Sedation Dentistry in Parker, CO
Feel Relaxed at Twin Aspen Dental Center
We offer different levels of sedation dentistry to help relieve any anxiety you may face. Whether you’re here for a routine cleaning and exam, same-day crown, or dental surgery, the decision about which level of sedation is needed to help ease your dental fears is ultimately up to you. Don’t let the undesired sights, smells, or sounds of our dental office prevent you from getting the care you need to have a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile. Our family-friendly dental practice uses state-of-the-art technology to make our treatments less invasive than traditional techniques. Sedation dentistry helps many of our patients relax while we perform various procedures. Please reach out to us today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
What Forms of Sedation Dentistry Do We Offer?
Twin Aspen Dental Center uses various methods of sedation dentistry to help our patients relax during their dental procedures. Whether you need nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or complete IV sedation administered by one of our Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), we’ll help figure out what level of sedation suits your needs best. Patient consent and a thorough check-up are required prior to any procedure involving sedation dentistry. The levels of sedation we offer include:
Nitrous Oxide (Inhaled Minimal Sedation)
Patients breathe nitrous oxide combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. The gas helps you relax, and we control the amount of sedation you receive. Nitrous oxide is a colorless gas with an analgesic agent allowing for muscle relaxation and a state of euphoria with minimal effects on the respiratory system. The effects of the gas wear off quickly, allowing you to drive home after your procedure. Of all the types of sedation dentistry we offer, this method poses minimal risks and is considered the least invasive. However, it may not be suitable if you have a cold, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other underlying medical conditions.
Conscious Oral Sedation
Conscious oral sedation is another option to help relieve anxiety in the form of a pill, which is swallowed about 30-60 minutes before treatment. Conscious oral sedation will help you relax, but you’ll still be awake and responsive to verbal commands during the procedure. The effects of conscious oral sedation will vary by patient, but you may experience a tingling sensation throughout your body, drowsiness, or sluggishness as your reflexes become delayed. These side effects may linger a few hours after your procedure, so we’ll require you to have a family member or friend with you who can drive you home. Recovery is fast, but you may need to take time off work and avoid physical activities until the side effects wear off completely.
IV Moderate Sedation
IV sedation works quickly, as it’s delivered directly to your bloodstream via an IV. A CRNA carefully monitors and controls the level of sedation needed throughout the procedure. Depending on your procedure, we may ask you to stop taking certain medications or to refrain from eating or drinking beforehand. Many patients fall asleep when given IV moderate sedation, although they aren’t as unconscious as someone given general anesthesia. Most patients wake up quickly, although they may experience minor side effects, including nausea, drowsiness, or headaches. You’ll need someone to drive you home afterward, and we’ll likely suggest avoiding physical activities for the rest of the day.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Patients of All Ages?
The American Dental Association (ADA) has established guidelines for the safe, effective use of sedation techniques and general anesthesia by dentists. Dentists are well-trained and educated to comply with local, state, and federal regulations. For most of our patients, sedation dentistry is safe and recommended. However, not every patient will be considered a good candidate for every type of sedation we offer. Our dentist and staff evaluate each patient and procedure carefully to determine the appropriate use of sedation dentistry and the correct dosage as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
We’ll examine your medical history, medication use, age, and overall health when determining if minimal or moderate sedation is right for your needs. While you’re sedated, we’ll monitor your vital signs, including your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels, to ensure everything’s alright and you’re not having an adverse reaction to the sedation method being used. Pediatric patients may be considered for sedation dentistry, but the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has specific criteria for evaluating children’s needs. If you or your child has an underlying medical condition, we may consult a specialist for a second opinion before recommending sedation dentistry, as your risks for complications may increase.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You? Contact Us for More Info
Are you interested in learning more about our painless sedation dentistry options? We encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a brighter smile. Our compassionate staff is here to alleviate your fears and answer any questions you may have!