Effective sedation dentistry techniques can eliminate the fear and stress you may feel before and during dental treatment. If you are afraid of the dentist’s chair, you are not alone! Millions of people suffer from similar fears. Fostering a positive patient experience is an integral part of excellent dental care. Our Stonebrook Family Dental team is dedicated to helping our patients feel welcome, comfortable, and enthusiastic about improved oral health and aesthetics. Sedation dentistry helps patients to relax and retain a positive attitude about oral health. The better relationship you have about oral health care, the more likely you are to not put off dental care when you need it.

By the Numbers

The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) estimates that 30% of adults avoid the dentist due to fear. That’s 30% of people who could be suffering needlessly from oral diseases despite the technological advances that modern times have to offer. In fact, some researchers estimate that a staggering 75 million people living in the United States have some level of fear when it comes to dental care. That’s about ¼ of the population of just the USA. These fears could stem from general anxiety, a fear of needles or fear of the dental office itself due to traumatic childhood memories and even bad experiences as adults.

Let Sedation Dentistry Eliminate Your Fears

If you're one of those people that has avoided the dentist due to fear or anxiety, we have the answer for you. Sedation dentistry removes that fear and anxiety while we work on your teeth. Sedation can be safely used for short dental procedures or for dental procedures that last several hours.

Sedation dentistry can also eliminate the need to set multiple appointments to complete the dental procedures you need. Often, multiple procedures can be completed in one visit, all while you feel relaxed and comfortable. Most importantly, you will be completely pain-free, and will not see, hear or smell any of aspects you fear.

The Purpose of Sedation Dentistry

Many people refer to sedation dentistry as “sleep dentistry”, as it deals heavily with sedation (hence the name). This nickname is inaccurate however, as the patient does not actually sleep during their procedure. Depending on the patient, various medicines can be used to stay relaxed and calm during the procedure. The purpose of sedation dentistry is to allow a patient to receive routine oral care without the fear and anxiety that many feel approaching the dental office. The body and mind can relax under the close supervision of the dental provider. In many cases, procedures have been shown to go by quicker and are needed less often by those who choose sedation dentistry.

Your Sedation Options

Will sedation dentistry involve needles? Yes and no. You and Dr. Varley will discuss what level of sedation you feel you will need for your treatment. One sedation option does use an intravenous needle to administer the level of sedation needed. This type of sedation is used most commonly with longer, surgical procedures. Other sedation options do not use a needle, but are taken orally by swallowing or dissolving on or under the tongue. Some of these sedation options last for less than an hour, while others last hours for longer procedures. These medicines administered orally allow a person to be somewhat sedated but awake enough to speak and answer questions.

Sedation Dentistry Certification

Dentists are trained in sedation dentistry and go through continuing education courses to stay up-to-date with the best care for their patients. The medicines they use to help patients with fear and anxiety and are known as benzodiazepines. These oral drugs include lorazepam, hydroxyzine, diazepam (valium), triazolam, zaleplon, and midazolam. The names are not as important as what they do for you. Oral sedation is one of three options patients have besides intravenous (IV) sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Taking a pill is quick and effective, it costs less than other options, and you won’t remember much of your dental experience. That is a win-win for most people. Plus, you can administer the medicine yourself, giving you even more control over your dental care.

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Any healthy adult can qualify for sedation dentistry. If you have had traumatic experiences in the past, if you have difficulty getting numb, if you have a strong gag reflex, or you are just simply afraid of the dentist, sedation dentistry could be right for you. Stonebrook Family Dental is conveniently located in Aurora, CO. We take pride in providing a positive experience for our patients! Call us today at 303-872-7907 for a consultation.