About Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry involves using safe, controlled medication to help you feel calm during dental procedures. It is especially helpful for people with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or those needing complex treatments in one visit.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, we offer sedation options that allow you to stay relaxed, responsive and comfortable, without the fear. Many people put off the dentist because of anxiety, and we hear it every day. Sedation dentistry helps you get the care you need without stress or panic.
Our warm, unhurried approach goes hand in hand with sedation. We explain each step in plain language, keep the pace calm and welcome anxious patients every day of the week.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Reduces dental anxiety: Many patients avoid visiting the dentist because of fear. Sedation dentistry makes it easier to get the care you need without stress or panic.
- Pain-free procedures: Sedation minimizes discomfort, making treatments feel quicker and more tolerable, which is ideal if you have sensitive teeth or a low pain tolerance.
- Quicker treatment time: With a calm and still patient, your dentist can work more efficiently. That often means fewer appointments and faster results.
- A more comfortable visit: You stay relaxed, and many patients say the time passes quickly.
Sedation Options We Offer
We tailor your sedation plan to your needs and comfort level, always with your safety first. The options are:
Local anaesthesia numbs the area being treated so you feel no pain. It is used for most procedures, and it can be combined with sedation for anxious patients.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a gas you breathe through a small mask. It helps you feel calm and relaxed while you stay awake, and its effects wear off quickly once the gas is stopped.
Oral conscious sedation is a medication taken by mouth before your visit. It leaves you deeply relaxed and drowsy but still able to respond, and it is well suited to anxious patients or longer procedures.
We will recommend the right option after talking with you about your health, your level of anxiety and the treatment planned.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry
Sedation may be a good fit if you:
- Feel anxious or afraid at the thought of a dental visit
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have a low pain tolerance or very sensitive teeth
- Have avoided the dentist for a long time because of past experiences
- Need a longer or more involved procedure, such as Wisdom Teeth Removal or Dental Implants, or several treatments in one visit
- Find it hard to sit still for a long appointment
What Is Included in Your Sedation Dentistry Visit
- A conversation about your fears, your health history and your medications
- A recommendation for the sedation option that suits you
- Clear instructions before your visit, including eating and drinking guidance
- Local anaesthesia for the area being treated
- Your chosen form of sedation, given by our team
- Monitoring so that we can make sure you stay comfortable and safe
- Aftercare instructions and a phone number to call if you have questions
- A written estimate before treatment begins
What to Expect Before, During and After
- Before your visit. Tell us about your health, medications and worries when you book. We give you clear instructions, including what you can eat and drink and whether you need someone to take you home.
- Arriving. Our team welcomes you, and we go over the plan and answer your questions.
- During treatment. You receive your sedation and local anaesthesia, and we keep the pace calm and check in with you throughout. You stay responsive, and you feel relaxed.
- Afterwards. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly. If you had oral sedation, you may feel drowsy for a few hours, so plan to rest and have someone with you.
- Follow-up. We check how you are feeling and plan any further care with you.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is extremely safe when it is administered by a qualified dentist. We review your health history and medications before recommending an option, and we choose the approach that keeps you comfortable and safe.
Please tell us about any conditions, allergies or medications, including over-the-counter products and supplements, because they can affect which option is right for you. If you are pregnant or think you might be, let us know before your appointment.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Sedation Dentistry
- A sedation certified team
- Sedation options, warm blankets and a calm pace, with anxious patients always welcome
- Personalized sedation options tailored to your needs and comfort level
- Local anaesthesia, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, explained in plain language
- Four general dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
- Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers
Related Treatments
- Wisdom Teeth Removal: Stay comfortable during a longer procedure.
- Dental Implants: Get implants with a calm, relaxed approach.
- Root Canal Therapy: Treat an infected tooth without the stress.
- Oral Exams and X-Rays: Start with a gentle first visit and a plain-language plan.
Cost of Sedation Dentistry in NE Calgary
The cost of sedation depends on the option you choose, the length of your visit and the treatment being done. After your consultation, we give you a written, itemised estimate before treatment starts, so you always know what to expect.
Coverage for sedation varies by plan, so call us with your plan details and we will help you understand what applies. We direct bill most major insurers, and flexible payment options are available for larger treatments. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses safe, controlled medication to help you feel calm during dental procedures. It is especially helpful for people with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex or those needing complex treatments in one visit. At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental, we offer options that let you stay relaxed, responsive and comfortable.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is extremely safe when it is administered by a qualified dentist. We review your health history before recommending an option, and we choose the approach that keeps you comfortable. Your safety always comes first.
Can I eat before sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation you are having. We give you clear eating and drinking instructions when you book, so please follow them closely. If you are unsure, call us at 403-300-2233 before your visit.
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
No. With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation you stay awake and able to respond, but you feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. Some patients remember little of the visit afterwards, which many find helpful.
Do you offer sedation for anxious patients in NE Calgary?
Yes. Ask us about our sedation dentistry options when you book, and we will find a comfort level that works for you. Anxious patients are always welcome at Rundlehorn Smiles Dental.
Book Your Sedation Dentistry Appointment
We're accepting new patients every day and hold time for urgent cases. Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM, Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM.
