Dental anxiety affects roughly 1 in 5 adults, and for many Edmonton patients it results in avoided appointments and worsening oral health. At Aster Dental Centre on 1265 Aster Blvd, Dr. Khushali Bhanushali, DDS, offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation to make treatment comfortable and stress-free. Both options keep patients conscious and responsive throughout the procedure. Neither requires general anaesthesia or a hospital setting.
Aster Dental Centre currently offers two sedation options for Edmonton patients. Nitrous oxide (commonly called laughing gas) is administered through a small mask placed over the nose and produces a feeling of calm and mild euphoria within a few minutes. It is safe, adjustable in real time, and wears off within minutes of the mask being removed. Most patients who receive nitrous oxide can drive themselves home afterward.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed anti-anxiety medication approximately one hour before the appointment. It produces a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide. Patients remain awake and able to respond to the dentist throughout but may have little memory of the procedure. A responsible adult must drive the patient to and from the appointment.
Sedation dentistry at Aster Dental Centre is appropriate for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, patients with a strong gag reflex that makes standard treatment difficult, patients undergoing lengthy procedures who want to minimize stress, children who are unable to cooperate with standard care, and patients with special needs.
At the consultation, the dentist reviews your medical history, current medications, and the procedure planned before recommending a sedation option. Patients with certain medical conditions, including respiratory conditions, may not be suitable candidates for nitrous oxide and will be directed accordingly. Oral sedation is not recommended for patients who cannot arrange transportation home.
Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation are safe when administered by trained dental professionals following clinical protocols. At Aster Dental Centre, vital signs are monitored throughout any sedation appointment. Nitrous oxide has a 150-year safety record and is routinely used in dental practices and hospitals worldwide.
Oral sedation uses benzodiazepine medications that are well-studied and reversible. The dosage is calibrated to the patient's weight and health history. Dr. Bhanushali and Dr. Bhanushali both maintain current certification in sedation administration. If you have specific medical concerns about sedation, bring a list of your current medications to the consultation.
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