Sedation Dentistry In Boulder, Colorado

We understand that going to the dentist may not be anyone’s favorite activity. Dental fear or anxiety is very real.  That’s why we go to great lengths to make sure our Boulder patients take comfort in our gentle surroundings, our extensive experience, and our conservative treatment philosophy.

And for those patients who want further relaxation during their time in the dental chair, we offer safe medication therapy, also referred to as sedation dentistry. The purpose of sedation dentistry is to minimize or prevent anxiety, stress and fear by carefully administering a calming medication. With sedation your awareness of the numbing local anesthetic is minimized.

We offer three different types of sedation dentistry or anxiety relief to choose from:

•    Oral sedation
Oral medication is taken the night before the appointment, then an hour or so before the appointment. Someone must drive for you and be around to monitor your post-op progress at home. Medications, like Valium, Ativan, and Halcion, in conservative doses, can provide a relaxed yet responsive state with little memory of the clinical treatment after the medication wears off.  

•    IV sedation
With a Team approach, a licensed anesthetist administers intravenous sedation for safe, effective and controllable sedation. Again a driver is important not only for transportation to and from the office but to also monitor post-op progress.

•    Nitrous oxide
Although nitrous oxide is not considered true “sedation,” it can certainly take the edge off anxiety and eliminate the jitters associated with any dentistry. Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is inhaled during treatment to minimize anxiety and promote relaxation, and can often be used in addition to oral sedation medications. Nitrous oxide also seems to make the appointment go more quickly, especially with iPod/headphones and hands/feet massage. Nitrous oxide usage can provide more convenient anxiety relief since the gas is flushed from the system with pure oxygen, enabling you to drive.

Can sedation dentistry help you?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you might consider using sedation dentistry to help you get the dental care you need.

•    Have you had a traumatic dental experience?
•    Does that bad experience delay your returning?
•    Are you fearful about getting numb?
•    Do you have a hypersensitive gag reflex?
•    Do you need extensive dental work, and would you like to get it done in fewer visits?
•    Do you cringe at the thought of needles?
•    Do the sounds, smells and tastes involved with dentistry make you uncomfortable?
•    Have you skipped dental visits due to fear?
 

Don’t let anxiety compromise the health of your teeth, gums and whole body health! Learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can help alleviate anxiety and make your dental experience almost FUN.

See if sedation dentistry is right for you. If you’ve experienced dental anxiety, contact our Boulder sedation dentist today for a personal, no-commitment consultation.