Early & Late Hours
Comfortable & Worry-Free Dentistry
Dental fear and anxiety is common in patients of all ages, but if your dental fear is affecting your dental health, it’s time for you to learn about sedation dentistry. Evergreen Dental Group offers nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Depending on your level of need on the day of surgery as well as the complexity and length of the procedure you are undergoing, your dentist will make a recommendation for what type of sedation will be most beneficial for you.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form. You take it about an hour before your appointment — plan for someone to drive you to the dentist’s office, because you will be completely relaxed by the time you settle into the chair. You remain conscious throughout your time under oral conscious sedation, but you may not remember the details of your procedure.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide helps patients with mild to moderate levels of anxiety relax before minor procedures. You breathe the gas in through a small nasal mask, and its effects take over almost immediately. The relaxing effects of nitrous oxide also wear off as soon as the mask is removed, allowing you to resume your day without any lasting grogginess.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is reserved for patients with significant fear or for those undergoing longer procedures in a single appointment. The sedative is administered directly into the bloodstream and is easily adjusted throughout treatment to ensure you receive the appropriate dosage for maximum comfort.
Patients from Evergreen and surrounding Golden, Idaho Springs, Conifer, and Bailey are invited to contact us to benefit from calm, relaxing dentistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who experience dental anxiety or phobia, have a strong gag reflex, struggle to get numb with local anesthetic, have special needs that make traditional appointments difficult, are undergoing lengthy or invasive procedures, or simply want a more relaxed experience. If fear of the dentist has been keeping you from getting the care you need, sedation could be the solution you've been looking for.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. When administered by trained dental professionals, sedation dentistry is very safe. Our experienced team carefully reviews your medical history, current medications, and overall health before recommending the right type of sedation for you. We monitor you closely throughout the entire procedure to ensure your safety and comfort from start to finish.
What's the difference between nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation?
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the mildest option, inhaled through a nasal mask for quick relaxation that wears off immediately after treatment. Oral conscious sedation is a pill taken about an hour before your appointment, providing deeper relaxation that lasts several hours. IV sedation is the strongest option, delivered directly into the bloodstream for significant fear or longer procedures, with the dosage easily adjusted throughout treatment. Our team will recommend the best option based on your needs.
Will I be unconscious during sedation dentistry?
No. All three sedation options at our Evergreen, CO office keep you conscious and able to respond to instructions, though you'll feel deeply relaxed and may have little memory of the procedure afterward. This is different from general anesthesia, which puts you completely to sleep. Sedation dentistry simply helps you feel calm and comfortable while remaining aware.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
You can drive yourself home after nitrous oxide since the effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask. However, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation require a responsible adult to drive you to and from our Evergreen office, as the effects can last several hours. Be sure to arrange transportation in advance if you're scheduled for either of these sedation types.
How long do the effects of sedation last?
Nitrous oxide effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask. Oral conscious sedation typically lasts several hours, with full recovery by the next day. IV sedation effects wear off within a few hours, though you may feel groggy for the rest of the day. We recommend resting at home and avoiding important decisions, alcohol, or operating heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after oral or IV sedation.
Will I feel any pain during my procedure?
No. Sedation dentistry helps you relax, but we also use local anesthetic to completely numb the treatment area, so you won't feel pain during your procedure. The combination of sedation and local anesthetic ensures the most comfortable experience possible, whether you're getting a routine filling or a more involved treatment.
New Patients and Emergency Appointments are Welcome!
