Dr. Theo Katsaros
Lead periodontist
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Background
What is oral sedation?
Minimal to moderate oral sedation is a safe and gentle way to help you stay comfortable during periodontal treatments. You take a small pill before your visit that helps you feel peaceful and less anxious. You will stay awake and can still respond to the specialist, but you'll feel much more relaxed.
This type of sedation is a good option for people who feel scared about procedures, have a sensitive gag reflex, or need longer treatments. It makes your periodontal visit easier and more comfortable, so you can get the care you need without worry or fear.
When do you need oral sedation for dental procedures?
Oral sedation can help you feel calm and relaxed during many different periodontal treatments. Some procedures may make you feel more nervous than others, and that's okay!
Here are some common times when minimal oral sedation can help:
Long appointments: If your treatment takes a long time, like getting multiple implants at once, sedation helps you stay comfortable and relaxed the whole time.
Deep cleanings: Some deep cleanings can feel uncomfortable. Sedation helps you stay calm so the dentist can clean your teeth thoroughly.
Tooth extractions: Having a tooth removed can make many people feel worried. Minimal sedation helps you feel peaceful during the procedure.
If you have dental anxiety: If you feel very nervous or scared about any dental visit, oral sedation can help make your appointment stress-free.
Our specialists at Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics will talk with you about your concerns and help you decide if oral sedation is right for your treatment. We want large procedures to be comfortable and easy for you!
Our Process
Oral sedation process at Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics
Here is what happens when you come in for your periodontal treatment with oral sedation:
Step 1: Your consultation and pre-sedation assessment
We start by talking to you about any worries or fears you have about your visit. We also look at your health history to make sure oral sedation is safe for you.
You will take a small pill about one hour before your dental treatment starts. This pill helps you feel calm and relaxed.
You can take it at home or when you arrive at our office. Make sure someone drives you to and from your appointment because the pill will make you feel sleepy!
Step 2: Getting comfortable and relaxed
Once the sedation pill starts working, you should start to feel very calm and peaceful. You will still be awake and able to talk to us, but you shouldn't feel nervous or worried anymore.
We also use a gentle numbing medicine (local anesthetic) on the area we are treating so you don't feel any pain. Our team will watch you closely the whole time to make sure you stay safe and comfortable.
Step 3: Your treatment
While you are relaxed from the oral sedation, we will complete your periodontal treatment. This might be a deep cleaning, a tooth extraction, or another procedure.
Because you are calm and relaxed, the treatment should feel much easier. Many patients don't remember much about the appointment afterward, which is normal with sedation.
Step 4: Going home and aftercare
After your treatment is done, the sedation can make you feel sleepy for a few hours. Remember, you must have someone drive you home. Do not drive yourself or operate machines for the rest of the day.
We will give you easy instructions on how to care for yourself after sedation and how to take care of the periodontal work we did. Rest at home and take it easy for the rest of the day!
I have been of patient for more than 20 years and have received highly professional, state of the art and effective periodontal dental care which has included bone grafts, dental surgery with sedation for two implants, quarterly monitoring of my teeth & implants and excellent dental hygiene care. I very much appreciate the excellent care that I have received. I have, in past, referred family members and friends for their periodontal needs and everyone has received excellent care and was very satisfied. I highly recommend.
Jane Smale
Google Review
Your periodontal specialists
Why Choose Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics in Toronto?
At Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics, we help you feel comfortable and cared for during your treatment.
Individual treatment plans - We provide sedation care made just for you. We listen to your worries and create a special plan to help you feel peaceful during your dental appointment.
Gentle & expert care - We combine specialist expertise with a gentle, caring approach so that your treatment is not only effective, but as comfortable as possible.
Supportive environment - Our team is here to make you feel safe, relaxed, and supported throughout the treatment and healing process.
Local convenience - Located right here in Toronto, we are easy to reach for all your dental implant appointments.
Clear communication and transparency - We also believe in complete transparency. Every patient deserves clear, honest information about what sedation involves, what the risks are, and what to expect. Our team takes the time to answer every question. We encourage you to ask!
Don't let fear or anxiety stop you from getting the dental care you need! If you feel nervous about dental visits, worry about pain, or have avoided treatment because of fear, we can help.Our specialists in Toronto are ready to make your dental visit easy and stress-free with oral sedation.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about oral sedation
Will I be asleep during my treatment with oral sedation?
No, you will not be asleep. Minimal to moderate oral sedation helps you feel very calm and relaxed, but you will still be awake. You can talk to the specialist and respond to questions.
Many patients feel so relaxed that they don't remember much about the appointment, and that's completely normal!
Is oral sedation safe?
Minimal to moderate oral sedation is safe when administered and monitored by certified and trained health and dental professionals with a proper assessment of your health history and medications beforehand.
Before your appointment, we will review your health history and any medicines you take to make sure sedation is safe for you. Our specialists will watch you closely during your entire visit to keep you comfortable and safe.
How long does oral sedation last?
The calming effects of oral sedation usually last for a few hours.
You should feel relaxed during your treatment, and you may still feel a little sleepy for several hours afterward. This is why you need someone to drive you home and why you should rest for the remainder of the day.
Can I eat or drink before taking the sedation pill?
We will give you specific instructions before your appointment.
Usually, you can eat a light meal a few hours before taking the sedation pill. Avoid heavy or greasy foods. Do not drink alcohol before or after taking the sedation medicine.
What should I do after my appointment?
After your dental treatment with oral sedation:
Have someone drive you home (do not drive yourself).
Rest at home for the rest of the day.
Do not operate machines, make important decisions, or do anything that needs full attention.
Drink plenty of water and eat soft foods if your mouth feels numb.
The sleepy feeling will go away within a few hours, and you should feel back to normal the next day.
How much does oral sedation cost?
The cost of oral sedation can vary depending on your treatment and your dental insurance.
Our team at Bloor-Yorkville Periodontics can help explain the costs before your appointment and help you understand your insurance coverage.
After the careful examination I was told that I needed a bone graft and that it was going to be a complicated procedure as it was referred to as a 'lateral sinus' bone graft. After having much anxiety about the procedure, they had me undergo the procedure with an anastesiologist present so that I could have light sedation. It all went incredibly well and now 9 months later I just had the implant put in and again with light sedation and absolutely no problems.
Ron Barry
Google Review
