Sedation Dentistry in North York

About sedation dentistry

Sedation means helping you feel calmer while dental work is done. At our clinic, this is done with nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas. It is different from local anaesthetic, which is the freezing that numbs one area of your mouth. Most people who use nitrous oxide also get freezing, because the gas calms the mind while freezing blocks feeling in the tooth.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and breathed through a small mask that rests over your nose. Within a few minutes, many people feel relaxed, light or a little tingly. You stay awake the whole time, can hear your dentist and can answer questions or raise your hand to pause. When treatment is done, you breathe oxygen for a short time, and the effects wear off within minutes after the mask is removed.

Safety comes first. Before using nitrous oxide, your dentist reviews your medical history, current medicines, any breathing or lung conditions, a stuffy nose, recent ear or eye surgery and whether you might be pregnant. Some people are not good candidates, and that is a decision made for your well-being. If the gas is not a fit, or you would rather not use it, shorter appointments, planned breaks and a dentist who explains each step can still make visits easier.

Nitrous oxide may be worth discussing if

• Feeling nervous has made you put off dental visits
• You have a gag reflex that makes treatment difficult
• You find it hard to sit still through a longer appointment
• You feel overwhelmed by the sounds and smells of a dental office
• You want something light that wears off soon after your visit

Benefits

• Can help you feel calmer while you stay awake and able to respond
• Starts working within minutes and wears off quickly once the mask is off
• Can ease gagging and the urge to move
• Your dentist can adjust the level during treatment

What to expect

1. ConsultationTell your dentist what worries you and what treatment you need. We talk about whether nitrous oxide may help.
2. Health reviewYour dentist reviews your medical history, medicines and breathing to make sure nitrous oxide is safe for you.
3. Mask onA small mask is placed over your nose. You breathe normally while your dentist slowly adjusts the gas until you feel relaxed.
4. TreatmentLocal anaesthetic numbs the area being treated. You stay awake, and you can raise your hand to pause at any time.
5. Oxygen and recoveryThe gas is turned off and you breathe oxygen for a few minutes. Your dentist checks that you feel clear before you leave.

Aftercare

• Sit for a few minutes after the mask comes off and stand up slowly.
• Many people can usually drive afterwards, but wait until your dentist confirms you are ready.
• Call us if you feel dizzy, unwell or have a headache that does not settle after you get home.

Other options

If nitrous oxide is not right for you, other approaches can help. Many people do well with shorter visits, a hand signal to pause, headphones and a slower pace. If your dentist feels you need deeper sedation than nitrous oxide provides, they can discuss a referral to an office that offers it. Our dental anxiety page has more ideas.

Cost and coverage

The fee for nitrous oxide is separate from the fee for your dental treatment and usually depends on how long it is used. Dentists in Ontario often refer to the ODA suggested fee guide. Some insurance plans pay part of nitrous oxide for certain procedures, so check with your provider first; we direct bill most insurance companies. If you have CDCP, ask us whether it covers any part of your care. LendCare payment plans may help with the total cost.

Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.

Your dental team

Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.

Trusted health information

• Oral health for adults (Government of Canada)
• Oral health (Government of Canada)
• Canadian Dental Care Plan (Government of Canada)

Related services

Sedation Dentistry near you

We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.