Sedation Dentistry in Toronto
Sedation dentistry helps anxious patients remain calm and relaxed during dental appointments. We provide sedation options as part of our commitment to providing a welcoming, stress-free environment.
Helping You Manage Dental Anxiety
Oral Sedation
Oral sedative medication provides a mild to moderate sedative effect. You take the sedatives before your appointment to help you stay calm and relaxed. Your dentist will discuss your needs and prescribe the appropriate type and amount of sedative.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a safe and widely used dental sedative. It produces a mild sedative effect that takes effect very fast and ends quickly after treatment is completed. We may combine nitrous sedation with oral sedatives for patients with severe anxiety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put me to sleep for an extraction?
We offer lighter sedation options that allow you to feel calm, relaxed, and free of discomfort while staying safely monitored. In cases where deeper sedation may be required, our oral surgeons can provide IV sedation for extractions in our office. For most patients in Toronto, our sedation methods make extractions comfortable and stress-free.
What sedation options are available for a nervous patient?
You can choose from several safe sedation methods to help you relax. We offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), which works quickly and wears off just as fast, and oral sedation, which is taken before your appointment for a deeper sense of calm. With extractions, our oral surgeons can provide IV sedation.
What can I expect from sedation dentistry?
You can expect to feel calm, comfortable, and less aware of the passing time. Before your visit, we’ll review your health history and explain exactly how sedation will work for you. Once the sedation takes effect, most patients feel drowsy, relaxed, and less sensitive to sounds or sensations. Many people say their appointment feels shorter than expected, and some remember very little of the procedure afterward.
What happens after an oral or IV sedation dentistry appointment?
You’ll need time to rest and recover while the sedative wears off. In most cases, you’ll feel groggy or sleepy for a few hours, so we’ll ask that a friend or family member drive you home. We’ll also provide clear instructions on eating, drinking, and caring for your teeth after treatment. Our Toronto team will check in with you as needed to make sure you’re healing well and feeling back to normal.
Are dental sedatives safe?
Yes — dental sedation is safe when managed by trained professionals. At Avenue Dental, we take every precaution by reviewing your medical history, monitoring your health, and choosing the right sedation method for your needs. This extra care helps anxious patients receive the treatment they need in a safe, comfortable environment.
What is IV sedation?
IV sedation is a deeper type of relaxation used in some dental offices and hospital settings. It involves giving medication through a vein so patients feel semi-conscious and often remember little of their visit. For most people, oral sedation or nitrous oxide provides more than enough comfort and reassurance.
Why do I need a ride home after oral or IV sedation?
Because sedation can affect your reflexes and judgment, it’s not safe to drive afterward. Even if you feel awake, the effects of medication can linger for several hours. That’s why we require someone you trust to bring you to your appointment and drive you home. This ensures your safety and gives you peace of mind as you recover.