Experience Dentistry Free from Stress and Anxiety
Anesthetic and sedation options are available to ensure you don’t experience pain or discomfort during your dental procedure. There are several methods available, and some may be combined to provide complete coverage. The type of sedation or anesthesia used will depend on your personalized treatment plan, your needs, and the expert opinion of your Dentist in North York.
Types of Sedation
The different kinds of sedation available can be grouped into three major categories. We can temporarily numb the small area receiving the treatment, sedate you so you remain awake but relaxed, or allow you to sleep through the procedure with general anesthesia. Here’s more information about each type:
Local Freezing
This is the most common and reliable method. We numb the area carefully by injecting a local anesthetic, putting a small area of your mouth to sleep. You may feel pressure but won’t feel pain.
Sedation
With light to moderate sedation, you will be fully conscious but completely relaxed. This can be achieved through prescription medication, laughing gas, or an IV. Sedation is often used alongside local freezing to ensure comfort.
Sleep Dentistry
General anesthesia or deep sedation will make you very nearly or completely unconscious. Patients who remain awake often report not remembering any part of the procedure. You will stay relaxed and drowsy well after waking up, so you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation and sleep dentistry are valuable options that allow us to serve patients from all walks of life, especially those with challenges to overcome. Some benefits include:
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can feel more overwhelming than the procedure itself. If fear or anxiety is keeping you from seeking necessary treatment, please speak up! We can help by providing options that will make you feel more at ease.
Make Time Fly By
For long procedures that require you to sit in the chair with your mouth open for an extended period, sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable. Before you know it, the procedure will be complete. If you require IV sedation, it will feel as though no time has passed at all.
Tailored for Your Personal Needs
Do you have a sensitive gag reflex, chronic restlessness, or restless leg syndrome? Does local freezing not work for you? Sedation can be highly effective in these cases, ensuring treatment is accessible and comfortable for everyone.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rest assured, we consult with each patient to understand their medical history and determine if sedation dentistry is the right option for you.
Sedation will make you feel drowsy and relaxed fairly quickly. Some people report a mild tingling sensation. You may also experience mild amnesia afterward and not remember the procedure.
Most sedation options don’t involve being fully asleep. Sedation dentistry helps you feel extremely relaxed, and you may not even remember the procedure once it’s over.
Whenever sedation is used, we strongly recommend having a friend or family member drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. It’s important to allow the sedation to wear off completely before resuming your normal routine.
If you’ve been sedated, we advise you to take the day off to recover. Typically, you should allow 24 hours before returning to your regular routine. The time it takes for drowsiness to pass will depend on the type of sedation used but can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours.

