Patient Comfort & Sedation Dentistry in Westminster, CO
At Monarch Family Dental, our dentists understand that visiting a dentist’s office can feel overwhelming for many people. Whether you experience mild nervousness or severe dental anxiety, you deserve compassionate care that puts your comfort first. Our sedation dentistry options are designed to help you receive the dental treatment you need in a relaxed, stress-free environment.
What is Sedation and Why Patients Need It?
Sedation is a state of calmness, relaxation, or sleepiness caused by sedative medications that slow brain activity.
Patients need sedation to reduce discomfort and pain during medical procedures. Healthcare providers commonly use medications like midazolam for sedation, while other drugs include propofol, ketamine, and fentanyl. The primary reason is to manage patient’s anxiety before and during medical treatments.
Why Dental Anxiety Is Common in Patients?
Dental anxiety can stem from multiple physical, emotional, and medical factors, including:
- Fear of pain during dental procedures
- Past traumatic or painful dental experiences
- Gag reflex sensitivity
- Chronic pain or medical conditions that make treatment uncomfortable
- Special care needs for patients with complex medical conditions
- Feelings of loss of control during treatment
So if you feel anxious about dental procedure, you are not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of people and often develops from a combination of past experiences and physical sensitivities.
Finding the source of that anxiety is the first step toward deciding a solution that truly works for you, and that’s how our dentists at Monarch figure out which is the best type of sedation for your case.
What Type of Sedation Dentistry Do We Offer?
At Monarch Family Dental, we offer four types of sedation. Each type is based on your procedure complexity, anxiety level, and health history with your doctor or dentist.
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation
- Oral Sedation
- Conscious Sedation
- IV Sedation
Each type has unique benefits, and we’ll help you determine which is best for your situation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative (lowest level of sedation) inhaled through a mask to help patients relax and feel calm and comfortable during dental care.
Key Characteristics
- Mild sedation with full consciousness
- Rapid onset and quick recovery
- Anxiety reduction without lingering effects
- Safe for many patients, including children
Common Uses
- Mild to moderate dental anxiety
- Routine dental treatments
How It Works
- A controlled mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen is inhaled
- Effects wear off shortly after treatment ends
Important Note:
It’s not necessary to bring someone to drive you home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking prescribed medication before the dental appointment to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during the treatment.
Key Characteristics
- Easy administration through oral medication
- Produces a calm, drowsy state
- Patient remains awake but relaxed
- Effects last longer than nitrous oxide
Common Uses
- Moderate dental anxiety
- Patients who prefer non-injectable sedation
How It Works
- Medication is taken prior to the treatment as directed
- Dental team monitors patient response during treatment
Important Note:
Patients must have a companion to drive them home.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation (also known as moderate sedation) uses medication to help patients feel deeply relaxed during dental procedures while remaining awake and able to respond to verbal cues.
Key Characteristics
- Patient remains conscious but drowsy
- Reduces anxiety and discomfort
- May cause partial or complete amnesia
- Faster recovery than general anesthesia
Common Uses
- Dental care for patients with moderate anxiety
- Longer or more involved dental procedures
How It Works
- Sedative medications are administered to induce relaxation
- Vital signs are monitored throughout treatment
Important Note:
Patients typically need someone to drive them home after the treatment.
IV Sedation
IV sedation, also known as deep sedation, is an intravenous sedative medication directly into your bloodstream, allowing for a deeper and more controlled level of relaxation during dental treatment.
Key Characteristics
- Deeper sedation compared to oral or nitrous options
- Rapid onset and adjustable sedation level
- Limited awareness of the procedure
- Patients breathe on their own
Common Uses
- Patients with severe dental anxiety
- Complex or extended dental procedures
How It Works
- Medication is administered intravenously by trained professionals
- Continuous monitoring ensures patient safety
Important Note:
Patients must arrange transportation and post-treatment supervision.
Is it Safe to Use Sedatives for Dental Care?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe when the type of sedation used is appropriate for the patient’s dental situation and when proper medical protocols are followed. Before treatment, your dentist reviews your health history to choose the safest sedation available for your needs.
During the procedure, vital signs are continuously monitored to protect your oral health, including your teeth and gums. Some patients may fall asleep during the procedure, which is normal. Sedation is only recommended when appropriate and is adjusted based on individual health factors.
Which Sedation Option Is Right for You?
Choosing the right sedation depends on several factors including your anxiety level, the type and length of procedure you need, and your personal preferences.
How Our Dentists Help You Feel Comfortable Throughout Your Dental Treatment?
For many patients, dental procedures can be scary and can prevent them from getting the care they need. That’s why our approach to sedation dentistry in Westminster is built around communication, control, and personalized comfort, so you never feel rushed, unheard, or overwhelmed.
From the moment you arrive, our team explains each step of your treatment, answers your questions clearly, and encourages you to pause or speak up at any time, even during the treatment. You remain in control throughout.
Comfort also means choosing the right level of support. Some patients only need reassurance and effective local anesthesia, while others benefit from sedation dentistry to manage anxiety, sensitivity, or fear.
Depending on your needs, we’ll suggest multiple options, ranging from mild relaxation with nitrous oxide sedation, to oral sedation for mild to moderate anxiety, conscious sedation, and IV sedation for patients with severe dental anxiety or complex procedures.
Here are some steps you can take:
- Let us know. We understand dental anxiety, and if it is a problem for you, there are steps we can take to cut the stress out of your visit.
- Bring your phone or media player. Listening to your favorite books, music or podcasts can take your mind off of your visit.
- Try some relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, meditation or focusing on something else can make your appointment easier.
- Talk with us about sedation dentistry. There are several methods that can ease your fears and help you remain calm during your visit.
- Take a break. If you need a few minutes to relax and regroup, give our team a hand signal, and we can stop for a few minutes to give you a breather.
- Know your options. In some cases, we might be able to use a different treatment to achieve the desired results.
Instead of putting off your visit because of anxiety, call our office and let us find ways to make your appointment a positive experience.
Schedule an Appointment with Monarch Family Dental and Overcome Your Anxiety with Dental Sedation
Whether you need a simple cleaning or extensive restorative care, Monarch Family Dental is committed to making your visit as stress-free and pain-free as possible. Our team takes time to listen to your concerns, explain your options thoroughly, and work at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
Contact one of our specialist at Westminster dental office today to schedule a consultation. We’ll discuss your concerns, evaluate your needs, and create a personalized comfort plan that works for you.
Call our dental office at 303-920-4900 to schedule a visit with our dentist Dr. Jorge Rojas.
PATIENT REVIEWS
HOURS
| Monday | 7:00am – 6:30pm |
| Tuesday | 7:00am – 6:30pm |
| Wednesday | 7:00am – 6:30pm |
| Thursday | 7:00am – 6:30pm |
| Friday | 7:00am – 5:00pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
