Sedation Dentistry in Calgary at a Glance
Quick answer: Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel relaxed during dental treatment. Our clinic offers nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is breathed in through a small nose mask, and oral sedation, which is a pill taken before your visit. Your dentist reviews your health history first to choose a safe option for you. Inglewood Family Dental provides sedation dentistry in Calgary.
Book online or call 403-265-5888 to talk about sedation options.
Dental anxiety is common, and it can lead people to put off care they need. If you have been searching for sedation dentistry near you, we can talk through your concerns first and help you choose the level of support that suits you.
Sedation dentistry is provided by Inglewood Family Dental, a family dental clinic in Calgary, Alberta, led by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS. Our clinic is in the Inglewood community at 1420 9 Ave SE #24, Calgary, AB T2G 0T5, Canada, just east of downtown, and we welcome patients from every part of Calgary.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental treatment. It is often used for people with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or a long appointment. With the types of sedation we offer, you usually stay awake and able to respond, but feel calmer and more at ease.
Sedation is used together with local anaesthetic (freezing), which numbs the area being treated. Sedation helps you relax; the freezing helps manage discomfort.
Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation can help in several situations:
- Reducing anxiety: Sedation can ease nervous feelings so you can have the treatment you need.
- Comfort during treatment: Feeling relaxed can make longer or more involved procedures easier to manage.
- Fewer visits: For some patients, more treatment may be done in one appointment while they are relaxed.
- Help staying still: Sedation can help people who find it hard to sit still for long periods.
- Gag reflex: Feeling relaxed may help calm a strong gag reflex.
- Easier future visits: A calm experience can make it easier to come back for regular check-ups.
Do You Have Dental Anxiety?
Feeling nervous about the dentist is common and can affect people of any age. It may come from a past experience, worry about pain or not liking the feeling of being out of control in the chair. Let us know how you feel; we can explain each step, agree on a signal for breaks and talk about whether sedation is right for you.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Before recommending sedation, your dentist reviews your medical history, current medications and the treatment you need. Together you decide on the type and level of sedation. On the day, you are monitored throughout your appointment, and we give you clear instructions about eating, drinking and getting home.
Types of Sedation We Offer
We offer two types of sedation: nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Here is how they usually compare:
| Feature | Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | Oral sedation |
|---|---|---|
| How it is given | Breathed in through a small mask over the nose | A prescribed pill taken before your appointment |
| How you feel | Relaxed and calm, while staying awake | Drowsy and very relaxed; you may remember little of the visit |
| Wears off | Within minutes after the mask is removed | Over several hours |
| Getting home | Many people can drive afterwards once your dentist confirms it is safe | You will need someone to drive you home |
| Often used for | Mild to moderate anxiety and shorter visits | Moderate to severe anxiety or longer appointments |
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation is generally safe when it is planned carefully for each patient. To help keep you safe, we:
- Review your health: We go over your medical history, allergies and any conditions before recommending sedation.
- Check your medications: Some medications can interact with sedatives, so bring an up-to-date list.
- Give clear instructions: You receive written instructions about eating, drinking and medications before your visit.
- Monitor you throughout: Our team keeps an eye on you during treatment and while the sedation wears off.
- Plan your trip home: For oral sedation, a responsible adult must drive you home and stay with you.
Are You a Good Candidate for Dental Sedation?
Sedation may suit you if you have:
- Dental anxiety or fear: Nervous feelings that make it hard to book or sit through a visit.
- A strong gag reflex: Gagging that makes treatment difficult.
- Sensitive teeth: Teeth that are very sensitive during cleaning or treatment.
- Long or complex treatment: Several procedures or a longer appointment.
- Difficulty sitting still: Trouble staying still in the dental chair for long periods.
- Past difficult experiences: A previous dental visit that still makes you uneasy.
- Some special needs: Some patients with special needs may find sedation helpful; your dentist will check whether it is suitable.
- Busy schedule: A wish to complete more treatment in fewer visits, where appropriate.
Sedation is not right for everyone. Some medical conditions, medications and pregnancy can affect whether sedation is safe, so your dentist will review your health before recommending it.
What Happens at a Sedation Appointment?
Consultation
We talk about your concerns, the treatment you need and your sedation options.
Health Review
We review your medical history and medications to check that sedation is safe for you.
Choosing Sedation
Together we choose nitrous oxide or oral sedation, based on your needs.
Preparation
You receive clear instructions to follow before your appointment.
Sedation
We give you nitrous oxide through a nose mask or ask you to take the prescribed pill.
Treatment
We complete your dental work while you stay relaxed, with freezing as needed.
Recovery
You rest until you are ready to leave; oral sedation needs a driver home.
Follow-Up
We check how you are feeling and book any further treatment.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Helps nervous patients feel more at ease
- Can make longer treatments more comfortable
- May help calm a strong gag reflex
- Used with freezing to help manage discomfort
- Helpful for patients who have had difficult visits before
- Can make it easier to stay still during treatment
- May allow more treatment in one appointment
- Can make future visits feel less stressful
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost in Calgary?
The cost depends on the type of sedation and how long your appointment is. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation are charged in addition to your dental treatment. Our fees are based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide, and we explain the cost before treatment.
Some insurance plans cover part of the cost of sedation. We offer direct billing and financing options. If you are comparing sedation dentistry near you, ask us to check your coverage.
Book a Sedation Dentistry Consultation
Do not let worry stop you from getting the care you need. Book online or call 403-265-5888 to talk about your concerns and whether sedation is right for you.
Serving Patients Across Calgary
Looking for sedation dentistry near you? Patients visit us from across Calgary, not only from Inglewood. We are a few minutes east of downtown and an easy trip from Bridgeland-Riverside, South Calgary and Renfrew. Evening and weekend appointments can make it easier to plan a visit with someone to drive you home. Book online or call 403-265-5888.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Sedation is generally safe when your dentist reviews your health history and medications first and you are monitored during treatment. Tell us about any medical conditions, allergies or medications so we can choose a safe option.
How long does it take for oral sedation to kick in?
Oral sedation is usually taken about an hour before your appointment, and many people start to feel drowsy within 30 to 60 minutes. Your dentist will tell you exactly when to take it.
How long does dental sedation last?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after the mask is removed. Oral sedation can last several hours, so plan to rest for the rest of the day and have someone drive you home.
Can you feel pain when sedated?
Sedation helps you relax, and local anaesthetic (freezing) is used to numb the area being treated. Most people feel pressure rather than pain. Let your dentist know if you feel any discomfort.
Can I drive after sedation?
After nitrous oxide, many people can drive once your dentist confirms the effects have worn off. After oral sedation, you must not drive, and a responsible adult should take you home.
Can I ask my dentist for laughing gas?
Yes. You can ask about nitrous oxide at any visit. Your dentist will check your health history and let you know if it is a good option for your treatment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arash Ravanbakhsh, DDS — Last reviewed: October 2026.