IV and Oral Sedation

According to a study by the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Library of Medicine (NIH/NLM),  around 36% of the population is experiencing dental anxiety or dental fear, with another 12% dealing with extreme dental fear.

Many of these people are avoiding dental appointments which can lead to poor oral health.

We offer sedation for dentistry at Centennial Smiles Clinic in downtown Calgary for patients who are anxious during dental office appointments.

We provide both oral sedation and IV sedation so you can receive necessary dental care safely, comfortably, and free of anxiety. We only proceed with the treatment once you’re completely comfortable.

We also try to reduce the number of dental visits by finishing your treatment in a single appointment when possible.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation medication is taken orally, as the name implies, and is ideal for patients who fear needles. Patients take the medication prior to treatment to relax. You also need to comply with special precautions before your dental visit. Your dentist will discuss these with you.

The sedatives won’t put you to sleep but they will make you drowsy. You will still be conscious but only slightly aware. You won’t recall the procedure. You will still receive anesthetic for your comfort.

Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored during your procedure. Oral sedation is effective for hours. Your dentist will have completed your treatment by the time it wears off. This type of sedation can be administered to healthy patients aged 11 and older. Our dental team offers other options to younger children with dental anxiety.

We advise you to arrange transportation to and from the dental office for your safety as you will need assistance after your procedure while you’re still under the effects of sedation.

Advantages of Oral Sedation

• Does not require needles
• Pain-free and completely safe
• Shortens appointment duration
• Alleviates dental anxiety
• Gets more treatment done in one visit

IV Sedation

Anesthesia administered intravenously (IV) throughout the procedure offers a deeper level of sedation. This may be recommended by dentists to certain patients and for certain procedures. The medication is administered to you intravenously to bring you to a deeply relaxed state until the procedure is complete. However, this type of sedation isn’t for those who fear needles.

IV sedation works quickly and makes you less aware of your surroundings. But you may still be able to respond to your dentist and follow basic instructions. The medication dose can be adjusted depending on your needs.

You will still be provided with local anesthetic for your comfort. Similar to receiving oral sedation, you will need to arrange transportation to and from the dental office.

Your dentist will advise you on the necessary preparations. You will have to stop eating and drinking by a certain time before the procedure.

Are You an Eligible Candidate?

Most healthy people will qualify for sedation for dentistry. Other qualifying factors include:

• Previous negative dental experience
• Dental appointment fear or anxiety
• Uncomfortable sensory overload at the office
• Has fears of being in the dental chair
• Has other health conditions

Please schedule a complimentary consultation so we can determine if you’re a good fit and which type is appropriate for your case. Contact our office in downtown Calgary and get the dental work you need without anxiety.

Call us today at (587) 317-7959.