Sedation Dentistry – Longmont, CO
Feel More Comfortable in the Treatment Chair
If you’re struggling with feelings of nervousness, anxiety, or fear when faced with an upcoming appointment, know that you’re not alone. In fact, studies show that around one in five people are scared of the dentist. At Longmont Complete Dentistry, Dr. Dan Maurer and the rest of our team take those feelings seriously, and we want to help you feel as comfortable as possible during your treatment. With sedation dentistry, you can finally spend your appointments relaxed and at ease instead of dreading every minute. Contact our dental office today to schedule a visit, or if you have any questions about your options for sedation dentistry in Longmont, CO.
Why Choose Longmont Complete Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Sedation for Mild to Severe Phobias
- Great for Patients with Strong Gag Reflexes
- We Accept Dental Insurance
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
Our team is likely to recommend sedation dentistry for patients who fit into any of the following characteristics. Does one of them sound familiar to you?
- If you regularly avoid dental care out of fear, embarrassment, or anxiety.
- If you’re unable to become numb with traditional anesthetic.
- If you have an overly sensitive gag reflex.
- If you find it very difficult to sit still for long periods of time.
- If you had a bad experience as a child at the dentist.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is more commonly known by the name “laughing gas.” It doesn’t exactly make you laugh, though – at least not all the time. Instead, patients are more likely to just feel calmer and more content as they breathe it in through a mask. The effects start within minutes, and they also wear off just as fast, which is good news for busy people who need to head back to work right away.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Candidates for nitrous oxide are often patients who:
- Struggle with dental-related anxiety
- Experience severe dental sensitivity
- Have jaw, neck, and back pain in the treatment chair
- Fear needles or the sights and sounds of the dental office
Of course, there are some cases where nitrous oxide is not recommended. For example, if you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, then this calming solution is not ideal for you. Don’t worry – we will still work together to find a solution that will keep you calm, comfortable, and happy in the treatment chair.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
The process of administering nitrous oxide is actually fairly easy! After you arrive for your appointment and settle into the treatment chair, we will place a small mask over your nose. Once it’s securely and comfortably in place, we will instruct you to breathe through your nose as you normally would. After a few minutes, the effects will begin to set in, causing you to feel calm, comfortable, and utterly relaxed. Once you’re ready, we’ll begin your treatment, checking in with you throughout to make sure you’re still doing well.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
After your treatment is complete, we will switch off the nitrous oxide so only oxygen flows through the nasal mask. After a few minutes, the effects will begin to dissipate. At this point, we will answer any questions you have and provide you with any necessary aftercare instructions. You won’t feel any lingering grogginess, so you can drive yourself home when you’re ready to leave too! In fact, that’s one of the reasons patients love this calming solution so much; you don’t need to take time off work or arrange for anyone to drive you home from your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you suffer from moderate to severe dental anxiety or are preparing to undergo multiple dental treatments, you might find that oral conscious sedation is right for you. This method of sedation is delivered in pill form and is easy to take. You will find that with oral conscious sedation, you can get the oral healthcare you need without the added fear or nervousness commonly caused by visiting the dentist’s office.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Unlike nitrous oxide, which is administered via a mask, or IV sedation, which requires the use of a needle, oral conscious sedation is provided to you in the form of pill medication. Prescribed by our dental team, you can quickly and easily enter into a more relaxed state after taking the medicine, allowing you to pursue the dental care you need with ease.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is a stronger form of sedation. We’ll prescribe a medication, and you will take it at a certain time before your appointment starts. Once under the effects, you should start feeling deeply relaxed – many people don’t even remember much about the visit once it’s over, which is good news for highly anxious or frightened patients.
Our team will complete the necessary dental service(s) while you remain relaxed. You may even doze off during your appointment but don’t worry, you won’t be fully sedated. Instead, our team will be able to wake you up with a slight nudge should we need you to respond to a dental cue.
When choosing this form of sedation, you will need an escort to take you to our dental office and take you home afterward.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
If you struggle with any of the following issues, oral conscious sedation might be an ideal option for you:
- Unsuccessful attempts with nitrous oxide
- Experience moderate dental anxiety
- Are preparing to undergo multiple dental treatments in one appointment
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Do not like needles
- Have past dental trauma
You will need to have a scheduled consultation with our team to discuss your overall health and existing medications. It is necessary that we make sure that the sedation you receive does not negatively interact with any current pills you are taking, as we want to ensure that you will experience the full effects of the sedation during your visit.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
If you need dental work or struggle with anxiety when it's time to visit the dentist, you might be a candidate for sedation dentistry. Your sedation dentist in Longmont at Longmont Complete Dentistry can provide the comfortable care you need. Don't worry if you have some concerns. Your sedation dentist will explain everything during your consultation. You can also contact our office to speak with a member of our dental team or review the answers to the most frequently asked questions below.
Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?
Your dentist can use a local numbing medication along with dental sedation, depending on your treatment plan. Although you won't have any pain while in the dentist's chair, your mouth may be tender after the effects of any medications wear off. You can manage it with an OTC pain reliever and eat soft foods. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.
Does Dental Sedation Cause Memory Loss?
Some dental sedation can cause memory loss. Fragmented memory is more common with oral conscious sedation. This can be beneficial for patients who have had poor dental experiences in the past or suffer from dental-related fears or phobias.
Which Type of Sedation is Right for Me?
No situations are identical. After a consultation, your dentist will determine which sedation is right for you:
- Nitrous Oxide: Better known as “laughing gas,” the inhaled sedative creates deep relaxation with no lingering side effects. It is the safest option for most patients, including children.
- Oral Conscious: A prescribed medication is taken before your appointment to calm any anxiety. You may even doze off during your treatment. It can take a few hours for the effects to dissipate, so you will need someone to drive you home.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation can be considered a luxury, so it isn't always covered by insurance. However, if your dentist determines it is medically necessary to perform a procedure, your insurance may cover some of the expenses after meeting your annual deductible. A member of our office will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any appropriate coverage. We accept several payment options for any out-of-pocket expenses, like CareCredit. You can pay for sedation dentistry using a monthly payment plan with little or no interest in financing.