Going to the dentist can be a nightmare for some people. Research shows that 26% of adults in the U.S. suffer from untreated tooth decay, and 46% of them that are 30 years old or younger have gum disease. If these statistics describe you, then you seriously need to see a Dentist.

Oral health problems are one of the major struggles most adults face. This is mainly because of improper care as children. Some are afraid or traumatized to go to the dentist so they tend to skip check-ups, cancel appointments, and leave their teeth vulnerable for decay and disease. Thankfully, dentists utilize technological advancements to provide dental procedures for people with dental anxiety. If you are anxious about visiting the dentist and live near Englewood, CO, you should consider Rippe Dental Associates for any sedation dentistry needs you have.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the process of using prescription drugs to induce a state of calm relaxation so a patient can undergo a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry helps even the most anxious patient tolerate their dental appointment and receive the treatment they need.

Levels of Sedation

The levels of sedation depend on the anxiety level of the patient and the type of dental work that needs to be done.

• Light Sedation/Anxiolysis – is usually administered using nitrous oxide delivered via a mask placed over the nose. It makes you feel relaxed and slightly light-headed, but this wears off as soon as you stop inhaling the gas. In some cases the patient will be prescribed a single dose of medicine to take before the appointment to aid in the light sedition.
• Minimal Sedation/Oral Conscious Sedation – involves taking an oral medication about an hour before your appointment. This will cause you to feel drowsy and disoriented, and you will have little awareness of what is happening during your procedure. The effects can take several hours to wear off.
• Moderate IV Sedation – medications are delivered intravenously and will put you on the edge of consciousness throughout your procedure. You will not be aware of anything happening around you, nor will you be able to remember the appointment. The effects of deep sedation can last a number of hours, so you will need someone to drive you home and wait with you until you feel fully aware again.
• General Anesthesia – will make the patient completely unconscious during the procedure and is typically used in the hospital.

What are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry offers a lot of benefits, especially for those patients who are completely ignoring their dental health because of past experiences. To completely understand the benefits, here are a few examples of them:

1. Relief from Anxiety One of the main advantages of sedation dentistry is anxiety relief. Since some people tend to be nervous when they are going to the dentist, this method will benefit them by calming them down.
2. Relief from Pain Another reason why some people avoid going to the dentist is because of painful procedures. Sometimes, they even ignore the pain from their toothaches to avoid undergoing treatments. With the help of clinically recommended sedatives, pain during a procedure is a thing of the past.
3. Faster Work for the dentist Sedation dentistry can also benefit the dentist doing the procedure. Whether you are a child or an adult, if you have dental anxiety, it can be difficult for your dentist to perform the needed procedure.

Rippe Dental Associates’ Sedation Dentistry Services

Rippe Dental Associates aims to provide and promote the proper dentistry procedures for every patient. With top-of-the-line equipment and dedicated staff, we make sure that every patient who undergoes our treatments is appropriately taken care of. We can help rid you of anxiety during your visit with our sedation dentistry services. Call Rippe Dental Associates located near Englewood, CO at 303-779-9876, or check out our website at DrRippe.com.