London has dental practices that offer sedation for nervous patients and treatments that may be hard to sit through awake. Whether you want nitrous oxide for a routine visit, oral sedation for a longer appointment, or IV sedation for oral surgery, hellodent can help you compare London providers, sort by rating or distance, and request an appointment. London residents can also search nearby cities like Kitchener and Hamilton.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help you stay calm and comfortable during dental treatment. The level can range from mild relaxation while you stay fully aware, to a deeper state where you may not remember much of the visit. The goal is to lower anxiety and make longer appointments easier to sit through.
In Ontario, sedation is regulated by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). General dentists may offer minimal sedation such as nitrous oxide and oral sedation if they have the right training and facility permit. Moderate or deep sedation and general anaesthesia usually need a dentist with extra credentials, often alongside a dental anaesthesiologist or oral surgeon who works within that specialty only.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost in London?
London Sedation Price Ranges
Sedation pricing depends on the type, how long the treatment lasts, and whether a separate anaesthesia provider is involved. It is usually billed on top of the dental treatment itself.
| Type of Sedation | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|
| Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) | $80 to $200 per visit |
| Oral sedation (pill taken before the visit) | $200 to $500 per visit |
| IV (moderate) sedation | $400 to $800 for the first hour |
| Deep sedation or general anaesthesia | $600 to $1,200 depending on length |
These ranges are estimates based on the Ontario fee guide and may vary by clinic. According to the hellodent Canadian Dental Health Guide, the cost can vary across London based on the clinic's overhead, such as rent in busier core areas versus lower facility costs in suburban neighbourhoods. Ask the clinic for a written estimate before anything starts.
What Affects the Cost?
- The type of sedation. Nitrous oxide is the least expensive, while IV sedation costs more.
- How long the sedation lasts, since longer treatments mean more billing time.
- Whether a separate anaesthesiologist is involved.
- The pre-sedation assessment and follow-up monitoring.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Available in London
Here are the common types found at London clinics.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over your nose. It helps you feel relaxed within minutes and wears off quickly. Most patients can drive themselves home after the appointment.
Oral Sedation
You take a prescribed pill, usually about an hour before your visit. You stay awake but feel calm and drowsy, and may not remember much of the appointment. You will need someone to drive you home.
IV (Moderate) Sedation
Medication is given through a vein, which lets the dentist adjust the level of sedation during treatment. You stay responsive but deeply relaxed, and most patients have little memory of the visit.
Deep Sedation and General Anaesthesia
Used for longer surgeries, complex cases, or patients with severe anxiety or special needs. You are mostly or fully unconscious during treatment, usually with a dental anaesthesiologist or in a hospital setting.
Sedation for Children
Some London clinics offer mild sedation for nervous children or longer treatments for young patients. The approach is more cautious, with smaller doses and close monitoring.
Where to Find Sedation Dentistry Providers in London
In London, most patients pick a clinic close to home or work. The right pick is usually the dentist with strong experience in sedation for your treatment, especially for IV or deep sedation. Common areas to search include:
- Central London: Old South, Wortley Village
- Northwest London: Hyde Park, Masonville, Westmount
- South London: Byron, Summerside
You can use hellodent to search by location and sort by rating or distance. If you cannot find the right sedation provider in London, hellodent can help you search nearby cities like Kitchener and Hamilton.
How to Choose a Sedation Dentistry Provider in London
Confirm the dentist is registered with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). For anything beyond nitrous oxide, ask whether the clinic holds the relevant RCDSO sedation permit and includes a dental anaesthesiologist for IV or deep sedation. Ask about emergency training.
Many sedation visits can be handled by general dentists who hold the right permits, such as cases that use nitrous oxide or oral sedation. More complicated procedures like wisdom tooth removal under deep sedation may be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. A few questions can help you compare:
- Do you offer the type of sedation I think I need?
- Who administers and monitors the sedation during my visit?
- What is the estimated cost of my visit?
- What should I do before and after, and do I need a ride home?
Paying for Sedation Dentistry in London
For most Ontario residents, dental care is typically paid out of pocket or through private insurance. The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) does not cover routine dental work, though dental work done in a hospital may be covered. Many private plans may cover part of sedation when it is medically needed, such as for oral surgery or for patients with severe anxiety. Pre-authorization is often required, so check your plan first.
You may be eligible for coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), a dental program funded by the federal government and administered by Sun Life. Minimal sedation may be covered for eligible residents. Moderate or deep sedation may be covered when pre-authorized by Sun Life, with frequency limits. To be eligible, you need a household income under $90,000 per year, no private dental coverage, and a filed tax return for the previous year. Apply for coverage through the Government of Canada website. Coverage needs to be renewed annually.
Some London clinics may offer in-house payment plans or work with third-party financing for longer treatments. Ask the clinic about options before booking.
*The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional. The information in this article has been gathered based on information available online and has not been fact checked by a dental professional.
