For some patients, the prospect of dental treatment can induce anxiety. At Penticton Dental, our dentists offer sedation options to help make treatment less stressful for our more anxious patients.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of sedative medications to make treatment more tolerable.
At Penticton Dental, these medications may be administered orally (by mouth) or in the form of nitrous oxide.
Why Dentists Use Sedation
Sedation can make complicated treatment more tolerable for patients that are anxious, difficult to freeze, or who generally just have difficulty in tolerating dental treatments.
Sedation is also useful for patients who have a low pain threshold.

Sedation at Penticton Dental
Because we can offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation, our team is able to accept referrals for almost any type of dentistry, but particularly for the removal of impacted wisdom teeth, complicated extractions, dental implants or general dentistry in which patients are anxious and need help relaxing.
If you have had difficulty with dental treatment in the past, then dental sedation may be a special consideration for you.
Oral Sedation
If you have anxiety when it comes to dental procedures, your dentist may suggest oral sedatives .You will take these before your procedure. The medication comes in the form of a pill and should help keep you calm and relaxed while still keeping you awake throughout the procedure.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask placed over the mouth and nose. This should relax you while allowing you to remain awake and able to communicate. Nitrous oxide tends to reduce anxiety, increase your pain threshold, lessen the gag reflex, and create an illusion of time passing more quickly.