Stay Relaxed During Your Treatment with Sedation Dentistry

One of the biggest fears we have about visiting the dentist is the pain and suffering we imagine enduring during treatment. As a result of this phobia, many patients will avoid seeing the dentist, even if it means forgoing much-needed treatment for serious dental issues. Here at Glacier Creek Dental, we believe that pain and dread should not be an inevitable part of your dental experience. We provide expert sedation dentistry for all our patients so you can stay relaxed and anxiety-free throughout the duration of your treatment.

We provide several levels of sedation, which include:

    • Minimal sedation (fully awake but relaxed)
    • Moderate/conscious sedation (you can still talk, but your words may be slurred—you probably won’t remember much of your experience during treatment)
    • Deep sedation (you are asleep but can still be awakened)
  • General anesthesia (complete unconsciousness)

Sedation can be used in conjunction with any dental treatment in accordance to your preference. It can be used for a simple routine cleaning, or instances like a root canal or dental implant procedure. Though abstaining from sedation during treatment is always your choice, it is highly recommended if:

  • Your anxiety is severe enough to prevent you from seeking necessary dental treatment
  • Your pain threshold is very low
  • You have sensitive teeth and gums
  • Your gag reflex is very sensitive
  • Plenty of dental work is required for your condition

Young patients can also benefit from sedation if they are terrified of getting dental treatment. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is often safe enough for children, while oral sedation can be safely administered according to the child’s age and weight.

Explore Your Options For Sedation

We offer several types of sedation, which we recommend based on the dental treatment you are receiving and your individual patient profile.

Oral sedation can exert mild to moderate effects, depending on the dose being administered. With this method, you must take a pill at least an hour before the procedure. A low dosage pill often delivers mild sedation, where you remain awake but are extremely relaxed. A larger dose will produce moderate sedation, which can cause you to fall asleep during treatment.

IV moderate sedation is delivered through the vein, which produces an immediate sedation effect. The dentist can adjust the amount of sedation as needed, and may be preferable to pills, which take longer to work and cannot be adjusted once consumed.

Deep sedation and general anesthesia is the most powerful method of sedation, which often renders patients unconscious during their treatment. You are not easily awakened under this type of sedation until the drug has run its course through your system.

Though sedation dentistry is overwhelmingly safe for the vast majority of patients, not everyone can be an ideal candidate. Patients who are obese or suffer from obstructive sleep apnea should consult their doctor before requesting sedation. If you are taking prescription medication, make sure to mention it to your dentist as this may produce unintended reactions to the sedation drugs. Your vital signs will also be monitored during your treatment, so the dentist can quickly reverse the sedative if necessary.

If you need dental treatment but are worried about the pain and discomfort, or if you would like to know more about your dental sedation options, call our Fort Collins office today at (970) 267-0993. Our patient liaison will be happy to assist you, whether it’s to schedule your appointment or answer your basic questions. You can also reach us at your convenience by submitting a contact or appointment request online below.