Sedation Dentistry in Broomfield and Northglenn, Colorado
Dental anxiety is real. Many adults avoid necessary treatment because the idea of a dental procedure — particularly a surgical one — causes significant anxiety. Sedation makes it possible to complete the care you need in a calm, comfortable way.
Colorado Gum Care offers oral and IV sedation for periodontal surgery, dental implant placement, wisdom tooth removal, and other procedures at both our Broomfield and Northglenn offices.
Sedation Options at Colorado Gum Care
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription medication (typically a benzodiazepine like triazolam) about an hour before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you will feel relaxed and calm. You remain conscious but drowsy throughout the procedure.
Most patients have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. You will need a driver — you cannot drive for the rest of the day.
Oral sedation is a good option for patients with moderate anxiety, or for longer procedures where staying still for an extended period would otherwise be difficult.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered directly into the bloodstream through a small IV. It produces a deeper level of sedation than oral sedation. You are unaware of the procedure and have no memory of it afterward.
Your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels are monitored throughout. You breathe on your own — IV sedation at the level used for dental procedures is different from general anesthesia.
A driver is required for IV sedation. Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
IV sedation is recommended for patients with significant anxiety, complex procedures expected to take several hours, or patients who have had difficulty getting fully numb with local anesthesia alone in the past.
What Procedures Can Be Done Under Sedation?
At Colorado Gum Care, sedation can be used for:
- Dental implant placement (single, All-on-4, Teeth in a Day)
- Osseous surgery for gum disease
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Gum graft surgery
- Multiple extractions
- Any combination of procedures performed in a single appointment
If your treatment plan involves multiple procedures or a lengthy single procedure, sedation also improves our ability to work efficiently. Patients who are relaxed and still allow more precise work.
Is Sedation Right for You?
Sedation may be a good fit if:
- You have significant dental anxiety that has caused you to delay necessary care
- The thought of surgical procedures causes strong fear or avoidance
- You have a strong gag reflex that makes dental procedures difficult
- You need a lengthy procedure and prefer not to be fully aware throughout
- You have had trouble getting fully numb with local anesthesia in the past
At your consultation, we discuss your anxiety level, medical history, and procedure complexity to determine which sedation option fits your situation.
Safety and What to Expect
Before
We review your full medical history and current medications to ensure you are a safe candidate for sedation. Some medical conditions or medications affect sedation eligibility
Day of Procedure
Do not eat or drink for the time period we specify before your appointment (typically 6-8 hours for IV sedation). Arrange a driver — you cannot drive yourself home. Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
During
You are monitored throughout the procedure. Local anesthesia is still used to ensure you feel no pain, even under sedation.
After
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. Grogginess from sedation resolves within a few hours. Most patients feel completely normal the following day.
Make Your Next Procedure More Comfortable
Tell us about your anxiety at your consultation. We will recommend the right sedation option and walk you through exactly what to expect.