We understand that going to the dentist can be nerve-racking. No matter your age, you might be a little apprehensive.
Dental anxiety can even make people cancel their appointments. Almost 50% of people who are afraid of going to the dentist have cancelled or rescheduled an appointment due to fear.
If you or your child are afraid of the dentist, we can help. Not only is our team approachable and caring, but we offer 2 different types of sedation to help set you at ease.
We’ll never tell you to get over your fear, but we will certainly help you around it!
We offer both oral and inhalation sedation, as well as a combination of the 2. Sedation uses drugs to depress the central nervous system and keep you in a calm and relaxed state.
We use methods to keep patients in a mild-to-moderate state of sedation. You remain conscious while we maintain verbal contact during the entire process. Plus, none of our methods involve needles so you have no excuses to delay booking an appointment with Hometown Dental.
Your comfort is our main goal. Throughout our sedation dentistry practices, we can ensure you’re able to give informed consent while also understanding the treatments we’re performing. For patients of all ages, we provide a safe and effective way to reduce dental anxiety.
Oral sedation involves the administration of medication in pill form prior to treatment. The pills are taken about an hour before dental work starts. Of course, we will describe the entire treatment process and obtain informed consent before any sedation.
If it makes you nervous to sit in the chair or to be in the office, we can combine oral sedation with a small amount of inhalation sedation to ensure your comfort.
Patients who receive oral sedation will need a friend or family member to drive them home, as grogginess or disorientation for the next 24 hours is common.
There’s nothing funny about dental anxiety, but “laughing gas” has become a staple within dentistry. Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, provides a calming effect. This colourless, odorless gas is delivered through a face mask.
Children who need sedation dentistry are often given nitrous oxide because it is easy to administer and has virtually no serious side effects. This form of sedation takes effect quickly, helping our littlest patients—and our most anxious—relax as soon as they get in the chair.
Of course, any time sedation dentistry is used, you will need someone to drive you home from your appointment.
We find sedation to be an effective way to help patients with dental anxiety feel at ease during their appointments. Regular dental exams are important for your overall health, and we would hate for fear to come between you and your well-being.
Your dental goals are possible with sedation dentistry. Please let us know if you would like to discuss sedation and we will be happy to provide further details.
We’re conveniently located in lovely Okotoks, across from Westmount School near the Tucker Parkway.
Keep up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry. Read our blog to learn more about oral health, cosmetic dentistry, whitening, and more.
Many common dental issues are preventable—as long as you have the right habits and knowledge. Taking care of your teeth is often much easier than you think, but it does require a proactive approach. But what if you’re already dealing with a condition like gum recession? Can this be reversed, or is it permanent? Gum […]
Dental procedures can be uncomfortable experiences for some people, but they’re essential for your dental health. Something like a tooth extraction can prevent infection from spreading and remove decaying teeth. After undergoing a dental procedure such as this, your dentist may advise you to use gauze to control bleeding and promote healing. Gauze is a […]
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The new Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) came into effect in December 2023 and will be gradually opened for applications throughout 2024 and into the start of 2025. The CDCP offers some dental coverage for specific eligible people but may not fully cover the cost of your dental services. It’s important to fully understand the […]
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is essential for both dental health and overall health, yet many people delay or put off seeing the dentist due to anxiety. While dental anxiety is widespread and nothing to be ashamed of, it can be overcome through different techniques like bringing a friend, taking anxiety medication, practicing meditation, or […]
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In recent years, vaping has surged in popularity–particularly among younger demographics–as a perceived safer alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. While the long-term health effects of vaping are still under investigation, one area of concern that warrants immediate attention is oral health. Specifically, how does vaping impact your teeth and gums? Let’s explore the evidence and […]
Dental cleaning and exams may take up valuable time in a day, but they’re critical for good oral health for years to come. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for how long a dental cleaning takes because there are so many variables, but the average cleaning takes between 30 and 60 minutes. One thing to remember […]
