Sedation Dentistry in Vancouver

Dental Clinic • Cosmetic • Sedation

Experience calm and stress-free dental treatments with Sedation Dentistry at Willow Dental Care Vancouver. Our options include IV sedation, oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and general anesthesia, tailored to help anxious patients stay relaxed during dental procedures.

About Sedation Dentistry

As a general practice, we offer all general dentistry procedures. However, we have taken extra steps to train our doctors and staff to create a non-judgemental environment that is friendly and attentive with all patients which is particularly important to our anxious patients. You will be greeted by warm, friendly staff that understands how listening to your needs is the first step in developing trust. You know about the importance of regular dental visits, but if a dental phobia is keeping you from enjoying good oral health, it’s time to talk to Dr. Nejad.

IV (Intravenous) Conscious Sedation

IV conscious sedation is performed by administering a strong sedative using an IV so you’ll feel completely relaxed and calm throughout the procedure—and quite often you will not recall anything about the process after completion. This type of sedation brings you into a “twilight” condition where you can still respond to questions and suggestions —for example, you will be able to verbally tell the dentist whether or not you are feeling any discomfort, you can turn your head slightly if the dentist needs you to and you will be completely relaxed during the process. If you choose IV conscious sedation, you will have to make arrangements for a ride home afterwards, and you will need to go lightly on activities for about 24 hours after the anaesthetic is completely gone from your system. IV conscious sedation is performed by the specialist team from an anaesthesiology practice we partner with for many years, located across the street from our practice. While they administer the required anaesthesia, your dentists from Willow Dental Care Vancouver takes care of your treatment. You will meet with the dentist for a consultation prior to making an appointment to discuss treatment plan and confirm the sedation option.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation is performed using an oral sedative that you take one hour before your appointment. You will relax in a quiet room with a blanket for the hour to allow the medication to take its effect. Once treatment is started, you will be able to verbally tell the dentist whether or not you are feeling any discomfort, you can turn your head slightly if the dentist needs you to and you will be completely relaxed during the process. It is less effective than IV conscious sedation but a very common and great option we can offer. You will feel comfortable throughout the process and we will keep a close watch on your vital signs to make adjustments when necessary. This is done in our practice. We recommend bringing headphones so you are able to listen to music or a podcast on your phone throughout the appointment. You will have to make arrangements for a ride home afterwards and will be given instructions for the remainder of the day. You will meet with the dentist for a consultation prior to making an appointment to discuss treatment plan and confirm the sedation option.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is used as a mild sedative in our practiceto manage anxiety and discomfort throughout dental treatment. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, is colorless and odorless and is inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. In some cases, nitrous oxide can be used alongside the oral conscious sedation. You will meet with the dentist for a consultation prior to making an appointment to discuss treatment plan and confirm the sedation option.

General Anaesthesia

We realize some people, for many reasons, are highly anxious to the point of being terrified about seeing a dentist. If this is you—or if a lot of dental work needs to be done at one time—we can offer sedation “sleep dentistry” which is done with general anaesthesia. This type of anaesthesia is performed at an anaesthesiologists practice across the street and one of our dentists from our practice takes care of your treatment. You will meet with the dentist for a consultation prior to making an appointment to discuss treatment plan and confirm the sedation option.

Depending on your specific needs, Willow Dental Care Vancouver will meet with you to discuss all four methods so you can make the best choice in sedation dentistry for you.Once you are able to find a sedation option that works well for you, our staff will be happy to check if sedation is covered under your dental insurance provider.

Your Oral Hygiene Questions, Answered

We offer four sedation options: IV conscious sedation, oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and general anesthesia. Each option is tailored to different levels of anxiety and treatment needs.

IV conscious sedation involves administering a strong sedative through an IV, putting you into a calm, twilight state. While you remain responsive to questions and instructions, you will be deeply relaxed and may not remember the procedure afterwards. This option requires someone to drive you home.

Oral conscious sedation involves taking an oral sedative about an hour before your appointment. It is less intense than IV sedation but still allows you to relax while remaining aware and responsive. This method also requires someone to drive you home.

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask over your nose. It helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during treatment. It’s safe, and we closely monitor your vital signs to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.

General anesthesia, or sleep dentistry, is recommended for highly anxious patients or for those who require extensive dental work. The sedation occurs at a specialist’s practice, and you will be completely unconscious during the procedure.

Coverage for sedation dentistry depends on your specific dental insurance provider. Once you’ve chosen a sedation option, we can check with your insurance to see if it’s covered.