Sedation — receive your dental care in a state of calm

It is estimated that 15 to 20% of adults avoid dental care due to fear — and that more than 400,000 Canadians have forgone a dental visit in the year preceding a given survey because of anxiety. This reality has direct consequences on oral health and, more broadly, on overall health: untreated periodontal disease is associated with recognized cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic risks.

Dental sedation is a clinical response to this issue. It does not replace local anesthesia — which remains necessary to eliminate pain — but it can modify the emotional and sensory experience of treatment. A sedated patient may be more cooperative, experience less anxiety, have a reduced gag reflex, and perceive time differently: a two-hour procedure may feel significantly shorter.

Oral vs. Intravenous Sedation — How to Choose? Oral sedation is generally appropriate for patients with moderate anxiety or for short to medium-length procedures. Its main advantage is simplicity — no IV line required, with medication taken before the appointment. Its main limitation is variability in individual absorption and the inability to adjust the level of sedation in real time. IV sedation allows for more precise control and depth, with continuous adjustment of the sedation level — it is often considered for longer procedures, patients with higher levels of anxiety, pronounced gag reflex, or when multiple procedures are performed in a single session.

Pre-Sedation Medical Evaluation: A comprehensive medical assessment is conducted prior to any sedation to identify potential contraindications (such as certain medications, cardiac conditions, untreated sleep apnea, or allergies). This step is essential for patient safety.