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– 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 Dental, 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. For those who still want the added reassurance of sedation, we have you covered.
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. The discomfort of a long procedure.
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.
We’ll discuss which option is best for you at your consultation.
Solea® Laser – Anxiety-Free Without Sedation
Solea is a revolutionary 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 Dental.
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
For patients with more significant anxiety, oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment that produces a deeper state of relaxation. You will remain conscious but deeply calm – most patients have little memory of the procedure afterward.
You will need someone to drive you home following oral sedation. Dr. Z will prescribe the appropriate medication and give you clear instructions before your appointment.
More Than Sedation – A Calming Environment by Design
Sedation and laser dentistry are the clinical tools. But at Westside Dental, 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.
🛏 Warm Blankets A warm, weighted blanket adds a layer of physical comfort and calm during longer appointments.
😌 A Team That Listens We establish a simple signal with every anxious patient before we begin – a hand raise that means stop immediately, no questions asked. You are always in control.
Your Anxiety-Free Appointment at Westside Dental
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.
Step 3 – Your Appointment Arrive knowing that your team has prepared specifically for your comfort. Whether you’re watching Netflix during a needle-free Solea filling, or relaxed under oral sedation for a longer procedure — we handle the dentistry while you focus on feeling okay.
Step 4 – Walk Out For Solea treatments: no numbness, no recovery – you’re back to your day immediately. For sedation: plan for rest and ensure you have a driver. Either way, the dental work is done and you can feel good about having taken care of yourself.
