Afraid of the Dentist? These 3 Sedation Options Can Help
By Dr. Christopher Green & Dr. Matt Siracusa
We get it—going to the dentist isn’t always easy. Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past, are facing a longer or more complex treatment, or simply feel anxious sitting in the chair, dental fear is real. At Green Dental Care, it’s something we take seriously—and something we’re fully prepared to help you manage.
That’s where sedation dentistry comes in.
We offer three types of dental sedation in our Parker, CO office, each designed to help you feel more relaxed, safe, and confident during your visit. Our goal isn’t just to complete your dental work—it’s to make sure you feel genuinely comfortable while we do it.
In this post, we’re breaking down your options, explaining how they work, and helping you decide which one might be right for you.
Why Sedation Dentistry?
For many patients, fear and anxiety are the biggest roadblocks to receiving dental care. That’s a problem because avoiding routine visits or necessary procedures often leads to more complex (and more costly) problems down the road.
We’ve seen it time and time again: patients who haven’t seen a dentist in years finally come in, and the turning point is sedation. It gives them the confidence to get started—and once we help them get caught up on their oral health, they often find they no longer need sedation at all.
Sedation isn’t just about comfort—it’s about access. It’s one of the best tools we have to help you get the care you need, without the fear.
“Our number one goal is to keep you comfortable. There’s no judgment here—just support.”
Sedation Option #1: Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
What It Is:
Nitrous oxide, better known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative that’s inhaled through a small nose mask during your appointment. It takes effect quickly and wears off just as fast—meaning you can drive yourself home afterward.
Who It’s For:
This option is great for patients who are a little nervous but still alert and functional in the dental chair. If you’re getting a basic filling, crown, or cleaning and just need something to take the edge off, nitrous might be all you need.
How It Feels:
Most people describe the sensation as calm and floaty—like a warm wave of relaxation. You’re still fully awake and aware, just less bothered by the sights and sounds around you.
What to Know:
- Wears off within minutes
- Safe for both kids and adults
- No escort needed—you can drive yourself home
- Ideal for shorter, non-invasive procedures
Sedation Option #2: Oral Conscious Sedation
What It Is:
Oral sedation involves taking a prescription medication—usually Triazolam (Halcion)—about an hour before your appointment. You’ll feel very drowsy, and in most cases, you won’t remember much (if anything) about the procedure.
Who It’s For:
This is our most commonly used option, and for good reason. It’s ideal for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety, or for those undergoing longer, more invasive treatments like wisdom tooth extractions, root canals, or multiple fillings.
How It Feels:
You’ll feel deeply relaxed, and you may even fall asleep—but you’ll still be able to respond to verbal cues. Most patients tell us the appointment felt like it passed in a blur (if they remember it at all).
What to Know:
- You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment
- Plan to arrive about an hour early to take the medication
- You’ll be monitored throughout your visit for safety
- You’ll likely feel groggy for the rest of the day, so plan to rest afterward
“Oral sedation has a calming, amnesia-like effect. You’ll feel relaxed—and often won’t even remember being here.”
Sedation Option #3: IV Sedation with an Anesthesia Team
What It Is:
In cases of extreme anxiety or complex surgical procedures, we can bring in a licensed anesthesiologist to administer IV sedation right here in our office. With this option, you’ll be completely unconscious for the duration of your treatment.
Who It’s For:
We reserve IV sedation for patients who are absolutely terrified of dental visits, have a medical need for deeper sedation, or are undergoing multi-hour surgeries like full-mouth extractions or multiple implants.
How It Feels:
You won’t feel or remember a thing. You’ll wake up after your appointment with no memory of what happened—just the peace of mind knowing the work is done.
What to Know:
- A certified anesthesia provider monitors you the entire time
- You’ll need an escort and recovery time
- We only offer IV sedation in special cases, and it must be scheduled in advance
- We’ll complete as much work as possible during your appointment so you don’t have to return
“If you’re terrified of being in the dental chair, IV sedation may be the key to getting your health back on track.”
What Kinds of Dental Procedures Can Be Done Under Sedation?
We use sedation for all types of treatment, but especially for:
- Wisdom teeth removal
- Root canal therapy
- Dental implant placement
- Full-mouth extractions
- Multiple fillings or crowns in one visit
If it’s a longer or more invasive procedure—or if it simply makes you anxious—it’s a good candidate for sedation.
How We Keep You Safe
Your comfort matters, but so does your safety. That’s why we follow strict protocols for every sedation appointment.
With oral and IV sedation, you’ll be connected to monitors that track your vital signs—heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure—throughout the procedure. If you’re receiving IV sedation, our anesthesia team is there the entire time to keep a close eye on everything.
Before scheduling sedation, we’ll review your health history, any medications you’re taking, and your level of dental anxiety to ensure that sedation is appropriate and safe for you.
“Our patients are monitored closely from start to finish. Your safety is our top priority.”
What to Expect at Your Sedation Consultation
Before we schedule any sedation appointment, we start with a consultation to talk through:
- Your level of comfort in the dental chair
- The type and complexity of treatment needed
- Your past experiences with dentistry
- Any medical conditions or medications you take
This helps us match you with the right level of sedation. For example:
- Mild anxiety + routine work = Nitrous oxide
- Moderate anxiety or longer procedures = Oral sedation
- Severe anxiety or surgical treatment = IV sedation
Sometimes, patients come in unsure of what they’ll need—and that’s totally fine. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons and help you feel confident in your decision.
Sedation Isn’t Forever—It’s a Stepping Stone
Something we love seeing is patients who start with sedation and eventually graduate from needing it. Once we’ve helped you take care of the more urgent work, you’ll return to a regular six-month hygiene routine. As your comfort level grows, you may find you no longer need sedation at all.
It’s about building trust, creating comfort, and giving you back a sense of control.
“Sedation gets you in the door—and once you’re back on track, you may never need it again.”
You Deserve Comfortable Care
Whether you’re here for a simple filling or a full-mouth transformation, we want you to feel safe, heard, and comfortable every step of the way. That’s what we promise at Green Dental Care—and it’s why patients across Parker trust us with their care.
We don’t judge. We don’t pressure. We listen, and we work with you to make sure fear never stands between you and your health.
Ready to Learn More?
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, you’re not alone—and we’re here to help. Sedation can make all the difference, and we’re ready to walk you through every option so you can finally get the care you need, comfortably.
📍 Green Dental Care – Dr. Christopher Green & Dr. Matt Siracusa
📞 (720) 845-5252
📍 Serving Parker, CO and surrounding communities
Let’s get you smiling again—without the fear.