ClickCease

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation therapy can help many people with anxiety issues or going through a lengthy treatment feel calm and relaxed while undergoing dental procedures. We at Bentway Dental Toronto have a variety of options for those seeking sedation therapy as part of their dental treatment.

Rectangle with rounded corner
Rectangle with rounded corner

Comfortable Care

Providing sedation services with a caring staff to make your dental office visit a better experience.

Consultation

We provide treatment options and consultations that improve your oral health now and prevent issues as you age.

Highest Quality

Our new technology and educated dentists specialize in dental care that addresses both minor and major oral health issues.

Always Smiling

From our patient and compassionate staff to the dental care we provide our patients, our dental office will keep you smiling for years to come.

Sedation Dentistry

Types of Sedation Therapies

Many people don’t realize there are different types of sedation therapies that are available to dentists who have the special certification to use them on patients. Oral conscious sedation, intravenous (IV) sedation and nitrous oxide are the three types of sedation dentists can use.

Sedation dentistry offers moderate sedation. That means you are awake but feeling relaxed. Some dentists call it “twilight sleep” or conscious sedation dentistry. It allows the patient to have insensitivity to pain stemming from short-term amnesia. Yet, you remain conscious and that makes it much safer than anesthesia that puts you completely out.

This type of dentistry is helpful for those who fear dental visits, who have a sensitive gag reflex, a fear of needles, or high tooth sensitivity. For some, local anesthesia isn’t effective and others have claustrophobic feelings while sitting in a dental chair awaiting a procedure. Some patients have medical conditions where they can’t control their movements or have special needs

Differences in Sedation Therapies

Each type of sedation dental therapy offers advantages and disadvantages. Oral conscious sedation comes in a pill and you take it about an hour before your procedure.

Pills are usually triazolam, which is a form of diazepam. However, dentists also use zaleplon, lorazepam, and use midazolam oral syrup in pediatric dentistry or when patients can’t take pills.

You will get groggy but are still able to talk to your dentist. You will need a friend or family member to drive you after your procedure with this sedation therapy.

Make an Appointment

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
MM slash DD slash YYYY

Sedation Dentistry

About Sedation Therapies

Intravenous (IV) sedation provides a deeper type of conscious sedation. This option is best for those with severe anxiety or who are undergoing a long dental treatment.

With IV sedation, you will be injected with medications into your bloodstream through an IV. Your vitals, like blood pressure, oxygen, and heart rate are monitored throughout the procedure with this sedation therapy.

This therapy will cause most to sleep, even though you technically are conscious. A gentle nudge will wake you up. You will have no memory of the treatment and will need a ride home.

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the practice of calming and relaxing patients during dental procedures, specifically those who suffer from dental anxiety or require extensive dental treatments. It typically involves the use of moderate or conscious sedation, also known as “twilight sleep.” You will remain conscious but relaxed, experience reduced sensitivity to pain, and may have temporary amnesia of the procedure.
Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is beneficial for individuals who fear dental visits, have a sensitive gag reflex, are afraid of needles, or have high tooth sensitivity. It also helps patients for whom local anesthetic is ineffective, those who feel claustrophobic in the dental chair, and patients with certain medical conditions that affect voluntary movement control.
What are the different types of sedation therapies offered?
Bentway Dental offers two main types of sedation therapy: oral conscious sedation and intravenous (IV) sedation.
How does oral conscious sedation work?
You will be asked to take a prescribed pill such as triazolam (a type of diazepam), zaleplon, or lorazepam about an hour before your scheduled dental procedure. In pediatric dentistry or for patients who cannot take pills, midazolam oral syrup is a suitable alternative. You may feel groggy but will remain awake and able to communicate with your dentist throughout the procedure.
Will I need a ride home after oral conscious sedation?
Yes. If oral conscious sedation is used, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the procedure. This is a safety requirement.
What is intravenous (IV) sedation?
IV sedation is a deeper form of conscious sedation. The medications used are administered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line. During the procedure, your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate are continuously monitored to ensure your safety.
Will I be completely asleep with IV sedation?
Most individuals receiving IV sedation will fall asleep, although they remain technically conscious. A gentle nudge is usually enough to wake you.
Will I remember my dental treatment after IV sedation?
No. After IV sedation, you will not remember the treatment. You will also need someone to drive you home once the procedure is complete.
Call us Book an appointment