Calgary Sedation Dentistry

Oral sedation is a medication prescribed to reduce anxiety during your Calgary dental appointment. It provides light to moderate sedation for patients. If we determine oral sedation is right for you, we’ll prescribe the appropriate medication that will work best for you, which is taken a few hours before your appointment. It is administered by taking pills of sedative medication. This medication is strong enough to make patients feel sleepy and therefore relaxed, which helps alleviate stress or anxiety associated with undergoing dental work. Patients will remain conscious enough to follow the dentist’s instructions throughout the dental procedure. The effects of oral sedation last much longer than Nitrous Oxide. Patients who opt for sedation dentistry are required to have someone drive them to and from their visits, in addition to monitoring them for up to 24 hours after their visit.

Nitrous oxide is a gas that is inhaled to induce feelings of euphoria (hence the term laughing gas) and has been used for many years in dentistry. It is a mild form of sedation and is often very effective, especially in pediatric dentistry (kids).

Our Calgary, AB, dental office tour strives to provide the most comfortable care for our patients. We understand for many patients, visiting the dentist can be overwhelming due to dental anxiety. This usually is a result of a negative experience in the past, and patients often become fearful and anxious about future visits.

With IV Sedation (Intravenous Sedation also often called “Conscious Sedation”), patients achieve complete relaxation even during the most complex procedures. Patients are still “conscious” and can respond, but often do not recall much of the procedure. The medication the dentist administers is controlled through an IV, and he ensures full control of anesthesia and the comfort of the patient. It is the most effective form of sedation a general dentist can provide.

IV Sedation is a safe, effective modality of anesthesia that doesn’t require full OR general anesthesia with intubation. It often makes a difference for our patients, from putting off treatment to getting the care they deserve before things deteriorate and require even larger interventions.

We have fully trained and experienced team members that ensure you are safe and comfortable. The anesthesia also wears off quickly once the procedure is finished, so the patient can recover quickly and be taken to recover at home. (Minimal downtime)

Dr. Tony Kim is a certified provider for IV Sedation in Alberta, certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and Airway Management from the University of Alberta.