Hate Going to the Dentist? Try Sedation Dentistry

If you have ever avoided the dentist because of anxiety, discomfort or a strong gag reflex, sedation dentistry can completely change your experience. The biggest difference is not just how you feel emotionally, but what physically happens during your appointment. 

At our clinic, we guide you through each step of the procedure, so you know exactly what to expect. 

Before Your Sedation Appointment: Preparation Matters 

If you choose to book a sedation appointment, preparation begins before you even arrive. If we are using oral sedation, we’ll prescribe medication for you to take about an hour before your visit. This medication begins to relax your central nervous system. By the time you arrive, you'll likely feel calm, slightly drowsy and a little detached from your surroundings. 

We also review your medical history in advance to make sure sedation is safe for you. Because the medication can affect coordination and alertness, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. 

When You Arrive at the Clinic 

Once you arrive, we bring you into the treatment room and get you settled comfortably in the chair. At this point, the effects of the sedation are already noticeable. You are awake and able to respond, but your body is relaxed. Many patients describe this as feeling “detached” or unconcerned about what is happening. 

We monitor your vital signs, including breathing and heart rate, to ensure everything remains stable throughout the appointment. 

During the Procedure 

Once treatment begins, sedation changes how you experience the appointment. You will still receive a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This ensures you do not feel pain, while the sedation helps eliminate anxiety and awareness. 

Here is what most patients experience: 

• You remain conscious but deeply relaxed 

• Time feels shorter or distorted 

• Sounds and sensations feel less intense 

• You may not remember much of the procedure afterward 

  
  

Because your body is relaxed, it is easier for us to complete treatment efficiently. In many cases, we can perform multiple procedures in one visit that would otherwise require separate appointments. 

If you have a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting still, sedation significantly reduces those challenges. 

After the Appointment 

When your procedure is complete, you will still feel the effects of the sedation for a few hours. You may feel drowsy, slow or slightly unsteady. This is why having someone drive you home is essential. Most patients spend the rest of the day resting. By the next day, the effects have typically worn off completely. 

One of the most noticeable benefits is how little you remember. Many patients say the appointment feels like it passed very quickly, even if it was longer. 

Why This Approach Works 

Sedation dentistry works because it addresses both physical and psychological barriers at the same time. It reduces anxiety, minimizes discomfort and allows treatment to be completed more efficiently. 

According to the Canadian Dental Association, sedation is a safe and effective option for patients with dental anxiety or those undergoing more complex procedures when administered properly. 

A More Comfortable Way to Visit the Dentist 

At Clearview Market Dental Care, we focus on making your experience as comfortable and predictable as possible. As your family dentist in Red Deer, we offer sedation dentistry so you and members of your family can receive the care you need without stress or discomfort. 

If you have been putting off treatment, we can help you move forward with confidence. Book your dentist appointment with us and experience a calmer, more comfortable approach to dental care.