A Colorado Springs Dental Implant Dentist’s Comprehensive Patient Guide to Sedation Dentistry, PART 1

This four-part article series provides an in-depth overview of sedation dentistry, what it is, how it works, the benefits it offers and what patients can expect from its different methods of administration.

No one likes the idea of having dental work done. Now couple that with an all-out fear of the dentist and you’ve got a patient who’s likely to choose living with toothache over going for an appointment. The problem is, left for too long, dental problems can become exponentially worse. Something that could easily have been repaired within the space of an hour could turn into a full mouth reconstruction project and, of course, you’ll be kicking yourself when you see the attached dental bills.

Phobia and anxiety aren’t choices, though. So how can the terribly fearful of Colorado Springs residents overcome the crippling physical manifestations of their fear to receive the routine preventative and restorative dental treatment necessary to maintain excellent oral health and hygiene? Moreover, how can these people find the inner strength to come in for procedures as terrifying as dental surgery? The answer is not to live with your dental problems…

It’s sedation dentistry.

In this four-part article series, a Colorado Springs dental implant dentist will be talking to us about sedation: what it is, how it works and the different methods of sedation available. He’ll explain to us what sedation feels like and what patients can expect from their experience. Armed with the knowledge of this, it is hoped that more Colorado Springs residents will be encouraged to see the dentist again, knowing that sedation can spare them the trauma of fear and anxiety attacks.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the answer Colorado Springs residents who have traditionally struggled with fear and anxiety have been waiting for. Through the administration of special medications that depress the central nervous system – much like alcohol does but without the liver damage and hangover – sedation makes dental treatment completely relaxing, pleasant and carefree.

There are three primary modes for sedation and they are:

1. Oral Conscious Sedation: Patients take one or two tranquillizer pills about an hour prior to their appointment or procedure.

2. Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Also known as “laughing gas,” patients breathe this in through an oxygen mask whilst in the dentist’s chair, which delivers immediate relaxing effects.

3. Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Delivered via an intravenous tube and controlled by the dentist throughout the procedure. IV sedation is especially useful for more complex and invasive procedures, such as dental implant surgery.

We will be taking a closer look at these various sedation methods and what patients can expect from them in a subsequent installment of this series. For now, our cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs answers the following question…

What Does Sedation Feel Like?

“When sedated, you’ll physically feel calm and relaxed and mentally, somewhat detached from reality,” explains the Colorado Springs cosmetic dentist. “You won’t be fully aware of what’s going on and even better, you won’t care. Sedation can, in some respects, be compared with feeling slightly drunk except without any of the unpleasant side effects like nausea. You’ll feel sleepy, deeply relaxed and your thoughts will be “fuzzy” and dream-like. Few people actually remember their appointment once they’ve emerged from the effects of sedation, but what they will remember is that they didn’t experience any pain, anxiety or fear.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more about sedation dentistry and its many incredible benefits, stay tuned for the second installment of this four-part article series.