Your comfort goals
Tell us about dental anxiety, previous experiences, or concerns about a longer procedure.
NEDIC Dartmouth
Sedation options
Discuss your concerns and explore a comfort plan for your dental treatment.
Understand your options
Care planned around your needs
Sedation can help manage anxiety during dental care. The appropriate approach depends on your procedure, health, medications, and previous experiences. We review suitable options at your consultation.
A personalized plan
We explain the available approach, expected level of awareness, benefits, and risks before treatment.
Pain control
Local anesthesia numbs the treatment area. Sedation and local anesthesia have different roles in your comfort plan.
The NEDIC approach
How we plan your care
We review your medical history, allergies, medications, and proposed treatment. Your team explains any preparation requirements, including eating and drinking instructions, medication guidance, and transport arrangements. Ask questions before the appointment.
Your next step
What to expect
The aim is a calmer, more manageable treatment experience. Recovery and awareness vary with the method used; sedation does not always mean being fully asleep.
Follow the instructions for your selected sedation plan. Confirm escort and driving restrictions with the office, and do not change prescribed medicines without guidance.
Your concerns belong in the conversation
Feeling comfortable starts with feeling heard.
If past dental experiences have made you hesitant, tell us. Knowing what worries you helps us explain treatment at a pace that feels manageable, discuss breaks, and plan the support you may need. Sedation is one part of that conversation.
Oral sedation
A prescribed medication taken by mouth may help suitable patients feel calmer during care. We review your health and medications before deciding whether it is appropriate. You take it only as directed by your treating clinician.
IV sedation
Medication given through a vein can provide another approach to sedation for suitable patients. We discuss whether it is appropriate and available for your planned treatment, along with the assessment and preparation it requires.
Local anesthesia
Numbing the treatment area addresses pain at the site. Sedation helps with anxiety and comfort but does not replace the local anesthetic used for your procedure.
Before you arrive
Preparation that is personal to your care.
Share your current medications, supplements, allergies, medical conditions, and previous experiences with anesthesia or sedation. Your team uses this information to assess the options and explain the benefits, limitations, and risks.
Your instructions may cover food and drink, medication timing, a responsible adult escort, and support at home. Follow the instructions for your particular plan, and do not change prescribed medicines without guidance.
After treatment, follow your recovery and activity restrictions. Arrange the escort your team recommends and do not drive yourself when your plan requires someone else to take you home.
A little more clarity
Questions you may be considering
Will I be completely asleep?
Not necessarily. Awareness and memory vary with the method and your response. We explain the intended level of sedation and what you may experience before treatment.
Can sedation be arranged for an urgent appointment?
It may require an assessment and advance preparation. Call with your symptoms and concerns so we can explain what can safely be arranged for your visit.
Can I choose sedation before my examination?
You can tell us your preference, but suitability is determined after reviewing your health and the planned procedure. The comfort plan is agreed with your treating clinician.