Dental anxiety is real. We have real options for it.
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart rate go up, you're not unusual — dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care. We see it every week, and we don't treat it as something to get over. We treat it as something to plan around.
Oral sedation
For longer procedures or higher anxiety, we may prescribe an oral sedative to take before your appointment. Whether it's appropriate depends on your medical history and the medications you're already on, so we review that first. You'll be relaxed and drowsy but still conscious — you can respond to questions and instructions, but most patients remember very little afterward. You'll need someone to drive you home and stay with you for the rest of the day. We use oral sedation for multi-hour procedures, patients with strong gag reflexes, and anyone who's been avoiding the dentist for years because of anxiety.
Nitrous oxide
Laughing gas is mild, quick-acting, and wears off shortly after the mask comes off — we keep you on oxygen for a few minutes at the end. It takes the edge off without putting you to sleep, and most people are fine to drive themselves home; we'll confirm that with you before you leave. We use it for shorter procedures, mild anxiety, and patients who want to relax without the commitment of oral sedation. It's also safe for most children.
Virtual reality headsets
For patients who'd rather not watch, we offer virtual reality headsets from Paperplane Therapeutics, a Canadian company whose VR is used in hospitals and dental clinics. You put the headset on and spend the appointment somewhere calmer while our team works. It's drug-free, so it's an option for children and for anyone who can't have a sedative or would rather not. You can also use it alongside nitrous oxide. Ask for it when you book.
The quiet details that matter
Sedation isn't just medication. Our operatories are set up for comfort, and the way we work matters as much as what we prescribe. We explain everything before we do it. We stop when you signal. If you need breaks, we take them. Tell us when you book and we'll plan the appointment around it.
If you've been avoiding the dentist
We see patients who haven't been to a dentist in five, ten, sometimes fifteen years. There's no lecture waiting for you here. We assess where things are, talk through priorities, and plan treatment in stages that feel manageable. Sedation is available for the bigger appointments. The hardest part is walking through the door — and most people tell us afterward they wish they'd done it sooner.
Common questions
Will I be unconscious?+
With oral sedation, you'll be deeply relaxed but conscious — you can respond to us. With nitrous oxide, you're fully aware but calmer. Neither is general anaesthesia.
Is sedation covered by insurance?+
Nitrous oxide is often partially covered. Oral sedation medication is usually not covered by dental plans but may be covered under your pharmacy benefit. We'll let you know the cost upfront.
Can I eat before a sedation appointment?+
For nitrous, eat lightly beforehand. For oral sedation, we'll give specific instructions — typically a light meal a few hours before and nothing after.
Related services
Emergency Dentist in Yellowknife
A cracked tooth at a hockey game, a filling that lets go on a Saturday morning, pain that wakes you up at three — these things don't wait for a convenient time. Call us and we'll triage it and get you in as quickly as we can, often the same day. Outside opening hours, use the emergency line.
Root Canal Treatment in Yellowknife
Most patients who need a root canal are already in pain — and the root canal is what makes it stop. The procedure has a reputation that's decades out of date. Modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia and usually takes about an hour; many patients find it much less of an ordeal than they expected.
Ready when you are.
Book online any time, or call reception and we’ll find you a slot. In pain? Say so when you call and we’ll get you seen as soon as we can.