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Many people strive for a bright, white smile. Fortunately, with the rise of teeth-whitening treatments like the Zoom whitening offered at Hometown Dental, achieving a bright and shining smile is easier than ever. But there’s an important question worth asking: Does teeth whitening damage enamel? Teeth whitening is typically safe when performed by an experienced […]
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For many people, dental anxiety can turn what should be routine oral care into a source of distress. While one option people turn to is sedation dentistry, the Solea dental laser can be a unique way to reduce your family’s discomfort during a procedure. In some cases, you may not even need an anesthetic. The […]
Cavities are no fun, and they can lead to serious problems with your teeth and gums if you aren’t careful. While a dentist can treat a cavity, cavities can often be easier to prevent than to treat. If you’ve ever noticed a toothache or seen a discoloured spot on your teeth, you might have wondered: […]
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You no longer have to be a Hollywood celebrity to have bright, nearly flawless teeth. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, veneers have become popular aesthetic options for people from all walks of life. Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to improve their colour, shape, or size. The […]
If you’ve ever had a chipped tooth, you likely know how uncomfortable and unsettling it can be. But can a chipped tooth heal itself? No, a chipped tooth cannot heal on its own. If you experience tooth damage, you should see your dentist as soon as possible to get treatment. Dental treatment is essential for […]
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If you or someone you know has missing teeth, your dentist or doctor may recommend dentures as a replacement. As an artificial replacement for missing teeth and gums, dentures can be an excellent option for retaining your ability to speak and eat normally. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are […]
The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint where your lower jaw connects to your skull. It controls how you chew, how to speak, and how your jaw moves in general. Temporomandibular disorders, also known as TMJ or TMD, are a group of several different conditions that can cause pain, discomfort, or irritation in the […]
If you’re experiencing dental anxiety, you’re not alone. People of all ages struggle with apprehension at dentist appointments, which can lead to patients postponing visits and potentially worsening dental conditions. Now, it’s possible to face dental anxiety head-on with options like sedation dentistry and Solea laser dentistry. Once you try alternative treatment styles, you can […]
For many people, it takes a lot to work up the courage to get a root canal done. After the procedure is over, it may feel like a whole other ordeal to have to go back for a dental crown procedure. You might be wondering “Do I even need a crown?”. If you want to […]
Your oral health is an important part of your overall health, and it’s essential to maintain regular dental exams and cleanings with your dental professional. Building good dental health habits for the whole family goes a long way in preserving your smile. Routine oral assessments and cleanings help prevent cavities and other issues and ensure […]
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Nice looking teeth are more than just about physical appearance. In many cases, it’s also a matter of self confidence. That’s why teeth whitening procedures are a hit, whether at-home or in-office. People often start with an at-home treatment such as whitening toothpaste or mouthwash for convenience. Unfortunately, the stains on our teeth sometimes become […]
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Tomorrow is Remembrance Day, and I would like to take this opportunity to honour the sacrifices that military people have made – and continue to make – by putting their duty and country ahead of themselves. In what might be seen as a break with tradition, I also want to honour the health care heroes […]
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You can finally stop scrolling through dental hygienist job postings because your dream job is right here at Hometown Dental! Our amazing team is seeking all passionate, skilled, and experienced dental hygienists to join our war on cavities and gum disease. If that sounds like YOU, let us tell you about who we are so […]
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We’re thrilled to welcome Tatem Anderson to our team here at Hometown Dental, where he’s been making beautiful smiles since December of 2020. Tatem is our specialist in dentures, providing everything you need related to dentures. Originally from Lethbridge, Alberta, Tatem has been a long-time dental professional. He first entered the dental field when a family […]
