Sedation Dentistry – Arvada, CO
Soothing Your Dental Fears
Some patients have had unpleasant experiences at the dentist in the past. Others simply dislike the sound of dental equipment. And of course, many patients struggle with dental phobia. There are countless reasons why you might be tempted to avoid seeing a dentist, but no matter the case, this decision only puts your smile at risk. Fortunately, Dr. Paylor can use different forms of sedation to keep you calm and relaxed whenever you visit West Arvada Family Dental. Call our team today to discuss potential solutions for your dental anxiety, including sedation dentistry in Arvada, CO.
Why Choose West Arvada Family Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Locally-Owned Dental Office That Welcomes All Ages
- Fast-Acting Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Passionate Dentist and Caring Team
Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry
Do you get nervous about your dental visits? Or maybe you just don’t like the noises, sitting in the chair, or having someone touch your mouth? If so, you’re not alone – millions of Americans are affected by some form of dental fear. At West Arvada Family Dental, we are committed to making your dental care as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. That’s why we offer nitrous oxide dental sedation in our Arvada, CO dental office! Read on to learn more about this amazing service.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide
If you have mild to moderate nerves, anxiety, or fear when it comes to your dental care, nitrous oxide might be the perfect solution for you. However, this is also a great option for kids who are still getting used to going to their dental appointments. Additionally, you may be a candidate for nitrous oxide sedation if you have:
- A strong gag reflex
- Difficulty holding your jaw open
- Back or neck pain
- Tooth sensitivity
- Jaw pain
Typically, we won’t recommend nitrous oxide if you’re pregnant, have high blood pressure, or glaucoma. We will always review your medical history and discuss your needs before making a recommendation.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is better known as “laughing gas” because it makes you feel light, happy, and even a little giggly. Combined with oxygen, nitrous oxide is administered through a comfortable nasal mask that is worn during your appointment. Simply breathe in and out as you normally would, and you’ll experience comfort and relaxation. Dr. Paylor can adjust your level of sedation based on your needs throughout the visit, making it very easy to control. Once your treatment is done, we’ll remove the nasal mask, and the effects of nitrous oxide will wear off after a few minutes.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Our sedation dentist in Arvada offers nitrous oxide because of its many advantages, including:
- Personalization: Based on your unique needs, we can adjust the amount of nitrous oxide you breathe in throughout your appointment for customized, better results.
- Effectiveness: Unlike other forms of sedation, nitrous oxide kicks in almost immediately, making it easy to stay cool, calm, and collected from the beginning of your appointment.
- Convenience: Because it wears off quickly, you can drive yourself to and from our dental office, and you’ll be able to enjoy the rest of your day without a long period of recovery.
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
If you’re feeling particularly anxious about your dental treatment, we can give you oral medication to put your body in a relaxed and rested state during your appointment. The medication must be taken ahead of time, usually in the hours before the appointment itself. Time will seem to pass by very quickly while you’re under the effects of oral conscious sedation, and you likely won’t have any memories of the visit itself. You’ll need to ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment. To learn more about oral conscious sedation, read more below.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Most dentists recommend oral conscious sedation to patients having trouble overcoming their anxiety or discomfort. Some commonly prescribed medications include Valium, Ativan, and Halcion. Regardless of the type you use, you’ll be asked to take it at some point before your procedure. Shortly after ingesting it, you’ll begin to feel the effects.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Although oral conscious sedation will make you feel deeply relaxed and sleepy, it will not produce unconsciousness. You might drift off to a light slumber, but it should be fairly easy for you to be awakened by a light shake. Since you’ll be instructed to take it before your appointment, you need to have a loved one drive you to and from the appointment.
When you get to our office, you should feel very relaxed. Throughout your appointment, our team will keep a close eye on your vitals to ensure you’re safe and comfortable. After a few hours, the effects will begin to wear off. Make sure you take it easy for the rest of the day until you feel back to normal.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Not sure if you’re a good candidate for oral conscious sedation? Dr. Paylor may recommend it if you:
- Suffer from mild to severe dental fear, anxiety, or nervousness
- Regularly cancel or reschedule appointments because of nerves
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Are receiving multiple dental treatments in one appointment
- Cannot keep your mouth open for long
- Have trouble sitting still in the treatment chair
- Have difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia
- Had a bad dental experience in the past