Relaxing Dental Treatment with Sedation Dentistry

Do you dread going to the dentist? We have methods to help you feel good and experience relaxing dental treatment with sedation dentistry. What’s even better is that we provide different levels of sedation catered to the needs of each patient. Sedation dentistry is great for patients who have fears or phobias about the dentist. We can help you relax with minimal, moderate or deep sedation via general anesthesia if you prefer. We can also provide you tips to help you not dread the dentist as well as recommendations for proper oral hygiene. Find out what sedation dentistry is and how it can help you! Follow our recommendations for better oral health and how you can enjoy your dental experience at Smile Fort Collins today.

Relaxing Dental Treatment through Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a special type of dental option that is especially beneficial for our patients who have a fear of needles or a phobia of the dentist’s office. There are actually many patients that fear the dentist or fear the numbing anesthetic process (via needles) that are used in some of our procedures. This fear can make patients skip the dental office and leave their dental work untreated. An estimated 15% of adult Americans avoid the dentist because of their phobias and fears. Seeing the dentist and receiving proper care for your teeth and gums is the best way to keep your health on track and avoid major problems down the road.

Our Sedation Dentistry Options

There are several levels of sedation that we utilize at our Smile Fort Collins office. These include the following:

• Oral Sedation – We deliver this sedation method orally via a pill that you take at least an hour before your dental appointment or procedure. This pill will moderately sedate you, allowing you to be awake but have a relaxing dental treatment. If you want more than just mild sedation, we can provide a stronger dose that might cause you to relax enough that you fall asleep during your treatment. Oral sedation is the most common form of sedation dentistry in the United States.
• IV Moderate Sedation – For those that don’t have a fear of needles, we have the IV option delivered through the vein. This will immediately sedate you and may be preferable to pills if you want an immediate sedative. The amount of sedation and time period can be more easily adjusted through this method.
• Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia – This is the most powerful form of sedation dentistry. This form is especially helpful for those with intense phobias of needles or the dentist’s office. Deep sedation will render you unconscious during your treatment so that you have no recollection of the dental procedure. The work we do will not easily waken you and you will be sedated until the drug has run its course. We recommend patients bring a friend or family member with them when undergoing deep sedation or general anesthesia, as you can feel sleepy even after your dental appointment is over.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

The best thing you can do when it comes to your oral health is stick to the basics. Practicing good oral hygiene will ensure you have fewer visits to the dentist and will help you steer clear of tooth decay and gum disease that are so prevalent in the United States. We always recommend brushing the teeth several times a day. Brushing after each meal is the most beneficial practice for your oral health, as it limits the amount of plaque that builds up and sits on your teeth. We also recommend flossing every day, twice a day if possible. A healthy mouth is one that sticks to a good oral hygiene routine with regular in-office visits. Regular biannual checkups and cleanings will allow us to clean the plaque and tartar from your teeth. It will also allow us to view the status of your teeth to ascertain if tooth decay or gum disease has set in.

If you fear the dentist, it helps to bring a friend along with you that can help relax you. Practice relaxing breathing before and after you arrive. You can also bring music and headphones to listen to or something to take your mind off of your dental treatments while you are in-office. Find methods that help you relax the best and prepare before you come into our office. Also let our office staff know how you are feeling so we can accommodate your needs and make your experience better. We want to do all we can to ensure you have a relaxing dental treatment.

Your Dental Experience

Sedation dentistry can greatly enhance your experience at the dentist. Like we mentioned, practicing good oral hygiene will help lower your risk for tooth decay and gum disease. This will also help you only have the need to receive dental cleanings instead of dental work. When dental work is needed, you have many options to help you have a relaxing dental treatment. If you are interested in our sedation dentistry options, call our office today at (970) 267-0993 to learn more or to schedule your appointment!