Sedation Dentistry

Imagine undergoing a complex dental treatment like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery. When your treatment is complete, you have no recollection of the time it took, the pain, the noise, or the discomfort you were expecting.

We are pleased to offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective treatment with mild (inhalation sedation) and general anesthesia. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:

  • Fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
  • Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
  • A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry allows the doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits to sedation dentistry, including:

  • No memory of undergoing the procedure
  • No sense of time while under sedation
  • No sense of smell or sound
  • No fear or anxiety during treatment

Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.

I am nervous about being unconscious; what levels of sedation are available to me?

There is no need to be nervous about having sedation dentistry at our practice. We are licensed by the Canadian Dental Association, and you will find we are both respectful and professional at all times.

Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law. We offer Mild Sedation (Inhalation) and General Anesthesia.

  • Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry. It is often used for patients with mild anxiety, longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is completed. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild-to-moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.

How are sedatives administered?

  • Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.

What if Inhalation Dentistry doesn't work for my child?

For children who are not cooperative for dental treatment under nitrous oxide sedation, are very young, or have extensive dental treatment needs, Dr. Kim can treat your child under general anesthesia. We currently work at Ridge Meadows Hospital and at Anesthesia for Dentistry.