Sedation Dentistry

Anxious About the Dentist? Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Do you dread going to the dentist? Does your heart race when you hear the dental drill or smell that sterile office environment? You’re not alone. Many people feel anxious and uneasy about dental visits, whether it’s due to a phobia of needles, bad childhood experiences, or just general stress about the procedures. The good news is you no longer have to put up with fear and discomfort at the dentist any longer. 

At our Denver office, Dr. Michael Hoagburg and our dental team make your relaxation and peace of mind our top priority. With customized sedation dentistry, you can finally have the calm, gentle dental care you deserve. Our compassionate team will listen to your unique needs and ensure you receive anxiety-free treatment in a judgment-free environment. Your smile and health are worth it, and we’re here to provide that positive, stress-free dental experience you’ve been searching for. Call 303-333-5148 to learn more about our sedation treatment

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medications to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. Many people experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist, which can make procedures more difficult for both the patient and the dentist. Sedation dentistry allows patients to undergo treatments with less stress and discomfort.

At Lowry Advanced Dentistry in Denver, CO, Dr. Hoagburg offers different levels of sedation to meet each patient’s needs. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sleep. With our oral conscious sedation, you remain awake but in a relaxed, drowsy state. IV moderate sedation causes drowsiness where you drift off to sleep but can still respond to touch and voice. General anesthesia induces deep sleep, so you are completely unaware during the procedure.

What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Oral conscious sedation is a common and effective form of sedation dentistry. It involves taking medications by mouth before your dental appointment to induce a state of relaxation. The medications typically used are anti-anxiety drugs known as benzodiazepines. Some common examples include Valium, Halcion, and Ativan.

With oral conscious sedation, you remain completely awake and able to respond during the procedure. However, you feel drowsy, calmer, and more comfortable. It reduces anxiety and fear, allowing you to undergo dental work with minimal pain or memories of the experience.

The level of sedation can be precisely controlled by carefully titrating the dose of medication. At Lowry Advanced Dentistry, Dr. Hoagburg starts with a mild dose and increases it incrementally until the desired effect is achieved. He closely monitors vitals to ensure safety. You may feel sleepy but still be conscious and able to follow instructions.

Oral conscious sedation is safe when properly administered. Side effects are typically mild, and may include nausea, headache, or drowsiness that persists for a few hours after the appointment. With Dr. Hoagburg’s expertise, oral conscious sedation provides an effective way to relax during dental treatments.

How Can Sedation Help You at the Dentist?

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits that can improve your comfort at the dentist and overall dental health. Here are some of the top ways sedation can help:

• Reduce Anxiety – Sedation minimizes anxiety, fear, and discomfort that often comes with dental visits. This allows you to undergo procedures with greater relaxation.
• Prevent Pain – By inducing deep relaxation or sleep, sedation prevents you from feeling pain during invasive or long procedures. You remain comfortable throughout the entire appointment.
• Enable Complex Treatments – Sedation lets you tolerate lengthier and more complicated treatments that may otherwise be too stressful or painful while you’re alert.
• Improve Safety – Less anxiety means less movement during procedures, reducing the risk of injury or errors. You can follow the dentist’s instructions more readily.
• Induce Amnesia – Some levels of sedation cause temporary amnesia so you don’t recall stressful details about the procedure afterwards. This amnesic effect enhances comfort and outcomes.
• Decrease Recovery Time – The relaxed state from sedation minimizes the physical stress of dental treatments. This allows you to return to normal activity more quickly.
• Reduce Fear of Future Visits – Having a positive, pain-free sedation experience helps minimize the dread of going to the dentist. It puts you at ease for subsequent appointments.

In Denver, CO, Dr. Hoagburg uses sedation to transform dental visits into experiences of serenity and healing. With customized sedation at Lowry Advanced Dentistry, you can achieve your best oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How will I feel during sedation?

You may feel sleepy, relaxed, and peaceful but still be able to respond to touch and verbal directions. Oral sedation provides light relaxation, while IV sedation induces a deeper drowsy state. General anesthesia causes complete unconsciousness.

Will I remember my treatment after sedation?

Many patients have little to no memory of details during the procedure. However, with oral sedation, you remain conscious so some memories may persist. Deeper IV sedation or general anesthesia is more likely to induce amnesia.

How long does sedation dentistry last?

The effects depend on the specific medications used and your response. Oral sedatives act for two to six hours. IV sedation lasts about four to six hours. With general anesthesia, you awaken within 10 to 20 minutes after the procedure finishes.

Will I be able to drive after?

No, you will need assistance getting home after receiving any level of sedation. The sedatives can impair coordination, reflexes, and judgment for several hours after the effects wear off. Plan for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

Your Solution for a Calm and Comfortable Dental Visit

We understand that visiting the dentist can cause uneasiness and distress. But your smile and dental health are too important to avoid care. At Lowry Advanced Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves compassionate dentistry they can feel at ease with. That’s why Dr. Hoagburg offers customized sedation so every patient can have a calm, comfortable, and positive experience, regardless of fear or anxiety levels. 

Whether you live in Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, or elsewhere in the metro area, we’re here to provide gentle, stress-free dental care. Please call 303-333-5148 today to schedule a consultation. Discover how sedation dentistry can help you relax, reduce your fears, and get the quality oral care you need. Your comfort and well-being matter to us.