Sedation dentistry at iSmile Dental in Langley makes dental visits comfortable for nervous patients, those with strong gag reflexes, and anyone facing longer or more invasive treatment. We offer multiple levels of sedation so you can pick what’s right for your procedure and your comfort. See our dental anxiety guide for more on managing fear.

Sedation Levels Available

Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”). Mild, fast-acting, and wears off quickly so you can drive yourself home. Great for routine fillings, cleanings, and mild anxiety.

Oral conscious sedation. A pill taken before the appointment that produces deep relaxation. You’re awake but very calm; many patients don’t remember the procedure. You’ll need someone to drive you.

Combined nitrous + oral. For patients with significant anxiety or longer procedures, the two together provide deeper, more reliable comfort.

Who Benefits from Sedation

• People who avoid the dentist because of fear or past bad experiences
• Patients facing longer procedures (multiple fillings, root canals, extractions, implants)
• Strong gag reflex sufferers
• Children who need extensive treatment (under careful protocols)
• Patients with limited ability to sit through long appointments

Is Sedation Safe?

When administered by trained clinicians who monitor you throughout, dental sedation is very safe. We review your medical history, your medications, and any allergies before recommending an option. Vital signs are tracked during the appointment. Adverse events with conscious sedation are rare.

What to Expect

1. Pre-appointment. We review your medical history and choose the right sedation level. For oral sedation, you take the medication before arrival.
2. During. You’re comfortable, calm, and your safety is monitored.
3. After. Nitrous wears off in 5 minutes — you can drive home and resume your day. Oral sedation requires a ride and the rest of the day to recover.

Cost & Insurance

Nitrous oxide is typically $50–$80 per appointment. Oral sedation runs $200–$400 depending on dose and duration. Insurance coverage varies — many plans cover sedation when medically necessary. We’ll quote ahead of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be unconscious?

No. Conscious sedation keeps you awake and able to respond to instructions, just deeply relaxed. General anaesthesia (full unconsciousness) is rarely needed for dental work and is only done in hospital settings.

Can children have sedation?

Yes, with careful screening and dosing. We discuss what’s appropriate for each child’s age, weight, and treatment needs.

How do I know which level is right?

We’ll ask about past dental experiences, your anxiety level, and the procedure’s length. Most fillings can be done with nitrous; longer procedures often benefit from adding oral sedation.

Will I remember the appointment?

With nitrous, yes. With oral sedation, often only fragments — many patients say “I don’t remember most of it” which is exactly the goal.

Can I eat before sedation?

For nitrous, yes (a light meal). For oral sedation, we’ll give you specific fasting guidelines beforehand.

Anxious about a dental visit? Don’t avoid care — call 604-510-3232 and ask about sedation. We’ll help you figure out the right approach for your appointment.