What Happens During an Oral Sedation Dental Appointment

Many people have a fear or anxiety towards something. For some it may be of heights, needles or the dentist. Oral sedation allows people who have fear or anxiety to have extensive dental treatment completed while they are relaxed, comfortable and free from anxiety.

Oral conscious sedation at the dental office is very safe.  Dentists in Ontario must comply with training regulations and facility requirements that are regularly inspected for compliance.

The Northern Dental Care team has successfuly treated many nervous, anxious and scared patients in our dental office and many have had all of their dental treatment completed while under sedation. Some people who vist our dental office are nervous, scared and anxious due to difficult dental experiences in the past, fear of needles or simply a fear of dentistry.  We see all of these patients and ensure their reintroduction to dentistry is positive. Many people have questions the first time they come to our office due to their fears and feel that they need something to help them acquire the dental care they need while feeling relaxed. This is where oral conscious sedation dentistry comes into play.

Prior to attending for an oral conscious sedation treatment appointment, a patient needs to undergo a complete oral examination with xrays to determine what treatment is needed. As well, the dentist will complete a thorough review of a patient's medical and dental history to ensure he/she is a good candidate for treatment under oral conscious sedation. After this appointment is completed and dental treatment plan devised the oral conscious sedation dentistry appointment will be booked. Usually all dental treatment including dental cleaning if needed can be completed at one sedation appointment.

Preparation for your oral conscious sedation appointment is easy. Typically no food or drink is to be consumed after midnight the night before treatment. As well, at times we may provide a medication to help you relax and have a good rest the night before. When you attend the day of the appointment, a friend or family member will bring you to the appointment and they will also take you home at the end of it. Once you are in the dental chair we will monitor your vital signs through your entire visit.  After this the oral sedation medication is taken by mouth and you will rest up to 1/2-1 hour for it to take affect.

How will you feel during an oral sedation appointment?

After you are sedated you will be sleepy, some people are either awake or asleep but very relaxed. You will be able to communicate with the dental team, breathe on your own and move around in the chair as needed. The medication will relax you to the point that dental treatment will proceed and you will not be nervous or scared. During treatment a patient may fall in and out of sleep. When all the treatment is completed, the patient will be gently aroused and the vitals will be monitored. A wheelchair will take the patient out to the vehicle of the waiting family member or friend to go home. The rest of the day after a oral sedation dental appointment should be spent resting and sleeping at home. Someone should be there to monitor you for the day to ensure you are safe and that recommended medications are taken if applicable. A post sedation appointment will usually be scheduled about a week later to ensure all dental treatment is comfortable for the patient.

If are nervous, scared or had poor experiences in the past at the dentist call Northern Dental Care today! We can help you acquire the dental work you need and overcome your fear of the dental office.
Call us at (705)575-7572, email [email protected] or visit our website at,