Sedation Dentistry Colorado Springs, CO | Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists
Sit Back, Relax, and Smile Throughout Your Visit
If you’re feeling a little anxious about an upcoming dental visit, you aren’t alone; it’s estimated that thousands of Americans avoid going to the dentist to receive the care they need simply due to nerves! But thanks to sedation dentistry in Colorado Springs, you have absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Our team can utilize various sedation techniques to ensure that you’re physically and mentally at ease from the very moment you sit down. Read on to learn a little more about our available options or feel free to give us a call for more information or to schedule a visit.
Why Choose Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Sedation Methods Available
- Friendly and Experienced Dental Team
- Comfortable Office with Modern Amenities
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
For patients who feel nervous about the prospect of dental work, nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is a relaxing aid that can help make even lengthy procedures very smooth. One of the biggest perks of this calming solution is that the effects set in and dissipate quickly, making it ideal even if you’re coming in for essential periodontal care on your lunch break! To learn more about nitrous oxide sedation – including who is a good candidate – read on.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Patients who struggle with the following are often candidates for nitrous oxide:
- Dental-related anxiety
- A fear of needles
- Dental sensitivity
- Head, neck, and jaw pain during treatment
- Nerves stemming from the sights and sounds of a dental office
Of course, we’ll need to meet with you in order to determine if you’re a good candidate as well. After all, there are some patients who we’ll need to find an alternative for, including expecting mothers and patients who have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through their nose.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Fortunately, the process of administering nitrous oxide is quite simple. Once you’re seated in the treatment chair comfortably, a breathing mask is positioned in place. Then, we will switch on the nitrous oxide and ask you to breathe the odorless, colorless gas through your nose. After a few minutes of breathing in the nitrous oxide, you'll feel content and at ease – not an ounce of anxiety or stress. You’ll still be able to talk with our team and respond to the verbal cues we give you since you won’t be asleep either. In fact, we can even adjust the flow of nitrous oxide throughout your procedure as needed!
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
As we touched on in the first section, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly. That means that patients can return to their regular routines and even drive themselves without extensive downtime! Of course, you’re more than welcome to give us a call if you have any questions following your appointment, and we will give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure you heal properly.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves the administration of prescribed oral medication by our dental team. Patients are instructed to take the medication at a specified time before the initial appointment, inducing a deep state of relaxation while maintaining consciousness. If you’re choosing oral conscious sedation, be sure to arrange for transportation to and from our office. To find out if this method is right for you, continue reading!
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
This method involves taking a small pill before your appointment. Unlike nitrous oxide, which might leave you feeling light and tingly, or IV sedation, which can put you completely to sleep, this option strikes a perfect balance. About an hour before your visit, taking the pill will gradually induce relaxation and you’ll notice these effects just as you’re settling into the dental chair.
Before starting your treatment, we’ll ensure you’re completely relaxed and comfortable. While oral conscious sedation doesn't induce sleep, it's common for patients to become so calm that they may drift off. But don’t worry – a gentle tap on the shoulder can easily rouse you.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects kick in, you'll experience deep relaxation. For some patients, the dental treatment may become a blur in memory. Nevertheless, you'll stay conscious throughout and be able to respond to our team's questions and instructions. We'll closely monitor you throughout the entire procedure to ensure your comfort and safety. Unlike nitrous oxide sedation (laughing gas), the effects of oral conscious sedation are long-lasting, meaning you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is an incredibly popular option with some wonderful advantages. You may benefit from this approach if you:
- Experience dental fear, anxiety, or nervousness
- Frequently cancel appointments out of fear of receiving bad news
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Are undergoing multiple treatments
- Require lengthy dental procedures
- Find it challenging to remain still in the treatment chair
- Experience difficulty achieving numbness with anesthesia
- Have encountered negative dental experiences previously
IV Sedation
If your dental phobia is severe, or if you would have trouble sitting still for a lengthy procedure, we can talk to you about using IV sedation during your visit. Since it’s administered directly into the bloodstream, it’s both fast-acting and effective. At the end of your appointment, you will need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home since the effects won’t dissipate instantly. As always, we will review all of the necessary information during your first appointment. However, you’re also welcome to learn more right here!
