Longmont Sedation Dentistry
If you often stress when visiting the dentist, especially if you require surgery, know that it’s easier today than ever before to make — and keep — your dentist appointment. That’s because modern dentistry has allowed practitioners to offer sedation, which is especially beneficial for patients undergoing procedures that may last a few hours.
At Longmont Dental Loft, we have several types of sedation, including IV sedation which is performed by Dr. Hedrick. Please read further to find out exactly what that is and about our other options.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a method of relieving your anxiety through sedation. Your dentist can administer it during any procedure, no matter how simple or complex or how long or short the duration.
At Longmont Dental Loft, our several types of sedation include IV sedation, the deepest form of conscious sedation currently available. You can find out more about it below.
Types of Sedation Dentistry at Longmont Dental Loft
Oral Conscious
This involves your dentist administering a sedative medication. Typically, you take a pill the night before your procedure and again one hour before it. The only concern with oral conscious sedation is that achieving the proper dosage is difficult as every patient is different, so the results are unpredictable.
IV Sedation
Also known as “Twilight Sedation” or “Twilight Anesthesia,” this is the deepest form of conscious sedation in a dental setting. Although you’re awake with IV sedation, you’ll be “out of it” just enough to fully relax. Plus, you won’t remember anything afterward. We can use IV sedation for any procedure — even teeth cleaning — if you’re nervous.
IV sedation creates a comfortable and stress-free experience, making it an excellent option for patients who feel anxious about dental work. However, as with any form of anesthesia, it is not without risks.
What Makes IV Sedation So Effective?
Patients appreciate how tolerable IV sedation makes any dental procedure, especially its amnesia effect. It also works predictably well for them.
How Many General Dentists Offer IV Sedation?
We believe fewer than 1% of general dentists in the U.S. offer IV sedation. Currently, Dr. Hedrick is the only general dentist offering IV sedation in Longmont and possibly the only one in Boulder County. An average of only 40 general dentists in Colorado offer IV sedation, and if you want it in Longmont, you have to come to our office for it.
Longmont Dental Loft IV Sedation-Certified
Not only is Dr. Hedrick certified in IV sedation, but so are our assistants, Maira and Katie (Maira and Katie are also certified phlebotomists.) If you visit an oral surgeon, it’s unlikely the assistants would possess the same level of education and certification. Even if you see a dentist who brings in a third-party anesthesiologist, chances are the dental assistants wouldn’t be certified.
Why Do So Few Dentists Offer IV Sedation?
Few dentists offer IV sedation because the education requirements are expensive. It also takes 60 hours of textbook study and 30 hours of live patient care until they can earn certification, and their practice needs to undergo a rigorous inspection process. Plus, the opportunity cost means they’ll miss about one week of work.
What Is the Advantage for a Dentist Instead of an Anesthesiologist to Perform IV Sedation?
It’s much more expensive and less convenient for a dentist to bring in an anesthesiologist. Also, many anesthesiologists don’t visit general dentist offices anymore because they’re too busy. Dr. Hedrick earned certification herself so she could meet her patients’ needs when required instead of expecting them to possibly wait months for an anesthesiologist and risk any dental problems they may currently have to worsen.
Process for IV Sedation
- We set up a pre-sedation appointment with you to review your medical history and perform a baseline EKG for you.
- On the day of your appointment, we prepare you by administering an oral conscious sedation one hour before your procedure.
- We hook you up to the IV sedation.
- Your dentist will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels during the procedure (We can adjust the dosage and even reverse it at any point.)
- The IV sedation will wear off after the procedure.
General Anesthesia
Our patients need general anesthesia only on rare occasions. We generally administer it based on the duration of the procedure and your medical history.
We have partnered with Dr. Yancey from Mountain Dental Anesthesia for several years for general sedation. Dr. Yancey is a well-trained dental anesthesiologist with extensive experience, and we schedule him when needed.
Dental Sedation – Comparison
The table below outlines all forms of sedation we offer at our office, and they’re in the order of the level of sedation.
| Method | Conscious | Performed by | Use | Procedures | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral Conscious | Yes | Dr. Hedrick & Dr. Ryan | To relax before IV sedation or on its own | Can use on any dental procedure | Creates pleasant experience |
| IV Sedation | Yes | Dr. Hedrick | To relax during the procedure and not remember it afterward | Can use on any dental procedure | Creates a deeper sedation than oral conscious |
| General Anesthesia | No | Anesthesiologist | To be completely unconscious during the procedure | Used depending on how long the duration of the procedure is and your medical history | The strongest form of sedation where you’re not conscious |
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
First, know there is no shame in requiring sedation for any procedure if stress is a primary factor when visiting the dentist. Sedation unquestionably offers a better experience and is available for anyone who needs or wants it.
Secondly, you’re a viable candidate if you:
- Are anxious about a dental visit
- Have a low pain threshold
- Don’t want to sit in the dentist’s chair for a long time
- Require a lot of dental work
- Have a fear of dental work
- Don’t want to remember the experience
Can I Eat Before and After My Sedation?
For all forms of sedation we offer, you must not eat anything after midnight before your procedure. After your appointment, you can eat once the effects of sedation have worn off and you feel ready.
Driving to and From Appointment
Oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia require that you arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment. You cannot drive yourself.
Recovery Process
With all forms of sedation, you’ll feel tired for the remainder of the day because of low oxygen levels during the sedation. You could return to work regardless of the type of sedation, but most people don’t. However, a long nap will help you feel normal, and the sedation will wear off gradually throughout the day. You’ll feel 100% normal the next day.
Safety
All forms of sedation involve risks, and the level of sedation correlates with the risk — oral conscious sedation is the least risky, and general anesthesia is the riskiest. We have many safeguards, such as reversing agents, and your safety is our top priority. You can talk to our doctors about the risks before your procedure.
Other Ways to Resolve Dental Anxiety
Sedation dentistry is a terrific way to ease anxiety and make your dental appointment comfortable. But, there’s many more things you can do in addition to sedation in order to be more comfortable.
Learn Other Ways to Calm Dental AnxietySummary
The sedation we provide makes it easier to visit the dentist, which is important because taking care of your oral health is one of the most vital things you can do for yourself. Patients opting for sedation is very common these days. Know that you’re not alone and that we’re here to make your dental visit as stress-free as possible. If you have questions, please call us at 303-772-6333.