When you visit Creekview Dental, one of the first things you’ll notice is our relaxing and modern atmosphere. You will also appreciate how our dentists take ample time to get to know our patients, which helps them understand their goals, needs, and concerns. However, for some patients, this is not enough to help them feel at ease in the dental chair.

For patients who suffer from considerable dental anxiety, we offer dental sedation with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Here are some of the benefits of utilizing sedation dentistry in Denver to get the dental care you need.

HOW DOES NITROUS OXIDE WORK?

Since it is a breathable gas, nitrous is administered through a small mask worn during your procedure. It works quickly to eliminate any fear or anxiety you might be feeling, and even produces feelings of euphoria for some people, which is why it’s sometimes called laughing gas.

You will feel comfortable and at ease throughout your procedure and the effects of nitrous immediately wear off once your mask is removed. Because it leaves your system quickly, using nitrous doesn’t interfere with your normal daily activities and it is even safe for you to drive yourself home.

Nitrous is versatile and can be used with almost any type of procedure, so if you think sedation dentistry is something that might benefit you, we encourage you to discuss your needs with Dr. Herman or Dr. Whiteley. Nitrous is also safe for children to use if needed.

THE COST OF AVOIDING THE DENTIST

Many patients feel that it’s not important to visit the dentist unless their teeth are hurting or they have a specific dental issue. This is especially true for those who suffer from dental anxiety. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth!

Unlike your medical doctor, who sees you when you are injured or sick, your dentist is all about prevention. This means that it’s important for them to see you on a regular basis, twice a year for most patients, in order to help you protect and maintain your oral health, which in turn helps you avoid more significant issues.

If you are fearful of the dentist, it can create a vicious cycle where you avoid appointments, only coming in when you have a problem or pain, which causes the need for more complex and invasive procedures. This cycle ignites your fear and anxiety about going to the dentist even more.

However, it can often be avoided with regular dental cleanings and checkups, and nitrous oxide can help make those visits more comfortable.

Would you like to learn more about reclaiming your oral health and getting the dental treatment you need in the most comfortable manner possible? Give Creekview Dental a call today for more information.

ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION

Dr. Herman is certified in oral conscious sedation to make treatment easier for those who have dental-related anxieties or need an invasive procedure. This is a prescribed medication taken before your appointment to help you relax. As the sedative takes effect, your worries and fears dissipate as you reach a deep level of relaxation to the point you may even fall asleep. You will not be aware of what is going on around you, but you can still respond to the dentist’s ques. After your appointment, the sedative will wear off in a few hours, so you will need a friend or loved one to drive you home.

IV SEDATION

If you have severe dental-related phobias, need multiple procedures, or an invasive treatment, IV sedation may be more appropriate. If you prefer to be completely asleep for your appointment, we bring in a specialized dental anesthesiologist. The sedative is administered intravenously, which allows for better control to meet your exact needs. You quickly drift off into a relaxed state of mind, but you are easily awakened after the sedative is stopped without enduring any lingering side effects.