Sedation Dentistry in Aurora

What it is

The phrase sleep dentistry makes many people picture being fully asleep. In practice, dental sedation covers a range. At the lighter end, you are awake, calm and able to talk, though you may not remember much afterwards. In the middle, you are very drowsy but can still respond when spoken to. Deeper sedation and general anaesthesia, where you are unaware of the treatment, are used for a much smaller group of patients and procedures, often in a hospital or a setting set up for them.

Sedation can be given in different ways, for example as a pill, a gas you breathe through a small nose mask, or medicine through a vein. The American Dental Association notes that the choice depends on the procedure, your overall health, allergies and how anxious you feel. You may hear the phrase oral sedation dentistry, which simply means the calming medicine is taken by mouth. This page describes these categories as general background. Sedation options are available for some treatments at our clinic, and we'll talk through what suits you rather than offer a one-size plan.

In Ontario, sedation in dental offices is regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Dentists need authorization from the College to provide sedation, and offices where it is given need a facility permit and are inspected. If you are comparing dental offices, it is reasonable to ask about this.

Sedation is a tool, not a cure for dental worry. It works well alongside the things that help nervous patients every day: clear explanations, a stop signal and treatment split into manageable steps. People often ask about sedation for wisdom teeth removal, other oral surgery, longer appointments or a strong gag reflex. Our nervous patients page covers the many ways we help without medicine.

Is it right for me?

• Dental anxiety has kept you from getting care you need.
• You are having wisdom teeth or other teeth removed.
• You need a long appointment and find it hard to stay still.
• You have a strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult.
• Local freezing alone has not been enough to keep you comfortable in the past.

Step by step

1. Talk it throughTell us what worries you and which treatment you need. We explain whether sedation could help and what other options exist.
2. Health reviewYour dentist goes over your medical history, medicines, allergies, sleep apnea, pregnancy and past reactions to sedation or anaesthesia.
3. Written instructionsYou receive clear instructions on eating, drinking and your usual medicines, and on whether you need a responsible adult to take you home.
4. Treatment dayWe check your health on arrival, give the sedation, monitor you throughout and still use local freezing for the treatment.
5. Recovery and going homeYou rest until you are steady, then go home with written aftercare, and with your companion if your sedation calls for one.

Benefits and risks

Cost and coverage

Sedation is billed separately from the dental treatment it supports, and the fee depends on the treatment, how long you need it and the monitoring involved. We use the Ontario Dental Association fee guide as our reference. Many insurance plans cover sedation only for certain procedures, so we can send a predetermination and bill all plans directly. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists anaesthesia and sedation among its covered services, with preauthorization needed for deep sedation or general anaesthesia; IFHP rules vary. Ask about our in-house dental plan and student program. Your written estimate shows the treatment and sedation fees before you decide.

What shapes your estimate

• Whether sedation is suitable for you
• The treatment being done and how long it takes
• Pre-visit health review and any medical clearance
• Monitoring and recovery time
• Your plan's rules for sedation coverage

Read more about insurance and payment, the Canadian Dental Care Plan and IFHP coverage.

After your visit

• If your dentist says you need a companion, have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
• Until the sedation has fully worn off, do not drive, use machines, drink alcohol or sign important papers; your dentist will tell you how long that is.
• Start with fluids and soft food once you feel ready.
• Call us if you feel very unwell; call 911 for trouble breathing.

Questions