Does the thought of visiting the dentist make you anxious? Has it been years since your last dental visit? We can help. Our friendly office staff, hygienists, and dentist, Dr. Rachel Barone, aim to create a positive experience for anxious patients.
Sedation dentistry is a treatment we offer at Gunbarrel Dental Center in Boulder, CO, to help patients with dental fear and anxiety. Dental sedation is a general dentistry service that can help patients maintain their smiles and prevent common oral health problems like cavities and gum disease.
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a great option for many patients who visit Gunbarrel Dental Center. You can improve your oral health when you feel more comfortabel in the dental chair. Sedation is a great dental tool for patietns with:
- Dental Anxiety: Dental sedation is mainly for patients who have dental anxiety. A fear of the dentist occurs on the spectrum. Some patients are only triggered by certain sounds, like that of a drill, while others have such a debilitating fear that they can’t even enter a dentist office. Sedation allows these patients to get the regular dental care they need to keep their mouth healthy.
- Complex Care: Patients who can’t come into the office for their regular care are more likely to suffer from severe dental issues. They may go years without proper dental care. Sedation is also great for patients who need multiple or intensive procedures. It can be hard for patients to feel relaxed for hours. We recommend sedation for multiple procedures, even for patients without dental fear.
- Movement Disorders: Sedation is also great for children or patients who have movement disorders. Dental work is very precise and sometimes requires sharp tools. If you make involuntary movements, it’s harder for our dentist to work and can increase your risk of soft tissue injuries. A dental tool can hit the wrong spot in your mouth if you aren’t still. Sedation can relax you and lessen these involuntary movements to help you sit still.
- A Poor Gag Reflex: It can also be hard for us to work on your mouth if you have a poor gag reflex. It makes care extremely uncomfortable for you. But sedation can relax the gag reflex so that it isn’t as intense while you get treatment.
In general, sedation makes it easier for Dr. Barone to work. When you sit still, she can do the work more quickly and efficiently. She can get more done, and you don’t have to come into the office as often. It’s safer for you and keeps you comfortable.
Types of Sedation Dentistry in Boulder, CO
When we do procedures like dental fillings, we use a local anesthetic. It reduces and prevents pain for patients to receive the care they need. Often, we use the local anesthetic alongside dental sedation for more intensive procedures. Our top priority is guaranteeing your comfort. Our office offers multiple types of sedation, too.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, calms patients. This gas is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that we place over the nose and mouth. It’s the most accessible type of sedation. It takes effect and dissipates quickly, within a few breaths. Laughing gas is the only type of sedation where patients can still drive themselves to and from their appointments.
You feel relaxed and euphoric throughout your procedure, yet you’re still aware of everything that’s happening. Our dentist can ask you questions, and you can answer them under nitrous oxide sedation. This solution is popular for parents seeking sedation for their children, as they don’t need to take medicine or get an IV to use it.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This solution provides a deeper sedation effect than laughing gas. We administer it by prescribing a pill for you to take before you come into the office. Typically, you’ll take it about an hour before your appointment to give it time to take effect. Oral conscious sedation can last several hours, so you’ll need a trusted ride to and from your appointment.
While this medication doesn’t put you to sleep, you may feel relaxed enough to fall asleep during your procedure. It can also produce an amnesia effect where you don’t remember parts or all of your procedure.
IV Sedation
Dr. Barone is partnered with a local Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) to provide IV or intravenous sedation. This type of sedation delivers anti-anxiety medication through the bloodstream. Patients with more severe dental anxiety benefit from IV sedation.
We measure the patient’s blood pressure, pulse, and breathing rate throughout every type of sedation. Patients may also fall asleep under nitrous oxide or IV sedation, and we will gently wake them up once the effects of the sedation wear off. You usually don’t remember your procedure when you have this option. It’s the deepest form of sedation we offer.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions for our team? We’ll be happy to help. Read answers to common questions about sedation dentistry treatment in Boulder, CO.
Will I be unconscious under sedation?
It depends on the type of sedation used. Most dental sedation options like laughing gas help you feel relaxed but keep you awake and able to respond. You may feel very calm, drowsy, or even a little sleepy, but you won’t be fully unconscious. Only deeper forms of sedation can make you nearly or fully asleep during treatment.
When can I return to school or work after sedation?
The answer depends on the type of sedation you receive. If you have nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”), you can usually return to school or work right after your appointment because its effects wear off quickly.
You may feel drowsy or groggy for several hours after IV or oral sedation. In these cases, you need to have someone drive you home. We recommend that you avoid school, work, or any activities that require full focus for the rest of the day. Dr. Barone will give you specific instructions based on your needs.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe because we ensure you get the right type of sedation for your age, weight, and health. Dr. Barone will take your allergies and health concerns into account before she recommends sedation. Nitrous oxide is thethe safest and most effective option. It helps them relax during dental treatments without putting them fully to sleep.
Certain types of sedation are not recommended for patients with conditions like sleep apnea, as these could increase risks. Our team carefully evaluates each patient to choose the safest sedation method. We want you to feel calm and comfortable while you get the care you need.
Contact Us Today
Get comfortable dental care and treat dental anxiety in one place. Call Gunbarrel Dental Center for dental sedation in Boulder, CO, today at 720-881-0614. You can also request a dental appointment on our website. Please let our team know if you have any questions about sedation. We can help!