Sedation in Vancouver
Stay calm, relaxed, and comfortable during your dental visit with sedation and sleep dentistry. Whether you have dental anxiety or are undergoing a longer procedure, we’re here to help make your experience stress-free.
Comfortable Dentistry Without the Stress
We offer a range of sedation and anesthesia options to keep you pain-free and at ease throughout your treatment. Your dentist will recommend the best option for you based on your procedure, your comfort level, and your health history.
Types of Sedation
Local Freezing
This is the most common type of anesthesia. We gently numb the area being treated and then use a local anesthetic to “freeze” it. You may feel pressure, but you won’t feel pain.
Sedation (Awake and Relaxed)
With this option, you remain awake but deeply relaxed. Sedation can be given through:
- Oral medication
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- Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
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- IV sedation
It’s often combined with local freezing for full comfort.
Sleep Dentistry (General Anesthesia)
For more complex procedures or higher levels of anxiety, you may receive general anesthesia. You’ll be fully or nearly asleep, and likely won’t remember the procedure. You’ll stay relaxed even after waking up and will need someone to take you home and stay with you while you recover.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Eases Anxiety
If dental visits make you nervous, you’re not alone. Sedation helps ease mild to severe anxiety so you can get the care you need.
Makes Time Fly By
Sedation is especially helpful for long procedures. What feels like hours to your dentist may pass in what feels like minutes to you.
Custom to Your Needs
Sedation can be helpful if:
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You struggle with sitting still
- Numbing alone hasn’t worked well for you in the past
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes. Before any sedation, we review your medical history carefully to make sure it’s a safe choice for you.
What does sedation feel like?
Most people feel calm, sleepy, and very relaxed. Some report a light tingling feeling or mild drowsiness. You may not remember much of the procedure afterward, especially with deeper sedation.
Will I be put to sleep?
Not necessarily. Most sedation options leave you awake but very relaxed. Full sleep dentistry is only used for specific procedures or needs.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. If you receive sedation (especially oral, IV, or general anesthesia), you’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you for a few hours.
How long does sedation take to wear off?
Recovery time depends on the type of sedation. You may feel drowsy for 2 to 8 hours. We recommend taking the day off and resting for a full 24 hours before returning to normal activities.
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