For patients struggling with dental anxiety, sedation can be a life-changing option. It helps ease fear, reduce discomfort, and make procedures more manageable. However, some patients hesitate to accept sedation due to fears about its safety. At McLevin Dental Clinic in Scarborough, we believe that informed, clear communication is the key to helping patients feel confident and secure in their care decisions.
In this blog, well explain how sedation dentistry works, why its safe when properly administered, and how we help patients feel at ease through every step of the process.
Why Patients Worry About Sedation
Even when patients are open to the idea of sedation, concerns may still surface, including:
Fear of losing control or awareness
Worry about side effects or complications
Concerns about allergies or medication interactions
Negative past experiences with medical sedation
Uncertainty about waking up or remembering the procedure
These fears are commonand completely valid. Thats why education, transparency, and patient-centered care are essential before any sedation is administered.
The Different Types of Sedation in Dentistry
Understanding your options can make sedation feel less intimidating. At McLevin Dental, we offer multiple levels of sedation, each tailored to the patients comfort level and procedure type:
1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
A mild sedative inhaled through a mask
Keeps patients awake, relaxed, and able to respond
Wears off quicklymany can drive themselves home
Extremely low risk and suitable for most patients, including children
2. Oral Sedation
A pill taken before the procedure to induce a deeper level of relaxation
Patients remain conscious but calm, with limited memory of the treatment
Ideal for moderate anxiety or longer appointments
Requires someone to escort the patient home
3. IV Sedation
Medication administered directly into a vein for fast, controlled sedation
Patients may sleep or enter a dream-like state
Continuously monitored by trained staff for safety
Often recommended for more invasive procedures or severe anxiety
How We Ensure Sedation Safety at McLevin Dental
At McLevin Dental Clinic, patient safety is our top priorityespecially when sedation is involved. We follow strict protocols to minimize risk and create a comfortable, controlled environment.
1. Comprehensive Health Assessment
Before recommending sedation, we thoroughly review:
Your full medical history
Allergies and medications
Previous reactions to anesthesia or sedation
Any underlying health conditions
This ensures the sedation method is not only effective but safe for your unique needs.
2. Monitoring During the Procedure
Throughout the treatment, we continuously monitor:
Heart rate
Oxygen levels
Blood pressure
Level of consciousness
Our staff is fully trained to respond to any changes, and we use modern equipment that supports real-time patient monitoring.
3. Patient Education and Consent
We take the time to explain:
What each type of sedation does
How youll feel before, during, and after
Any possible side effects (typically mild and temporary)
What you need to do before and after the procedure
Nothing happens without your full, informed consentand we encourage questions every step of the way.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Lets take a closer look at a few myths that often keep patients from accepting sedation:
“I wont wake up.”
? With the types of sedation used in dentistry, you remain conscious or in a light sleep. We are trained to manage and reverse sedative effects at any time.
“Its only for people with serious anxiety.”
? Sedation is helpful for a wide range of patientsfrom those with mild nerves to those needing longer procedures or struggling with a strong gag reflex.
“Its risky.”
? In healthy patients, dental sedation is extremely safe. Complications are rare and avoidable through proper screening, dosing, and monitoring.
Reassurance Through Communication
The safest sedation experiences begin with trust. At McLevin Dental, we talk through your concerns without judgment, offer flexible options, and support your emotional needs as much as your physical ones. Whether youre nervous about the sedative itself or about being vulnerable in the chair, well help you feel seen, respected, and safe.