Helping You Manage Anxiety
Dental anxiety is normal. Many patients experience anxiety when they go to the dentist; in extreme cases, they may avoid visiting the dentist for treatment until a problem becomes serious.
We provide a calm, welcoming environment to reduce stress and help our patients relax. We also offer several sedation options to help anxious patients manage their anxiety and stay calm during treatment. Speak to your dentist or one of our team members to learn more about how sedation can help.
Oral Sedation
We can prescribe oral anti-anxiety or sedative medication to help you manage anxiety. Taking the medication before visiting our office will make you feel relaxed and stress-free during treatment. Talk to your dentist for more details.
Nitrous Oxide
Laughing gas, or nitrous oxide, is a common sedative that has been used in dentistry for over a century. It’s safe, works fast, and wears off quickly after treatment. Nitrous oxide provides a light to moderate level of sedation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put me to sleep to pull teeth?
We don’t literally “put you to sleep,” but we can help you rest comfortably. In many cases, we use sedation dentistry to relax you or reduce anxiety during extractions or other procedures — you’ll often feel drowsy and unaware of discomfort, but in a monitored and safe way. At our Toronto clinic, we’ll discuss which sedation option is right for you and walk you through what you’ll experience, so there are no surprises.
Can you give me something for dental anxiety?
Yes — we offer oral sedation, nitrous oxide and IV sedation options to help calm your nerves. We understand that dental anxiety is real and deeply felt. Whether you feel uneasy about drills, noises, or even just being in a chair, our sedation methods can help you feel relaxed, safe, and in control. We’ll review your medical history and anxiety levels, then suggest the most comfortable, lowest-effective sedation for your needs — often conscious (light or moderate) sedation — so your appointment is more manageable.
How does sleep dentistry work?
“Sleep dentistry” is a casual way to describe deeper sedation — not full anesthesia. Though the term suggests “sleep,” in most dental settings it refers to sedation that puts you into a deeply relaxed, semi-conscious state. You may drift in and out of awareness, and you likely won’t remember much of the procedure. During the visit at our Toronto office, we monitor your vital signs continuously and adjust sedation levels as needed. We always prioritize safety and comfort.
Will I need someone to pick me up from my sleep dentistry appointment?
Yes — you’ll need a responsible adult to escort you home. Because sedatives (even mild ones) can affect your motor skills, reaction time, and judgment for a period afterward, you should not drive yourself. Plan for someone you trust to bring you to and from your appointment in Toronto. We’ll also provide post-treatment instructions to help your recovery go smoothly.
Are sedatives safe?
Yes — when overseen by skilled professionals, sedation is very safe. Safety is always our top priority. Before any sedation, we’ll take a full medical history, assess your health status, and choose the lightest effective dosage. During your procedure, we continuously monitor your oxygen, heart rate, and vital signs. While risks always exist, complications are rare in healthy patients. If there are any concerns, we’ll discuss them openly and honestly.
What is Intravenous (IV) sedation?
IV sedation is a deeper sedation method delivered through a vein. Unlike the oral or inhaled options we typically use at City Dental Center, IV sedation administers medication directly into your bloodstream for a quicker, more controlled effect. You may feel semi-conscious and completely unaware of the procedure.