Sedation dentistry, also known as “twilight” or “sleep” dentistry, is used to help patients find optimal comfort during and after their procedures. Sedation dentistry may be performed with oral medications, nitrous oxide, or intravenously (IV sedation), all of which enjoy an impressive safety record. It should be kept in mind that not every type of sedative is appropriate for every patient. This makes choosing an experienced and attentive sedation dentist an important step in protecting your health and happiness.

Person in dentist office
Person in dentist office. Mature mand with closed eyes.

A Closer Look at Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is an inhalational anesthetic, meaning it is administered by inhaling it. With both anxiolysis (anti-anxiety) and analgesic (painkilling) properties, laughing gas often works well for men and women with mild to moderate dental phobia or who require more pain relief than a topical or injected medication may offer.

Nitrous oxide is delivered via nasal cannula and can produce euphoria and relaxation within seconds. These effects wear off quickly, though, requiring a steady flow of nitrous oxide to maintain its relaxing and pain-relieving effects.

Hypoxia, a condition in which tissues in the body become deprived of oxygen, is the biggest risk with nitrous oxide. This risk has been countered through modern delivery methods that provide patients with nine percent more oxygen than found in ambient air. When performed by an experienced, qualified, and watchful sedation dentist, nitrous oxide is incredibly safe and effective for the treatment of dental anxiety and pain.

A Closer Look at IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation, commonly called IV sedation, involves delivering medications through a tube placed into a vein. These medications, like nitrous oxide, have both pain-relieving and anti-anxiety benefits.

IV sedation is often best for patients who suffer extreme anxiety or dental phobia, or for those who may be undergoing a more involved procedure. This method of dental sedation has a long and reliable history of safe and efficacious use, but The best way to learn if it would be ideal for you is through a one-on-one consultation with a sedation dentist at our comfortable and welcoming Cherry Creek office.

At DeWitt Dental Associates, patients receiving IV sedation can still breathe on their own, but vitals are carefully monitored throughout. Constantly vigilant, our sedation dentists remain aware of how the patient is responding, enabling us to take swift action should the need arise.

IV sedation is very safe when administered by a trained and experienced sedation dentistry team. During your initial consultation, we can discuss this in greater detail to help you determine if twilight dentistry is the best option for you.

Our Sedation Options

We offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation, but do not offer oral sedatives at this time. The types of dental sedation we offer have shown to be highly effective at producing optimal comfort for patients struggling with, among other conditions:

  • Dental phobia
  • General anxiety
  • TMJ
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • An overactive gag reflex

Sedation can be beneficial for anyone who finds dental visits uncomfortable – emotionally or physically – and can help those who avoid dental care get the services they need for peak oral health and beauty. If you have been avoiding the dentist out of fear, give us a call and schedule a sedation dentistry consultation where we can listen to your concerns, assess your candidacy for various types of sedation, and guide you towards the most effective solution to your needs.

Serving Metro Denver and all surrounding areas from our Cherry Creek location, please call DeWitt Dental Associates at 303-321-5656 to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation today.

Categories: Sedation Dentistry