Sedation Dentistry in NW Calgary
Relaxed, comfortable dental care for anxious patients, with a trained and monitored team.
About Sedation Dentistry at Bow River Dental
Fear of the dentist is common in both children and adults, and sedation dentistry helps anxious patients relax through any procedure. If you are looking for sedation dentistry in Calgary, Bow River Dental offers mild nitrous, oral sedation and IV options, so you can get the care you need in comfort.
Sedation is part of our Additional Care services. We focus on your comfort throughout your visit, and we never judge.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you feel calm, relaxed and comfortable during dental treatment. It does not replace numbing, so you still receive local anesthetic when needed, but it helps ease nerves, reduce the sense of time and make longer or more complex visits far easier to handle.
Sedation can help if you have dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, a low tolerance for numbing or difficulty sitting still for a long time. Many people who avoided the dentist for years finally get the care they need with sedation.
Types of Sedation We Offer
- Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas"). A mild gas you breathe through a small mask. It works quickly, wears off within minutes and lets most people go about their day afterward.
- Oral conscious sedation. A medication taken by mouth before your visit that leaves you deeply relaxed but awake and able to respond.
- IV sedation. Medication given through a vein for a deeper level of relaxation, with careful monitoring throughout.
We recommend the option that fits your health, your level of anxiety and the treatment you need.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation?
- Patients with dental anxiety or a fear of needles or the dental chair
- Patients who have put off dental care for a long time
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Patients having longer or more complex procedures
- Children who need extra comfort, as recommended by our children's dentist team
What Is Included
- Nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation and IV options
- A review of your medical history and medications
- A trained, monitored team who focus on your comfort and safety
- Clear instructions before and after your visit
- Local anesthetic for treatment as needed
- Recovery care so you wake up feeling rested
- Direct insurance billing where eligible
What to Expect on the Day of Your Sedation Visit
- 1Consultation. We talk about your anxiety, review your health and choose the right type of sedation.
- 2Preparation. We give you clear instructions, such as when to eat, which medications to take and whether you need a ride home.
- 3Sedation. We give the sedation and make sure you are comfortable. You stay monitored throughout.
- 4Treatment. We complete your dental care while you stay relaxed.
- 5Recovery. We make sure you are stable before you leave, and you wake up feeling rested.
Sedation Aftercare
After nitrous oxide, most people feel normal within minutes. After oral or IV sedation, you may feel sleepy or a little groggy for several hours. Plan to rest, have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you, and avoid driving, alcohol and important decisions until the next day. Call us if you feel unwell.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Sedation Dentistry
- Mild nitrous, oral and IV sedation options for kids and adults
- A trained, monitored team who focus on your comfort and safety
- Warm, judgement-free care
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Root Canal Therapy: comfortable treatment for a painful tooth
- Tooth & Wisdom Tooth Extraction: relaxed removal of teeth
- Dental Implants: comfortable implant placement
- Scaling & Root Planing: a deep cleaning without the stress
Cost of Sedation Dentistry
The cost of sedation depends on the type you choose and the length of your visit, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before treatment begins. Some insurance plans cover part of sedation, and we bill eligible insurance directly. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, when it is planned around your health and monitored by a trained team. We review your medical history and medications, choose the right type of sedation and monitor you throughout. Tell us about any health conditions so we can plan your care safely.
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
It depends on the type. With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation you stay awake but deeply relaxed, and many people barely remember the visit. IV sedation is deeper, and some people drift into a light sleep but can still be woken. We explain what to expect before your visit.
Can I eat before sedation dentistry?
Follow the instructions we give you. For nitrous oxide, a light meal is usually fine, while for oral and IV sedation you may be asked not to eat for several hours beforehand. We give you clear, written instructions when you book.
Do I need someone to drive me home after sedation?
For oral and IV sedation, yes, you should have a responsible adult take you home and stay with you. Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, so most people can drive afterward. We tell you what applies to you when you book.
Is sedation dentistry available for children?
Yes, we offer sedation options for both kids and adults. We recommend sedation for children only when it is needed and safe, after reviewing their health history and talking with parents. Our calm, kid-friendly team works to make every visit comfortable.
Book Your Sedation Consultation
Ready for a relaxed dental visit? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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