How Does Sedation Dentistry Work
Please click here to find out more about sedation dentistry in a consultation.
Because our dental practices have a strong focus on gentle dental care and sedation dentistry, we’re often asked, “how does sedation dentistry work?”
Below, you will find information about the three types of sedation dentistry and how they can work for you:
Laughing Gas / Nitrous Oxide: Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is the lowest level of sedation for dentistry. We administer it through a nose piece, and it can help you relax during your dental visit. For most people, laughing gas is used in conjunction with Novocain, not as a replacement for it. After your dental treatment, the effects of laughing gas quickly wear off, and you’re able to drive yourself home. Laughing gas can even be used for dental cleanings.
Oral Sedation / Conscious Sedation: Oral sedation is the next level of sedation for dentistry, and we administer it through a pill. Also known as “conscious sedation,” the medication puts you in a relaxed state, in which you’re partially awake. After your dental appointment, it will seem as if time flew by, and you will have little or no memory of what transpired, because the medication helps slow down your central nervous system. Oral sedation is a popular treatment with patients who have anxiety about shots or needles, have severe gag reflex issues, or have trouble tolerating dental procedures. After your appointment is over, you’ll need to have someone drive you home if you’ve had oral sedation.
IV Sedation: Also known as “general anesthesia,” IV sedation is the highest level of sedation for dentistry. Some people are familiar with IV sedation for dentistry, because it’s commonly used when extracting wisdom teeth. With IV sedation, you’ll be unconscious during the entire procedure. “IV” means “intravenously,” or through the veins. An IV tube is placed in your arm, through which the sedation medication is administered. During the complete dental procedure, your vital signs always monitored. After treatment is completed, you’ll need to have someone drive you home if you’ve had IV sedation.
Not many dental practices in the Denver metro area offer all 3 types of sedation, but we do, which allows you – for each specific dental procedure – to choose the level of sedation that is the right fit for you!
For more information, or to schedule a sedation dentistry consultation, please reach out to us:
Denver / Centennial (I-25 and Dry Creek), (303) 309-0749, centennial@sedationdentistdenverco.com
Sedation Dentist Near Me
Our sedation dental office is near you if you live or work in: Centennial, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, southeast Aurora, Parker, Denver Tech Center, Meridian, Inverness, or Park Meadows.