Sedation Dentistry
in Calgary
Calm, comfortable dental care for patients who feel nervous, anxious or uneasy about treatment.
About Sedation Dentistry
Many people feel anxious about the dentist, and some put off care for years because of it. Sedation dentistry helps you relax during your visit, so that you can get the care you need in comfort. It can make a long appointment feel easier and help you get through procedures that would otherwise feel overwhelming.
If you are looking for sedation dentistry in SW Calgary, our team at West 17th Avenue Dental Care offers calm, comfortable visits as part of our general dentistry care. We listen to your concerns, go at your pace and never judge.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation?
- Patients who feel anxious or fearful about dental visits.
- People who have had a bad experience in the past.
- Patients who have a strong gag reflex or find it hard to sit still for long periods.
- People with sensitive teeth who find treatment uncomfortable.
- Patients having longer or more involved treatment, such as a Root Canal Treatment, Wisdom Teeth Removal or Dental Implants.
Our Sedation Options
We offer two forms of conscious sedation, which means you stay awake and can communicate with your dental team. At your consultation we review your medical history and recommend the option that suits you and your treatment.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative that you breathe in through a small mask. It helps you feel relaxed within minutes, and its effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed. It is a good fit for mild anxiety.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a pill taken before your appointment. It is suited to patients with moderate to severe anxiety and helps you feel deeply relaxed throughout your visit. Because the effects last after the appointment, you need a responsible adult to drive you home.
Before Your Sedation Appointment
- Book a consultation first. We review your health history, medications and allergies, and recommend the right option.
- Tell us about all medications, supplements and health conditions, and whether you are or may be pregnant.
- Follow the instructions we give you about when to take your oral sedation pill and about eating and drinking beforehand. Do not take the pill earlier or later than directed.
- If you are having oral sedation, arrange for a responsible adult to bring you to the appointment, if possible, and to drive you home.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Do not drive, and avoid alcohol, on the day of oral sedation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Welcome and check-in. We confirm your health history and go over the plan.
Sedation. We give you nitrous oxide through a mask, or your oral sedation takes effect.
Treatment. Sedation is combined with local anaesthetic, so the area being treated is numb. We keep you comfortable and monitor you throughout.
Recovery. We make sure you are ready to leave and review aftercare with you.
Aftercare
- Nitrous oxide: the effects wear off within minutes, and most people can return to their usual activities soon afterwards. We will confirm this with you.
- Oral sedation: a responsible adult must drive you home. Rest for the remainder of the day, and do not drive, drink alcohol or make important decisions until you are fully alert.
- Follow the aftercare instructions for the treatment you had, for example after an extraction or a root canal.
- Call us if you have any concerns after your visit.
Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety
- Tell us how you feel. We can slow down, explain each step or pause whenever you need.
- Agree on a hand signal so you can stop at any time.
- Book a time of day when you are least rushed.
- Bring headphones and listen to music or a podcast.
- Practise slow, deep breathing in the chair.
- Start with a short, simple visit to meet the team and build trust.
Why Choose West 17th Avenue Dental Care
- A gentle, patient approach for nervous patients.
- More than 30 years serving Calgary families, with a clinic on 17th Avenue SW.
- A 4.9 Google rating from more than 200 reviews.
- A multilingual team that speaks English, Mandarin, Taiwanese, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
- Direct billing to most major insurance plans and the Canadian Dental Care Plan accepted.
- Open six days a week, with a free parking lot north of the building, accessible from 15th Street SW.
Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The cost of sedation depends on the type of sedation and the length of your treatment. We explain the cost before your visit so there are no surprises, and we bill most major insurance plans directly where coverage applies. We also offer 0% interest financing. You can read more in our Financial Options section or call (403) 244-1124 for an estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry helps you feel relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, and use them together with local anaesthetic to numb the area being treated.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is a well-established part of dental care when it is carefully planned. We review your health history and any medications before recommending an option, and we monitor you during your visit.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation can help people who feel anxious, have a strong gag reflex, find it hard to sit still or need longer treatment. Your dentist will review your health history and decide what is right for you.
Will I be asleep during treatment?
No. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation are forms of conscious sedation, so you stay awake and can communicate with us, but you feel deeply relaxed.
How much does sedation dentistry cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the type of sedation and the length of treatment. Call (403) 244-1124 and we will give you an estimate before your visit. We bill most major insurance plans directly and offer 0% interest financing.
Book Your Appointment
Ready for a Healthier Smile? New patients welcome, direct billing and 0% financing available. Call us at (403) 244-1124 or book online.