Sedation Dentistry in Calgary SW
You Don’t Have to Be Anxious About Dental Care Anymore.
Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people avoid care they genuinely need – and at Westside, we take it seriously. We offer two paths to anxiety-free dental care: sedation dentistry for patients who need deeper support, and Solea laser dentistry – a needle-free, often drill-free alternative that eliminates the things most people dread about going to the dentist in the first place. For most anxious patients, Solea removes the need for sedation entirely.
Dental care at Westside is provided by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist and Dental Director, in West Springs, Calgary SW. We follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP). New patients welcome – no referral needed.
Sedation – Or No Needles at All
Before we talk about sedation, it’s worth asking: what is it you’re actually anxious about?
For most patients, the answer is needles and drills. The anticipation of freezing injections. The sound and sensation of the drill.
No Needles at All
If that’s you – Solea laser dentistry may solve the problem without any sedation at all. Solea performs most procedures including fillings, soft tissue treatments, and more without any needle injection and without a drill. Patients who have avoided the dentist for years because of needle anxiety frequently tell us the Solea experience changed everything for them.
If your anxiety goes beyond the needle – if the dental environment itself triggers panic, or if you need extensive work completed efficiently – sedation is the right choice.
Solea® Laser – Anxiety-Free Without Sedation
Solea is a CO2 dental laser that allows Dr. Z to perform most common procedures – fillings, soft tissue treatments, snoring therapy, frenectomies, and more – without needles and without a drill. There is no injection, no numbness, no waiting to unfreeze, and significantly less discomfort during and after the procedure.
What Solea can do without needles
- Most composite fillings (cavities)
- Soft tissue treatments
- Snoring laser therapy
- Frenectomy (tongue tie release)
- Gum contouring
- And more
For patients whose primary fear is the injection needle, Solea is often a complete solution – no sedation needed, no anxiety triggers present.
When Sedation Is the Right Choice
For patients whose anxiety requires deeper support, or for complex procedures where patient comfort and cooperation are important, we offer sedation dentistry at Westside.
Nitrous Oxide – Laughing Gas
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask that sits over the nose during your procedure. It produces a pleasant, relaxed feeling – reducing anxiety, increasing comfort, and making time feel like it passes more quickly. It wears off within minutes of removing the mask, meaning you can drive yourself home afterward.
Nitrous oxide is safe, gentle, and suitable for most patients including children. It is an excellent option for mild to moderate anxiety.
Oral Sedation
More Than Sedation – A Calming Environment by Design
Sedation and laser dentistry are the clinical tools. But at Westside, we’ve also designed the environment around making every patient feel as comfortable as possible from the moment they walk in.
Calming Environment by Design
🎬 Netflix at Every Chair Pick your show before we start and watch it throughout your appointment. For anxious patients, distraction is genuinely effective – and having something to focus on other than the procedure makes a measurable difference.
🎧 Noise-Cancelling Headphones The sounds of dental equipment are one of the biggest anxiety triggers for many patients. Our noise-cancelling headphones eliminate that entirely.
IV Sedation – Deeper Relaxation, Carefully Monitored
For patients with severe dental anxiety, or for longer and more complex procedures – wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, or completing multiple treatments in a single visit – IV sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation we provide. The sedative is delivered through a small intravenous line, takes effect within minutes, and can be adjusted throughout your appointment so you stay comfortable the entire time.
You remain conscious and able to respond, but deeply relaxed – most patients remember little to nothing of the procedure and feel as though it was over in minutes. Your heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure are continuously monitored from start to finish, and a full health review is completed before your appointment to confirm IV sedation is right for you. You will need someone to drive you home, and we’ll give you clear eating and preparation instructions beforehand.
More about Sedation Dentistry
Your Anxiety-Free Appointment at Westside
Step 1 – Consultation Tell us about your anxiety – what specifically worries you, what past experiences have been difficult, and what you need to feel comfortable. We’ll explain your options clearly and recommend the approach best suited to you.
Step 2 – Your Choice You decide whether Solea laser, sedation, or a combination is right for your treatment. We’ll plan your appointment around your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I'm scared of needles specifically?
Solea laser is very likely the answer for you. Most fillings and many other common procedures can be performed without any injection at all. Book a consultation and we’ll confirm whether your specific treatment can be handled with Solea.
Is sedation safe?
Yes. Both nitrous oxide and oral sedation have excellent safety records when administered in a dental setting. Dr. Z will complete a full health review before prescribing sedation to ensure suitability.
Can my child receive sedation?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is commonly used and very safe for children. We also offer a highly engaging, child-friendly approach to routine care that many kids respond to without needing any sedation at all – including Solea laser for needle-free fillings.
Will I be unconscious?
No. Neither nitrous oxide nor oral sedation produce unconsciousness. You remain aware and able to respond – you’ll simply feel deeply relaxed and at ease. General anaesthesia is not offered at Westside.
Do I need a driver for sedation?
For nitrous oxide: no – it wears off quickly and you can drive yourself. For oral sedation: yes – you will need someone to drive you home and should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Is 0% financing available?
Yes. Sedation dentistry can be financed through Beautifi at 0% interest – we cover the interest on your behalf. Soft credit check only, no impact to your score. Ask our team at your next visit.
Related Services
Content reviewed by Dr. Zubaida Hussain, dentist, and Dr. Sabah Jarullah, family physician, at Westside, West Springs, Calgary SW — last reviewed September 2026. Educational information only; it does not replace an assessment with your provider.
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