When and How to Ask for Sedation from Our Highlands Ranch Dentist

Does the mere thought of visiting the dentist’s office spark anxiety and fear? Your dental experience could be as pleasant and relaxing as a spa day with sedation dentistry. You just have to know how to ask for it. 

In this instructional guide, Restore Dental will walk you through the process of requesting sedation dentistry from our Highlands Ranch dentists, Dr. Dave Chiu and Dr. Jieun Chiu. With this guide, you will be well-equipped to take the first step toward a more enjoyable dental experience.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

To help patients relax during dental procedures, Restore Dental offers: 

• Oral Conscious Sedation: You take a prescribed dose of sedative medication orally before your appointment. This type of sedation allows you to remain awake and responsive but in a significantly relaxed state. You probably won’t remember much of your dental procedure, easing your stress.
• Nitrous Oxide: Commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” this is inhaled through a mask and works very quickly to relax you. The effects are mild and wear off soon after the mask is removed, allowing you to drive yourself home after the procedure. 

Your choice of sedation depends on your level of anxiety and the complexity of your dental procedure. With either option, sedation dentistry can make a long or complex procedure feel like it’s over in just a few minutes.

When to Consider Sedation 

A lot of patients assume they must have a serious dental issue, complex procedure, or severe phobia to deserve sedation. However, we don’t want you to have to white-knuckle it through any procedure. Here are a few signs that sedation dentistry could be helpful for you:

• You experience a dental phobia.
• You have high anxiety.
• You have a low pain threshold.
• You have a sensitive gag reflex.
• You need extensive dental work.
• You have trouble sitting still.

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s worth considering sedation to maximize your comfort and minimize distress associated with treatment. You can also explore sedation for a loved one with physical or cognitive disabilities. 

How to Ask for Sedation Dentistry

The first step to taking advantage of sedation dentistry from our dentist is to open a line of communication. Don’t wait until the day of your appointment to ask about it. Call Restore Dental ahead of time to express your concerns. You can also bring it up at your next regular check-up and discuss it with our team.

Be open and honest about your dental fears. Maybe you had a negative experience in the past, or perhaps you don’t like the sounds and sensations you feel during dental treatments. By being honest, Dr. Dave or Jieun Chiu can tailor sedation to address your specific worries.

When? Now. How? By Contacting Our Colorado Dentist.

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety, it’s time to take control of your oral health and your dental experience. Your smile is too important to ignore. With the support of our dentists in Highlands Ranch, CO, you can ensure that your appointments will be fast and worry-free. Don’t be afraid to ask about sedation dentistry—it just might change your life! Contact our office today to schedule a sedation consultation.