Reviewed by Dr. Adel Elbaz, DDS, general dentist · Last reviewed
Sedation Dentistry in London, Ontario
If fear of the dentist has kept you away, you’re far from alone, and it’s never too late to come back. Dental anxiety is common, and it’s often the reason small problems turn into big ones.
At Lunar Smile Dentistry, Dr. Adel Elbaz offers several levels of sedation, from light relaxation with laughing gas to full sleep under general anesthesia, so you can get the care you need comfortably. We’ll never judge you for how long it’s been.
Who sedation helps
- Dental anxiety or phobia, including people who haven’t been to a dentist in years
- A strong gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth or a low pain threshold
- Long or complex treatment that you’d like to finish in fewer visits
- Difficulty getting numb with freezing
- Children who are anxious or find it hard to sit still
- Patients with special needs who find dental visits difficult
Your sedation options
| Laughing gas (nitrous oxide) | Oral sedation | General anesthesia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it’s given | Breathed through a nose mask | A pill taken before your visit | IV or gas, by an anesthesiologist |
| How you feel | Calm, relaxed, fully awake | Very drowsy, may doze | Fully asleep |
| Memory of treatment | Yes | Little or none | None |
| Wears off | Within minutes | Several hours | Several hours |
| Drive yourself home? | Usually, yes | No | No |
| Best for | Mild to moderate anxiety | Moderate anxiety, longer visits | Severe anxiety, extensive or complex care |
Sedation relaxes you; it doesn’t numb the teeth. You’ll still get local freezing for treatment that would otherwise hurt, and with sedation you’re much less likely to notice it.
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
The lightest option. You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nose mask and feel relaxed within a few minutes. You stay awake and can talk to us, and we can adjust the level at any time. At the end, a few minutes of pure oxygen clears it, and most adults can drive themselves home. Read more about laughing gas sedation.
Oral sedation
You take a prescribed sedative pill shortly before your appointment. You’ll feel very drowsy and relaxed, and many people remember little of the visit afterwards. You’ll be able to respond to us throughout. You’ll need someone to bring you and take you home, and you should rest for the remainder of the day.
General anesthesia
For severe anxiety, special needs, or extensive treatment done in one visit, general anesthesia is given by a trained anesthesiologist who monitors you throughout while you sleep. See general anesthesia for how it works and how to prepare.
Comfort without sedation
For some people, these are enough on their own, or work well alongside light sedation:
- Gentle computer-controlled freezing (STA), which makes injections more comfortable and often avoids a numb lip and cheek
- Virtual reality headsets that take your attention somewhere calm
- Longer appointments, so nothing feels rushed
- A stop signal: raise your hand and we pause
- We explain each step before we do it
Is sedation safe?
When used by a trained team with proper monitoring and a careful review of your health, dental sedation is very safe. Before recommending any sedation, we go through your medical history, medications and allergies. We monitor you throughout and only let you go home when you’re ready.
Some options aren’t suitable for everyone. Tell us if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- have a lung condition such as COPD, sleep apnea, or a blocked nose (for laughing gas)
- take medications for anxiety, sleep, pain or seizures
- have liver, kidney or heart problems
- have had a reaction to sedation or anesthesia before
Preparing for a sedation appointment
- Laughing gas: eat a light meal beforehand. No escort needed in most cases.
- Oral sedation: follow our instructions about eating and taking the medication, arrange for an adult to drive you there and home, and plan to rest the remainder of the day.
- General anesthesia: follow the fasting instructions exactly, and arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you.
Wear comfortable clothes, and don’t drive, drink alcohol or make important decisions for the remainder of the day after oral sedation or general anesthesia.
Cost and coverage
Sedation is billed separately from your dental treatment, usually by time. Some dental insurance plans cover part of it, more often for children or for surgery; many don’t. We’ll give you the cost and check your coverage before your appointment. Our fees follow the Ontario Dental Association fee guide.
Common questions
Will I be asleep?
Only with general anesthesia. With laughing gas you’re awake and relaxed; with oral sedation you’re very drowsy and may doze, but you can still respond.
Which option is right for me?
It depends on how anxious you feel, the treatment you need and your health. Many people find laughing gas is enough. We’ll talk it through at a consultation, with no pressure.
Can children have sedation?
Yes. Laughing gas works well for many anxious children. For young children who need extensive treatment, general anesthesia may be recommended. See children’s dentistry.
It’s been years since I saw a dentist. Where do I start?
With a gentle, no-pressure visit. We’ll talk first, look only as far as you’re comfortable, and plan treatment in the order and at the pace that suits you. Every patient also gets a free Uber ride here and back, so getting here is one less thing to worry about.
Book a consultation in London
Tell us you’re nervous when you book, and we’ll plan more time. Book online or call 226-884-2573. We’re open six days a week, with evening appointments until 9 pm on weekdays and Saturday hours.
Part of our other services services in London, Ontario. See all dental services.