At Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center, we understand that people of all ages can have dental anxiety. Therefore, we work closely with patients to ensure they feel at ease before, during, and after dental work. Our practice is excited to offer several methods of sedation to combat discomfort and anxiety — giving you a positive experience no matter what type of dental work you need. Some patients even use sedation for their regular cleanings to overcome their aversion to the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office.
What Types of Sedation Are Available at Our Practice?
- Nitrous oxide: Patients with mild anxiety may benefit from using nitrous oxide. This odorless, colorless gas is administered through the nose and provides instantaneous relaxation and comfort. Some patients find themselves so relaxed that they fall asleep during their treatment! The effect dissipates quickly once we remove the mask.
- Oral sedation: Also known as oral conscious sedation, oral sedation is used to reduce one's anxiety before and during an appointment. Prescription medication is administered approximately one hour prior to the dental visit to allow time for it to work. That means patients will need to arrange transportation for this type of sedation in our office.
- IV sedation: Our dentists provide IV sedation for patients who have severe dental anxiety. It is also used for patients who need surgery, such as implant placement. This method delivers medication directly into the blood supply to create a sleep-like state.
Keep in mind that we also administer local anesthesia for many dental treatments and procedures. It is used to numb a specific region of your mouth and stop you from feeling anything. We understand that some patients have trouble getting numb, so we always ensure that the local anesthesia has taken effect before we proceed with a dental appointment.
Which Sedation Method Is Right for Me?
The dentists at Aspenwood Dental Associates and Colorado Dental Implant Center can educate you further on your sedation methods to help you feel relaxed during your appointment. If you are unsure which method is best for your level of anxiety, we can assist you in making a choice!
Call (303) 751-3321 to request a consultation visit with our staff. We serve patients from Aurora, Denver, Centennial, and nearby areas of Colorado.