Sedation Dentistry in Toronto — From Nitrous to General Anesthesia
We understand dental anxiety. Multiple sedation levels offered in-house, per our RCDSO authorizations.
- Multiple sedation levels offered
- Anxiety-friendly clinic
- Booked to match your needs
You're not alone — most of our patients are nervous about something.
About 1 in 3 adults avoids the dentist because of anxiety. We see it every day. Some of our most loyal patients told us they hadn't been to a dentist in 10 years before they found us. We listen first. We explain everything. Sedation is one of several tools we use to make care possible.
Differentiator
Two people. Two jobs.
Our dentist focuses entirely on your treatment. Our sedation provider focuses only on your comfort and safety.
You don't have to trust one person to do both.
Sedation options
Sedation levels we offer
Each level the clinic is authorized to offer — verify before publishing. The level we recommend depends on your medical history and the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
- What it is
- Laughing gas you breathe through a soft nose mask.
- Best for
- Mild nerves and shorter visits.
- You'll be
- Awake but relaxed.
- Recovery
- Wears off in minutes — you can usually drive home.
- Escort required?
- No
- NPO required?
- Light meal okay
Oral Sedation
- What it is
- A prescribed tablet taken before your appointment.
- Best for
- Moderate anxiety or longer procedures.
- You'll be
- Drowsy but responsive.
- Recovery
- Drowsy for 6–8 hours — bring an escort home.
- Escort required?
- Yes
- NPO required?
- Light meal 4 hours before
IV Sedation
- What it is
- Sedation delivered through a vein and carefully titrated.
- Best for
- High anxiety, long appointments, or surgical procedures.
- You'll be
- Deeply relaxed — most remember little.
- Recovery
- Rest for the day with a responsible adult.
- Escort required?
- Yes
- NPO required?
- Nothing to eat 6–8 hours before
General Anesthesia
- What it is
- Fully asleep, monitored by our sedation-trained team.
- Best for
- Extensive surgery or severe dental phobia.
- You'll be
- Fully asleep — no memory of the procedure.
- Recovery
- Recovery monitored on-site; escort required.
- Escort required?
- Yes — overnight supervision
- NPO required?
- Nothing to eat or drink 8 hours before
By prior booking, per RCDSO authorization.
Equipment
Our sedation suite
Continuous pulse oximetry · Capnography (where authorization requires) · ECG · Blood pressure · AED on-site · Emergency medications · Sedation-trained team. Our sedation suite meets the standards required by RCDSO for the levels of sedation we offer.
We welcome patients with specific needs.
Sedation makes dental care accessible for patients with sensory sensitivities, autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, severe dental anxiety, or a strong gag reflex. We have experience adapting to each patient. Call ahead and we'll plan the visit around what works for you.
Talk to our team →Sedation for kids
Sedation isn't just for adults. We offer sedation for children when it's clinically appropriate — for example, for an anxious child or a longer procedure.
Learn about sedation for kids →Patient stories
What our patients say
IV sedation
"I cried in the parking lot before going in. By the time I left, I was joking with the team. The IV sedation was incredible — I don't remember any of it."
Anxiety
"I hadn't been to a dentist in 12 years. They listened. They sedated me and got everything done in 2 visits."
Pediatric
"My 8-year-old was terrified. They used nitrous and let her hold her tablet. Game changer."
What to expect on your first sedation visit
Consultation
Discuss your medical history and choose sedation level.
Pre-op instructions
Fasting, medications to skip, escort arrangements.
Day of
Arrive 15 min early, sedation starts in operatory, doctor begins treatment when you're comfortable.
Recovery & home
Recovery in private room, escort drives you home, follow-up call from us the next day.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question? Our team is happy to help over the phone.
(416) 483-0000Which sedation level is right for me?
It depends on how anxious you are, what procedure you need, and how long the appointment will be. We'll help you choose at your consultation.
Is dental sedation safe?
Yes — when delivered by trained staff with proper monitoring, which is the standard of care here.
Will I remember the procedure?
It depends on the sedation level — with nitrous you'll remember everything but feel relaxed; with IV or GA, little to nothing.
How long will I be out of action afterward?
Nitrous wears off in about 5 minutes. Oral and IV sedation need 6–8 hours of rest and an escort. General anesthesia needs a full day of recovery.
Do I need to fast before sedation?
It depends on the level — we'll send you specific written instructions when you book.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes — for oral, IV, and GA sedation you must bring a responsible adult to drive you home.
Will my insurance cover sedation?
Many plans cover medically necessary sedation. We'll check your coverage before your visit.
What if I'm anxious about being sedated?
That's normal — sedation is a tool you choose, never something we impose. We'll explain everything beforehand.