Sedation Dentistry in North York, Toronto

Jump to: Why Sedation | Sedation Options | IV Sedation | Oral Sedation | Nitrous Oxide | Which Option? | Medications | Safety | Side Effects | FAQs

Comfortable, Stress-Free Periodontal & Dental Implant Care

Dental anxiety should never prevent you from receiving the periodontal or dental implant treatment you need. At Dr. Philip Novack’s practice, we believe every patient deserves a comfortable, relaxing experience from beginning to end.

Whether you’re nervous about treatment, require a lengthy surgical procedure, have a sensitive gag reflex, or simply want a more peaceful experience, we offer a full range of sedation options designed to help you feel calm while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety.

Our office is licensed to provide multiple levels of conscious sedation, including IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?

  • Many patients experience some level of dental anxiety before periodontal or implant surgery. Sedation allows us to provide treatment while helping you remain relaxed and comfortable throughout your appointment.

    Sedation may be recommended if you:

    • Experience dental anxiety or fear
    • Need extensive periodontal surgery
    • Are receiving one or more dental implants
    • Have a strong gag reflex
    • Have difficulty becoming numb with local anesthetic
    • Require multiple procedures during one appointment
    • Want a more comfortable treatment experience

    Many patients report that sedation makes their appointment seem much shorter and often remember very little of the procedure afterward. Sedation also helps reduce muscle tension and can make treatment more efficient and comfortable for both the patient and doctor.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation provides the deepest level of conscious sedation available in our office. Medication is administered directly through a vein, allowing it to work quickly while enabling the sedation level to be carefully adjusted throughout your procedure.

IV sedation is ideal for patients who:

  • Have severe dental anxiety
  • Need extensive periodontal surgery
  • Are undergoing multiple implant procedures
  • Prefer little to no memory of treatment

While under IV sedation, you remain breathing on your own and can respond to simple instructions, but you’ll feel deeply relaxed throughout your appointment.

Benefits of IV Sedation

  • Deep state of relaxation
  • Reduced awareness of treatment
  • Little or no memory of the procedure
  • Medication can be adjusted instantly
  • IV anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce swelling
  • IV antibiotics can be administered when appropriate
  • Excellent option for medically complex patients receiving advanced care

Oral Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment to help reduce anxiety.

By the time your treatment begins, you’ll feel calm and relaxed while remaining awake and able to communicate with our team.

Oral sedation works well for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety and is commonly combined with local anesthetic for optimal comfort.

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

Nitrous oxide is one of the safest and most commonly used forms of dental sedation.

Administered through a comfortable nasal mask, nitrous oxide helps patients feel relaxed within minutes while remaining fully awake throughout treatment.

Benefits include:

  • Fast-acting
  • Easily adjustable
  • Minimal side effects
  • Recovery occurs quickly
  • Most patients can resume normal activities shortly after treatment

Nitrous oxide is an excellent option for patients with mild anxiety or shorter procedures.

Every patient is different.

During your consultation, Dr. Novack will carefully review:

  • Your medical history
  • Current medications
  • Anxiety level
  • Overall health
  • Planned procedure
  • Previous experiences with dental treatment

Based on these factors, we’ll recommend the safest and most effective sedation option for your needs.

Which Medications Are Used?

The medications selected for sedation have been extensively studied and are widely used in dentistry because of their proven safety and effectiveness.

Rather than choosing the strongest medications available, we carefully select drugs that provide excellent relaxation while maintaining a wide safety margin and minimizing potential side effects.

Depending on your treatment, medications may include:

  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Sedatives
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Antibiotics when appropriate

Every medication is tailored to your individual health history and treatment plan.

Your Safety Is Our Highest Priority

Patient safety is our primary concern throughout every stage of treatment.

Dr. Philip Novack received advanced training in all levels of dental sedation during his periodontal residency at the University of Southern California under internationally recognized dental anesthesiologist Dr. Stanley Malamed.

He continues to maintain advanced education in:

  • IV sedation
  • CPR and emergency preparedness
  • Patient monitoring
  • Conscious sedation protocols

For more extensive surgical procedures requiring deeper levels of sedation, a licensed dental anesthesiology specialist continuously monitors your:

  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure
  • Oxygen levels
  • Breathing
  • Overall sedation level

Monitoring begins before treatment and continues through your recovery until you are medically stable and ready to return home.

Possible Side Effects

  • Most patients tolerate sedation extremely well.

    Temporary side effects may include:

    • Drowsiness
    • Minor nausea
    • Mild dizziness
    • Temporary disorientation

    These effects typically resolve within a short period following treatment.

    Our team will provide complete post-operative instructions and ensure you have recovered appropriately before discharge

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV sedation safe?

Yes. IV sedation is considered very safe when administered by trained professionals using continuous monitoring. Your vital signs are observed throughout your procedure to ensure your comfort and safety.

Will I be asleep during IV sedation?

No. IV sedation is considered conscious sedation. Although you will be deeply relaxed and may remember very little afterward, you will continue breathing on your own and can respond to simple instructions.

Can I drive after sedation?

No. If you receive oral or IV sedation, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and remain with you as instructed following your appointment.

Is nitrous oxide different from IV sedation?

Yes. Nitrous oxide provides a lighter level of relaxation and wears off quickly after treatment. IV sedation offers a deeper level of conscious sedation and generally requires someone to drive you home afterward.

Who is a good candidate for dental sedation?

Most healthy adults who experience dental anxiety, require lengthy periodontal treatment, or are undergoing dental implant surgery are excellent candidates. Dr. Novack will review your medical history to determine the safest option for you.

Schedule a Consultation

Experience Comfortable Periodontal Care

Your comfort is just as important as your oral health. Whether you’re receiving periodontal therapy, gum surgery, or dental implants, our experienced team is committed to providing compassionate care in a calm, safe environment using the sedation option that’s right for you.

Schedule a consultation today to learn how sedation dentistry can help you receive the treatment you need with greater confidence and comfort.