very quickly, and you likely will not recall the details of the procedure. Essentially, it will feel like you “slept through” the dental appointment, even though you were awake and cooperative.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
Significant anxiety relief
Oral sedatives are very effective for keeping nervous patients calm. If you have dental phobia, this can be a game-changer – enabling you to get treatments you might otherwise avoid.
Easy to administer
Taking a pill is simple and non-invasive. For those who dislike needles, oral medication is much more appealing than IV sedation. (Note: we may use a pill, or sometimes a liquid sedative for those who have trouble with pills.)
Amnesic effect
The majority of patients remember little to nothing of their procedure – perhaps only the very beginning and end. Not recalling the sounds, sights, or sensations can make the procedure feel like it lasted only minutes, which is helpful if the work is lengthy.
Enhanced cooperation
Because you’re so relaxed, it’s easier for us to work efficiently. You’ll be less fidgety or tense, your gag reflex will be diminished, and you won’t mind keeping your mouth open. This can allow the dentist to accomplish more dental work in one session than might otherwise be possible, potentially reducing the number of visits you need.
Customization
We tailor the sedation to your needs. A mild dose might just “take the edge off” for someone with mild anxiety, whereas a stronger dose can induce moderate sedation for those with significant fear. We’ll adjust the plan based on what’s safest and most effective for you.
Important Information
You Will Need a Driver
If you use oral sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. The sedative effects can last for a few hours (varying by medication and individual). You should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until the drug has fully worn off, which might not be until the next day.
Plan to Rest Afterwards
After your procedure, you’ll likely feel very groggy, so plan to go home and rest. Most people feel back to normal by the following morning.
Your Safety Is Our Priority
Oral sedation is very safe for the general population, but we will thoroughly review your medical history, current medications, and other factors to make sure this form of sedation is appropriate for you. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