What Is IV Sedation?
IV sedation is a powerful, but safe form of sedation that’s administered intravenously. After settling into the treatment chair, we will carefully place a small needle into the vein on the top of your hand or at the bend on your elbow. Shortly after, you’ll enter a deep state of relaxation. In fact, many patients have no recollection of their time in the treatment chair, even though they are conscious and can respond to verbal commands and questions.
Note: if you’re scared of needles, then we can apply a small amount of topical anesthetic beforehand to make the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?
IV sedation is popular among patients who struggle with severe dental-related anxiety, have neuromuscular issues that make it difficult to keep their mouth open for extended periods of time, have TMJ dysfunctions, or have sensitive gag reflexes. To determine if you’re a good candidate, we will review your medical history, take note of any allergies you have, discuss your anxiety levels, and review any medications you’re taking. With all of this information, we will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for IV sedation.
The Benefits of IV Sedation
There are several benefits of IV sedation! To begin, the sedative will be injected into your bloodstream, and we can adjust the levels as needed throughout your appointment. Although you’ll be extremely relaxed, you will not be unconscious; in fact, you’ll be perfectly capable of answering questions and following simple instructions. We will also keep a close eye on your vital signs all throughout your treatment in the interest of your safety and comfort. Of course, one of the most noteworthy benefits is that IV sedation can help patients who struggle with even the most severe anxiety get the dental care they need without the stress.
Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
The best way to determine if sedation dentistry in Colorado Springs is right for you is by coming in for a consultation so that we can review your medical history, discuss your smile goals, and determine the best course of action. That said, you’re likely a good candidate for sedation dentistry if:
- You’re anxious, afraid, or nervous during dental visits.
- You need help relaxing in the dental chair.
- Your gag reflex is sensitive.
- You don’t respond well to numbing medication alone.
- You have jaw, neck, back, or shoulder issues that make sitting in the dental chair uncomfortable.
- You’re undergoing long or complex dental treatment.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Our team wants you to be comfortable during your procedures, so we may suggest that you be sedated. However, we understand that the use of medications to induce relaxation can give rise to some important questions. Below, you will find the answers to some FAQs about sedation dentistry. If your particular points of curiosity are not included here, give us a call. We will be happy to speak with you!
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
In most cases, sedation is perfectly safe. Before we approve you for sedation, we will take a thorough medical history to discover if you have any risk factors that could cause you to react badly to sedation. We will also closely monitor your vital signs while you are sedated so we can take fast action if something does go wrong.
Some patients experience mild side effects with sedation, such as a slight headache, nausea, and general grogginess. If you notice these issues, they should dissipate as your body metabolizes the sedative medication.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?
The medications used in sedation may pass through the placenta and affect the developing fetus. Therefore, sedation is not generally recommended for pregnant individuals.
We usually recommend that invasive dental procedures wait until after pregnancy. If you need to undergo an urgent treatment while you are pregnant, we will do all we can to make you comfortable without compromising your baby’s health. For example, we can administer local anesthesia to numb your mouth; it is not associated with adverse effects during pregnancy.
What Does It Feel Like to Be Sedated at the Dentist?
The sensations associated with sedation depend on the type of sedation being used. Nitrous oxide often makes patients feel giddy and relaxed. A tingling sensation in the arms and legs is also common.
Oral conscious sedation, on the other hand, usually makes people feel tired, calm, and extremely relaxed. Sometimes they even drift off to sleep. IV sedation produces similar sensations to oral conscious sedation, but it tends to be even more powerful.
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
Generally, nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation come with a lower cost than IV sedation. The total cost of your sedation may be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a thousand dollars or more.
During your consultation, our team can provide a personalized cost estimate for your entire treatment that includes the price of sedation. If you are concerned about the cost of care, let us know. We can make sure you understand your payment options and even help you apply for low-interest financing.