Can You Be Sedated for Teeth Cleaning?

Dental cleanings are an essential part of maintaining oral health, but for some patients, even the thought of a routine hygiene visit can trigger intense anxiety or fear. Whether it’s the sound of the scaler, the feel of tools on teeth, or past traumatic experiences, the emotional discomfort can be just as significant as physical pain. If this sounds familiar, you might be wondering: can you be sedated for teeth cleaning? The answer is yes.

At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, Ontario, we understand that every patient experiences dental care differently. That’s why we offer sedation options even for routine cleanings—because no level of anxiety is “too small” to take seriously. This blog explains how sedation can support patients during cleanings, the types available, and who can benefit from this approach.

Why Routine Cleanings Can Trigger Anxiety

For many, a dental cleaning is quick and painless. But for others, it can be overwhelming due to:

Sensitivity in teeth or gums

Fear of judgment about oral hygiene

Discomfort with being touched or reclined

Gag reflex or difficulty breathing during procedures

Trauma from previous dental experiences

General dental phobia or medical anxiety

Even if the procedure itself is simple, the emotional toll of sitting in a vulnerable position can be significant. Sedation offers a gentle solution that makes the visit tolerable—and even relaxing.

Yes, You Can Be Sedated for a Dental Cleaning

At McLevin Dental, we offer sedation for both restorative procedures and preventive care like teeth cleanings. Sedation dentistry is not limited to surgeries or fillings. It’s a tool that enhances patient comfort wherever it’s needed.

Types of Sedation Available for Cleanings

The level of sedation depends on your anxiety level, health history, and treatment needs. For cleanings, we typically use:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Mildest form of sedation

Inhaled through a small nose mask during the procedure

Creates a relaxed, floaty feeling without putting you to sleep

Wears off quickly—you can usually drive yourself home

Ideal for patients with mild to moderate anxiety, children, or those with a strong gag reflex.

2. Oral Sedation

Involves taking a prescription pill (usually a benzodiazepine) before the visit

Produces moderate sedation—you remain awake but very relaxed

Reduces awareness of sounds, time, and sensations

You’ll need a companion to drive you home

Best for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or those who have delayed cleanings for years.

3. IV Sedation (for Complex Cases)

Administered through a vein, providing deeper conscious sedation

Often used if cleanings are extensive or combined with other treatments

You’ll be responsive but may not remember the procedure

We recommend this for patients with extreme phobia or medical-related anxiety when even cleanings are intolerable without assistance.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation for Cleanings?

Sedation can be helpful if you:

Avoid cleanings due to fear or anxiety

Have a strong gag reflex

Experience involuntary movement or panic during appointments

Have a low pain threshold or dental sensitivity

Need scaling and root planing (deep cleaning for gum disease)

Require multiple dental procedures in one visit

Have special healthcare or cognitive needs

Even if you’re just coming in for a standard cleaning, your comfort matters. If your anxiety makes it hard to attend appointments, sedation is a proactive solution—not an overreaction.

Sedation for Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing)

For patients with gum disease, deep cleaning may involve more than just surface polishing. Scaling and root planing can be time-consuming and sensitive, especially if the gums are inflamed. In these cases, sedation is commonly used to:

Minimize discomfort

Reduce movement and anxiety

Allow the hygienist to work more thoroughly and efficiently

We may pair sedation with a local anesthetic for added relief.

Is Sedation Safe?

At McLevin Dental, your safety is always our top priority. We:

Perform a detailed health history review before administering sedation

Adjust dosage based on age, weight, and medical conditions

Monitor your vital signs throughout the visit

Provide full pre- and post-visit instructions so you know what to expect

Sedation is safe, controlled, and personalized—you’ll never be left alone or unsupported during your appointment.

What to Expect Before and After Sedation

Before your visit:

Follow all fasting or medication instructions

Arrange transportation if receiving oral or IV sedation

Wear comfortable clothing and arrive early

After your visit:

For nitrous oxide: you’ll likely feel normal within minutes

For oral or IV sedation: expect drowsiness and plan to rest

We recommend avoiding work, driving, or major decisions for the rest of the day

You Deserve a Cleaning Experience That Feels Safe

Routine dental care shouldn’t feel like a mental hurdle. If you’ve been avoiding cleanings due to fear, shame, or discomfort, you’re not alone—and there are solutions. Sedation dentistry transforms what once felt impossible into something manageable, empowering you to take care of your oral health without distress.