For many people, visiting the dentist can cause feelings of nervousness, stress, or even significant anxiety. At Golden Dental Solutions, we believe fear should never stand in the way of receiving quality dental care. Dr. Dallas D. Kenson, Dr. Katie Reed, and Dr. Allison Schmidt offer multiple sedation dentistry options to help patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident throughout treatment. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, require extensive dental work, or have avoided the dentist for years because of anxiety, our team can help create a more positive experience.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, uses medication or relaxation techniques to help patients remain calm during dental treatment. Depending on your needs, sedation can range from mild relaxation to a deeper state of comfort. During your consultation, our team will review your medical history, anxiety level, and treatment plan to determine the most appropriate option.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide is our mildest sedation option and is commonly used for patients with mild dental anxiety.
Administered through a comfortable nasal mask, nitrous oxide produces a sense of calm and relaxation within minutes. Patients remain fully conscious and able to communicate with the dental team throughout treatment.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
- Fast-acting and easy to administer
- Helps reduce nervousness and anxiety
- Remains effective throughout treatment
- Wears off quickly after the procedure
- Most patients can drive themselves home afterward
Ideal Candidates
- Patients with mild dental anxiety
- Individuals with a sensitive gag reflex
- Routine dental treatment
- Patients seeking a simple relaxation option
Oral Sedation Combined with Nitrous Oxide
For moderate dental anxiety, we may recommend oral sedation in combination with nitrous oxide.
Patients take a prescribed medication, such as Valium, before their appointment. Combined with nitrous oxide, this creates a deeper level of relaxation while allowing patients to remain conscious and responsive.
Many patients feel extremely relaxed during treatment and remember very little about the procedure afterward.
Benefits of Oral Sedation
- Greater relaxation than nitrous oxide alone
- Helps reduce dental fear and stress
- Creates a more comfortable treatment experience
- May decrease memory of treatment
- Helpful for longer or more involved procedures
Important Information
Because oral sedation can cause drowsiness, patients must arrange transportation to and from their appointment.
IV Sedation
For patients with severe dental anxiety, dental phobia, complex treatment plans, or surgical procedures, Golden Dental Solutions partners with Elite Anesthesia to provide IV sedation in our office.
A licensed anesthesia provider administers medication through an IV, allowing patients to enter a deeply relaxed state. Many patients sleep throughout treatment and have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
Throughout treatment, vital signs are continuously monitored by trained anesthesia professionals using advanced equipment.
Benefits of IV Sedation
- Deep level of relaxation
- Little to no memory of treatment
- Ideal for lengthy procedures
- Continuous monitoring throughout treatment
- Helpful for patients with significant dental anxiety
Who May Benefit from IV Sedation?
- Patients with severe dental anxiety or dental phobia
- Individuals undergoing full-mouth rehabilitation
- Multiple procedures completed in a single visit
- Surgical dental procedures
- Certain patients with special healthcare needs
NuCalm: A Drug-Free Relaxation Alternative
Not every patient wants traditional sedation medication. For patients seeking a natural approach to relaxation, we may discuss NuCalm.
NuCalm is a neuroscience-based relaxation system designed to calm the body’s stress response without narcotics or sedative medications. Using specialized audio technology and relaxation techniques, NuCalm helps many patients feel more comfortable during treatment.
Benefits of NuCalm
- Drug-free relaxation
- No recovery period
- No grogginess afterward
- May help reduce stress and anxiety
- Suitable for many patients who prefer a non-medication option
Which Sedation Option Is Right for You?
Every patient experiences dental anxiety differently. Some simply need help relaxing during a routine procedure, while others require deeper sedation to feel comfortable. Our team will carefully evaluate your needs and recommend the safest and most effective option for your situation.
Why Choose Golden Dental Solutions for Sedation Dentistry?
At Golden Dental Solutions, patient comfort is a top priority. Our doctors understand that dental anxiety is real and can prevent patients from receiving important care. Our team takes time to listen to your concerns, explain treatment clearly, and provide sedation options tailored to your needs.
We combine compassionate care, advanced technology, and multiple comfort solutions to help create a more positive dental experience. Whether you’re mildly nervous or have avoided dental treatment for years, we are committed to helping you feel at ease.
Schedule a Sedation Dentistry Consultation in Golden, CO
Dental anxiety shouldn’t prevent you from maintaining a healthy smile. Golden Dental Solutions offers multiple sedation options designed to help you receive the care you need in a comfortable environment. To learn more about sedation dentistry in Golden, CO near Lakewood, contact our office today at (303) 277-9600 to schedule a consultation.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Yes. Sedation dentistry has been used safely for many years. Before recommending sedation, we review your medical history, medications, and overall health to ensure the selected option is appropriate for you.
It depends on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation allow you to remain awake and responsive. IV sedation creates a deeper state of relaxation, and many patients sleep through treatment.
Absolutely. Sedation isn’t reserved only for major procedures. Some patients choose sedation for cleanings, fillings, or other routine dental visits because it helps reduce anxiety and improve comfort.
Nitrous oxide typically wears off within minutes after treatment. Oral sedation and IV sedation may take several hours to fully leave your system, which is why transportation arrangements are required.