Dental Sedation Services in Abbotsford

Anxious about visiting the dentist? Not to worry! At Fraser Valley Dental Specialists in Abbotsford, we make it our priority to help each and every one of our patients become as comfortable, relaxed, and calm as possible when receiving dental treatment.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation 

Nitrous oxide sedation (also referred to as "laughing gas") is a sedation option offered to help patients feel more comfortable and relaxed during dental treatment. 

Nitrous oxide is a safe sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. 

It is not intended to put you to sleep. You will be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions the dentist may have. Your dentist will ask you to breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes, you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide sedation.

Ultimately, you should feel calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide typically wear off soon after the mask is removed.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation (IV) is a moderate type of sedation. We provide mild, moderate, and deep IV sedation. Patients who have undergone IV sedation often report feeling like they slept through their procedure.

Generally, IV sedation is used for shorter treatments. It is administered via direct injection into the bloodstream, which means the effects are immediate. Sometimes patients feel groggy and sleepy when the IV sedatives are withdrawn, and so they must have a ride home after the appointment.

Oral Sedation

Classified as minimal to moderate sedation, oral sedation consists of a pill taken approximately one hour prior to dental treatment. Doses vary case by case, with the purpose of reducing a patient's fear and anxiety and making them feel comfortable and relaxed.

As one of the most common forms of anesthesia for dentistry, this method should make patients drowsy but conscious, allowing for a dental treatment to be carried out effectively, while still keeping necessary lines of patient communication open in order to monitor comfort levels.

After the procedure is complete, patients are advised against driving as the effects of the medication require some time to wear off. Therefore, patients need to make sure they make arrangements to be transported home from the office after their treatment.