From the moment you feel a twinge in your tooth, you’re filled with dread. Then, you finally set up the appointment. When the day arrives, you wake up with knots in your stomach. I understand! Lots of people may feel nervous or anxious about visiting the dentist. In fact, up to 40% of Canadians have reported […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS, WE OFFER DENTAL FILLINGS AND RESTORATIONS Tooth decay or cavities are most commonly treated with direct restorations which are commonly referred to as fillings. Tooth decay is the result of oral bacteria in plaque converting sugar from our diets to acid. Plaque is constantly forming and is very sticky to […]
LEARN MORE ABOUT DENTAL CROWNS AND BRIDGES WHAT IS A CROWN? When a tooth has been compromised structurally or esthetics needs improvement, a crown or cap can be placed on the tooth. The tooth is first anesthetized and then prepared with a handpiece to reduce the size of the sides and the top of the […]
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PORCELAIN VENEERS COSMETIC DENTAL SERVICES Porcelain veneers are a restorative option for front teeth where aesthetic improvement is desired. They can improve colour, shape and position of the front teeth. Veneers at Hometown Dental are made out of porcelain in the same way that crowns are, however the difference is they […]
Root canal treatment or endodontic therapy is the process of cleaning and disinfecting the pulp chambers and canals inside a tooth when there has been injury, infection or damage to the pulp (nerve and blood vessels). This can result from deep decay that infects the pulp with bacteria or trauma that damages the tooth and […]
LEARN MORE ABOUT ORAL SURGERY OPTIONS AND OUR PROCESS Oral surgery might be recommended at times when teeth need to be removed. Teeth often require removal if there is extensive decay or fracture of the tooth and it cannot be restored or preserved. If a tooth requires root canal therapy but a patient choses not […]
Dentures are dental appliances that replace missing teeth and can be taken in and out of the mouth. Depending on the number of teeth missing, either partial dentures or complete dentures can be fabricated. There are also options for attaching dentures to implants to provide further stability. Partial Dentures When multiple teeth are missing in […]
At Hometown Dental in Okotoks, we understand that going to the dentist can make patients nervous or apprehensive. For those patients, we offer two types of conscious sedation: oral and inhalation (as well as a combination of the two). Sedation is a process used to create a relaxed and calm state through the use of […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS DENTAL, WE OFFER INVISALIGN AND SURESMILE ORTHODONTICS SERVICES When teeth are misaligned, crowded, crooked and/or don’t fit together correctly, orthodontics (braces) can be used to correct these problems. Invisalign or Suresmile is an esthetic option to treat certain malocclusion cases. Instead of the traditional metal brackets and wires, a series […]
LOOKING FOR EMERGENCY DENTISTRY IN OKOTOKS? HOMETOWN DENTAL IS HERE TO HELP! At Hometown Dental, we understand dental emergencies occur. Teeth can be damaged or fall out due to accidents and sometimes a toothache will spontaneously occur where the pain is unbearable. Even if a crown falls off or a filling falls out, treatment should not […]
LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMETOWN DENTAL’S KID-FRIENDLY DENTAL APPROACH Hometown Dental is a family dental practice which means kids make up a significant portion of our clinic. Our sensitive, fun, kid-friendly approach can help create a comfortable experience at the dentist and establish great long-term oral health. It is very important to start seeing children early […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS DENTAL, WE OFFER MOUTH GUARDS SERVICES Night Guards For people who experience tooth wear from grinding/clenching their teeth at night or have TMD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction), a night guard or bite splint is a very beneficial appliance. It can help alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage to the teeth and […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS DENTAL, WE OFFER TEETH WHITENING SERVICES Teeth whitening or “bleaching” is a popular esthetic service at Hometown Dental. We offer in-office “Iveri” whitening, “Zoom” whitening as well as the take-home whitening kit option. Teeth whitening is done when a patient desires a brighter, more esthetic smile. The peroxide-based solutions can […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS, ALBERTA WE OFFER HYGIENE CLEANING Hometown Dental’s hygienists are an integral part of our team as oral hygiene is extremely important to one’s overall oral health. Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and Periodontitis (inflammation of the supporting structures of the tooth) can be prevented with excellent home care and regular […]
AT HOMETOWN DENTAL IN OKOTOKS, WE OFFER DENTAL IMPLANTS When there are missing teeth in the jaw, dental implants are a great option for replacing them. The titanium implant mimics the root structure of a tooth and is bio-compatible so that the bone actually grows and attaches to it (osseointegration). Understanding Tooth Loss The Dental […]
Do you wish your smile was brighter? It’s a fairly common desire and one I hear in the office all the time. After all, there are so many things that can cause your teeth to become discoloured. From drinks like coffee and red wine to ageing, and genetics, it’s nearly impossible to keep your teeth from […]
Hometown Dental
