Care That Starts With How You Feel
Sedation helps you feel calm while you get the care your teeth need. Whether it's been one year or ten since your last visit, you'll get a warm welcome and care at your own pace. We'll talk through your options together and match the support to you and your treatment.
The Right Level of Support
Each sedation option offers a different depth of relaxation, so the support fits the appointment. Laughing gas helps you feel calm within minutes during cleanings, fillings, and everyday dental work, and it wears off soon after the mask comes off. Moderate IV sedation keeps you deeply relaxed during implants and wisdom tooth removal. Full sedation days are also available, and our team can explain how they're planned.
You Set the Pace
Sedation works alongside the comfort habits our whole team follows at every visit. Topical numbing gel goes on before any freezing, so the injection itself feels gentler. Regular check-ins give you the chance to ask for a break whenever you need one, and if something hurts, we stop. Pillows, blankets, ceiling-mounted TVs, and music give you something soothing to focus on.
An Easier Way Back to Care
Anxiety keeps many people away from the dentist for years, and sedation can help you get back on track. Depending on your treatment plan, your dentist may be able to complete more care in one relaxed visit. You'll get a plain-language explanation and a plan that covers only the care your teeth truly need, and each calm visit makes the next one feel easier.
How Laughing Gas and IV Sedation Compare
Both options help you relax. Here is how they differ, so you can picture what each one feels like.
- How it's given: Laughing gas is breathed in through a small nose mask. Moderate IV sedation is given through a thin line placed in a vein, usually in your hand or arm.
- How you'll feel: With laughing gas, you stay awake and able to talk with your team while feeling light and at ease. With moderate IV sedation, you feel drowsy and deeply relaxed, and you can still respond when your team speaks to you.
- How quickly it wears off: Laughing gas clears soon after the mask comes off. IV sedation takes longer to wear off, so plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
- Getting home: Most patients drive themselves home after laughing gas. After IV sedation, a trusted adult needs to drive you home and stay with you.
- Freezing: Both options work alongside local anaesthetic, also called freezing, which keeps the treatment area numb.
Is Sedation a Good Fit for You?
Sedation can help in many situations, from a routine cleaning to a larger procedure. It may suit you if:
- Dental visits make you anxious. A racing heart, tense shoulders, or a sleepless night before an appointment are all signs that extra support could help.
- You've been away from the dentist for a while. Laughing gas or IV sedation can make your first visits back feel calmer, whatever your history.
- You have a sensitive gag reflex. Feeling relaxed can make it easier to stay comfortable while your team works.
- You're planning an implant or wisdom tooth removal. Moderate IV sedation is available at Headon for both treatments.
- Even a cleaning feels like a big step. Laughing gas is available for cleanings, so routine care can feel calmer too.
Coming From The Dental Manor at LIV?
Our two offices work as sister practices, so patients from either location can use the comfort options offered here at Headon.
- LIV patients can book moderate IV sedation at Headon, and your clinical records are already shared between both offices.
- Pricing is identical at both locations, so your fees stay the same whichever office you visit.
- LIV patients can also book laughing gas here, for cleanings and everyday dental work as well as larger treatment.
We've got you covered
We work with all providers and follow Ontario's fee guide at both locations, so there are never any surprise costs. Give us a call or book online and we'll happily sort out the details with you.
Your Sedation Visit, Step by Step
Talk Through Your Options
Your dentist reviews your health history, your medications, and the treatment you need. Together, you'll choose the level of sedation that fits. Costs are discussed before anything is booked.
Prepare for Your Appointment
Laughing gas needs very little preparation. For moderate IV sedation, your team will give you pre-appointment instructions, which may include when to stop eating and drinking. Arrange for a trusted adult to drive you home and stay with you afterward.
Settle In and Relax
Your team helps you get comfortable with a pillow, a blanket, and something to watch or listen to. Once your sedation takes effect, topical gel and local freezing numb the area before treatment begins. We check in with you throughout.
Rest and Recover
After laughing gas, you'll feel like yourself again shortly, and most patients drive home. After IV sedation, your escort takes you home to rest. You'll leave with clear aftercare instructions and a number to call with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be asleep during sedation?
What does laughing gas feel like?
Can I have laughing gas for a cleaning?
How do I prepare for IV sedation?
Who needs to come with me, and can I drive myself home?
Is sedation safe for me?
Will I still need freezing?
I'm embarrassed about how long it's been since my last visit. Can you still help?
I'm a patient at LIV. Can I get IV sedation?
Does dental insurance cover sedation?
We would love to meet you
Whether you're looking for a new dental home, coming back after a while away, or just finally ready to book that appointment, we're here, and we'd love to welcome you. New patients are always welcome at both locations. Book online or give us a call, we'll take great care of you.