Sedation Dentistry - relax, sleep and wake up to new smile!

Sedation Dentistry Loveland Have you put off or avoided dental treatment due to anxiety or fear? If so you are not alone. This common condition called dental phobia prevents many people from receiving the dental care they need and results in more serious dental problems the longer the treatment is delayed.

Sedation dentistry allows you to have treatment done in one visit in a relaxed and comfortable way with little or no memory of the procedure. Depending on your concerns and condition there are several ways to provide you with the level of sedation that is right for you.

Dr. Andrew Howard has been providing sedation dentistry to apprehensive patients for over 22 years. He is one of the few dentists in Colorado that has been trained and certified by the State Dental Board to provide not only oral sedation but also IV sedation. Also, Dr. Howard has hospital training for treating patients under general anesthetic provided by an anesthesiologist. Dr. Howard is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology and has been a Fellow of the American Association of Hospital Dentists.

Who is a candidate for Sedation Dentistry

Patients with moderate or severe dental fear
Previous bad or traumatic dental experience
Difficulty getting numb
Bad gag reflex
Complex dental problems
Very sensitive teeth
Fear of needles and shots
Desire or need to have all treatment done in one appointment

Benefits

Reduced anxiety and fear
Little or no memory of the procedures
All treatment can be finished in one appointment
Safe and easy to administer

Different Types of Sedation

Sedation can be administered through several different methods, depending on the overall health and level of relaxation required by the patient. Depending on a patient’s anxiety levels, different degrees and types of sedation may be required. These include:

Conscious Oral (enteral) Sedation –this involves taking one or two oral pills about an hour before your visit. Most patients will fall asleep and have little or no memory of the dental treatment.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation – this provides a deeper level of sedation and more amnesia. Medications are administered through an IV line in your arm.

General anesthesia – this provides true unconsciousness and is generally only used for severe or unusual situations. The anesthesia is provided by an anesthesiologist in a hospital or outpatient setting.

Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) – this in an inhaled gas that provides a relaxed feeling but no decreased consciousness or amnesia. The benefit of this is that there are no after effects and you can drive yourself home from the appointment.

Risks

Although the risk of using sedation is low, mild side effects can occur. Some patients may experience nausea, drowsiness or lightheadedness. IV sedation is not recommended for patients who are claustrophobic, have a blocked nasal passage, are obese or have obstructive sleep apnea. Because of potential side effects, you will need someone to drive you home once your procedure is complete.

It is important to discuss the individual risks of sedation dentistry with Dr. Howard, who can help you decide if you can benefit from this technique.

If you are interested in learning more about any of our Sedation Dentistry procedure, call 970-669-3918 today to schedule an appointment.

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Testimonials

"While I still have some anxiety just walking in the door, I find that I am able to relax and my fears soon face once my treatment begins. This was something I did not think was possible until I became your patient. It seems that saying ‘thank you’ isn’t quite enough because, for me, the significance of this is bigger than that for me. That is why I jump at the chance to let others around me know about my great dentist and his staff."

Sincerely,
- Barbara Garrido

* Results may vary in individual cases.