Sedation Dentist Castle Rock

What does dental sedation feel like?

Some dentists offer multiple forms of sedation, each associated with different feelings and sensations. At our practice in Castle Rock, we offer nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. This gaseous medication is administered through a nose mask placed over your nose during your procedure. The effects kick in moments after you first inhale and dissipate just as quickly when the mask is removed.

Laughing gas works by interrupting your brain’s ability to register external sensations, including aches or anxiety that result from dental visits. It’s known to cause a sense of euphoria and tingling that might result in giggling, hence its nickname. You’ll be relaxed and comfortable, but able to respond to our team’s instructions and questions.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Nitrous oxide is considered safe for most people as long as it’s administered by a qualified professional, like one of our Sweet Smiles Dental Design providers. However, there are some circumstances in which it can interfere with your general health. For instance, if you are pregnant, we might recommend postponing your procedure until after delivery to avoid passing anything to your child through the placenta. Certain respiratory conditions and other medical conditions that impact your breathing and blood pressure can also negatively interfere.

Our team will update your medical history before offering sedation to ensure you’re healthy enough to undergo it. Then, we’ll closely monitor you the entire time it’s administered to ensure you don’t react negatively.

Will I remember anything with dental sedation?

Many patients avoid nitrous oxide because they assume they’ll be rendered unconscious and don’t want to lose control of themselves when they’re already feeling vulnerable. Although you won’t be ‘knocked out’, laughing gas does interfere with your ability to clearly recall the details of your procedure after the fact.

For those who experience anxiety around dental appointments, this memory loss effect is often considered one of the many benefits of this medication. The brain fog sometimes helps them avoid recalling specific details, like the fear or aches they may have felt.

How much does dental sedation usually cost?

Although it depends on your unique situation, you can typically expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 for nitrous oxide near Castle Rock. However, it might be more or less based on different factors, such as:

• Dental insurance. Insurance policies don’t generally cover sedation, but there may be some exceptions, so it’s worth checking the details of your plan.
• The length of your procedure. The longer you’re sedated, the greater the final invoice.
• Payment options. Flexible financial packages and our in-house membership program can sometimes reduce your immediate out-of-pocket expenses for different services, like sedation.