Sedation Dentistry in Downtown Toronto

Nitrous Oxide – This form of Conscious Sedation offered at City Oasis helps to ease anxiety and enhance procedural comfort

The advantage of using nitrous oxide includes the following:

• The simplicity for the adjustment for the depth of sedation which can be altered at any time during treatment to increase or decrease sedation.
• There is no after effect such as a “hangover”.
• Inhalation sedation is safe with no side effects on your heart and lungs, etc. The biotransformation for nitrous oxide is only about 0.04%
• Inhalation sedation is very effective in minimizing gagging.
• It works rapidly as it reaches the brain within 20 seconds. In as little as 2-3 minutes its relaxation and pain killing properties develop.
• Reversal of nitrous oxide sedation will be provided by administration of 100% oxygen for about 5 minutes at the end of treatment.
• No company required post appointment.

Nitrous Oxide has been a means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives up to 70% nitrous with no less than 30% oxygen. It has been used by millions of patients around the world for dental and medical sedation.

The patient is able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. There is no company required to take you home after nitrous oxide administration. You will be able to walk or drive home unaccompanied. The patient may also experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep, not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

Reasons to not use Nitrous Oxide

You should not use Nitrous Oxide if you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Though there are no other major contraindications to using nitrous oxide, you may not want to use it if you have emphysema, exotic chest problems, M.S., a cold or other difficulties with breathing. Claustrophobia is also a contraindication.

You may want to ask Dr. Jennifer for a “5 minute trial” to see how you feel with this type of sedation method before proceeding with further treatment.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during a dental procedure, such as a tooth extraction. Patients are usually awake during sedation dentistry, but they feel a lot more calm during the treatment.

There are various types of sedation you can get. Minimal sedation is the lowest level, where you are awake but a lot more relaxed than without the medication. Moderate sedation, or conscious sedation, is when the patient is less awake but not unconscious. They might slur their words and not remember much of the procedure.

Deep sedation is when the patient is almost unconscious but can still be awakened. General anesthesia is the highest level of sedation. The patient is completely unconscious, can’t be awakened during the procedure, and can’t remember it when they wake up. It can take several hours for the body to awake fully after general anesthesia.

How does sedation dentistry work?

During sedation dentistry, the dentist uses medication to make you feel more calm and relaxed during the procedure. This way, you don’t feel scared or move around.

There are different sedations the dentist can use and you are awake for most of these methods, except for general anesthesia. For minimal sedation, your dentist typically gives you a pill or makes you inhale nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. They can control the amount of sedation you get and the effects typically wear off quickly.

With IV sedation, you receive the medication through a vein in your arm. You feel the effects of IV sedation quicker, but the dentist can continuously monitor and adjust the level of sedation throughout the dental procedure.

Does dental insurance cover sleep dentistry?

It depends on your insurance company and policy. Some dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost for sleep dentistry, while other policies might not offer any coverage. If you’re undergoing a dental procedure and need sedation, call your insurance provider or your policy plan to determine if you’re covered for sleep dentistry.

In most cases, you’ll most likely have to pay out-of-pocket a portion of your sleep dentistry cost.

Am I the right candidate for sedation dentistry?

If you generally have no major physical complications or allergies to the chemicals used in sedation, you can ask your dentist about sedation dentistry during oral operations. However, if you’re currently pregnant, you might not be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. In addition, your dentist might recommend pediatric sedation dentistry for small children to help them stay calm during a procedure.

Who would benefit from sedation dentistry?

If you get nervous easily about a dental procedure, you might consider speaking with your dentist about sedation dentistry. Moving around during a procedure can lead to bleeding, discomfort, and other complications.

Sedation is also good if you have a low pain tolerance, have difficulties responding to the numbing substance, or have a long procedure. It makes you feel more relaxed and comfortable during longer periods of time so the dentist can work on your mouth area.