Sedation

You’re not alone if you feel anxious or nervous when visiting the dentist. Dan Yahnian, DDS, and the team at Capitol Premier Dental Group in Denver, Colorado, understand that dental visits are uncomfortable for some patients. The team proudly partners with a sedation specialist to offer patients a wide range of anesthetics for a more comfortable dental experience. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to find out if sedation is right for you.

What is sedation?

Sedation includes techniques that can help you relax and minimize discomfort. At Capitol Premier Dental Group, an on-site sedation specialist uses medication to ease dental anxiety and improve your comfort. The team can recommend the best type of sedation for you after a comprehensive dental exam.

What are the different types of sedation?

The most common types of dental sedation are:

Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a sedative you inhale. This gas is the mildest form of sedation, safe for adults and children alike. When you use nitrous oxide, you inhale a combination of gas and oxygen through a mask. 

Nitrous oxide is the only form of sedation that enables you to drive yourself home after. Its effects quickly wear off within minutes after removing the mask.

Oral sedation
During oral sedation, the team administers a pill about one hour before your procedure. While you remain conscious throughout the visit, you may not be aware of your surroundings. Oral sedation encourages you to relax and takes your mind off the procedure. You may even fall asleep during your treatment.

If you choose oral sedation, it’s important to coordinate a ride home. You may be groggy and tired for several hours after the procedure.

IV sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream. The deepest form of sedation, IV delivery may cause you to lose consciousness. You will not be aware of your surroundings, allowing you to experience deep relaxation during your procedure. After treatment, you should have someone drive you home and monitor you.

General anesthesia
General anesthesia puts you to sleep during your procedure. The team monitors you throughout the procedure and uses medication to wake you up. It can take several hours for the effects of general anesthesia to subside, so you must have a friend or relative care for you while you recover.

The team uses hospital-grade monitoring equipment during all anesthetic procedures to ensure your safety, including: 

• Pulse oximetry
• Electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Capnography
• Anesthetic gas analysis
• Bluetooth pre-tracheal stethoscopes
• Video laryngoscopy
• Electronic non-invasive blood pressure monitoring

Your safety is the team’s main concern, so they tailor your sedation treatment to fit your needs while using these high-grade monitoring systems during the entire process.

Am I a candidate for sedation?

The team at Capitol Premier Dental Group frequently recommends sedation to patients who have:

• Dental anxiety and phobias
• A low pain threshold
• A sensitive gag reflex
• Trouble sitting still
• Special needs
• Sensitivity to sensations, such as touch or sound

You may also benefit from sedation if you need extensive dental work. Call Capitol Premier Dental Group today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about sedation.

Learn More About Sedation Dentistry