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.

At Green Dental Care in Parker, CO, we believe there’s no greater gift you can give yourself — or your kids — than a healthy smile. And the foundation for that smile starts earlier than you might think. By building good dental habits from a young age, you can make a huge difference in your lifelong oral health.

Dr. Matt Siracusa and our entire team are passionate about making dentistry approachable, supportive, and encouraging. Whether you’re a parent teaching your child how to brush, or an adult looking to get back on track with your own care, we’re here to help — no judgment, just solutions. Let’s dive into the simple but powerful habits that can protect your smile for life.

Start Good Habits Early

The biggest thing when it comes to dental health? It’s all about creating good habits early. “Starting to brush twice a day, teaching them how to brush, brushing for them,” as Dr. Matt shares, is essential. Kids may not have the fine motor skills they need right away, so helping them brush — and modeling good habits yourself — lays the groundwork for long-term success.

Flossing is another important skill to introduce early. Whether you start with beginner-friendly floss picks or show them how to use traditional floss, the sooner you can make flossing part of the daily routine, the better. It’s not just about avoiding cavities — it’s about setting the expectation that taking care of your teeth is part of daily life.

We also encourage minimizing sugar intake when possible. Sugary snacks and drinks can feed the bacteria that cause cavities. Teaching your children early on to reach for water instead of soda, and fresh fruits instead of sticky candies, builds habits that protect their teeth and support overall wellness.

The earlier you start, the easier their dental journey will be. As Dr. Matt puts it, “The sooner you can get ahead and teach them good habits as far as brushing, flossing, and minimizing sugar intake, the easier dental journey they’ll have throughout their life.”

Why Fluoride Still Matters

In an era where new products hit the shelves daily, some things never change — and fluoride remains one of the best tools we have to fight cavities.

“Nothing more important than at least brushing with a fluoride toothpaste,” Dr. Matt emphasizes. “It’s really the only thing out there that’s still proven to actually help reverse cavities or minimize cavities.” Using a fluoride toothpaste strengthens enamel and helps repair the very early stages of tooth decay before it becomes a bigger problem.

We encourage all of our patients to make fluoride a regular part of their oral hygiene routine. Whether it’s through toothpaste, mouth rinses, or your local water supply, fluoride is a simple, effective way to give your smile a little extra protection.

At Green Dental Care, we’re happy to recommend fluoride options based on your individual needs, including fluoride varnish treatments during your routine cleanings if needed.

At-Home Technology That Helps

When it comes to brushing and flossing, we’re seeing some major improvements thanks to new at-home technologies — and they’re making it easier than ever to maintain a healthy smile.

“The biggest improvements with preventive dental care have been in the areas of electric toothbrushes and waterpiks,” says Dr. Matt. These tools are easy to use and can have a dramatic impact on your daily oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes are designed to deliver the optimal number of brush strokes per minute, ensuring a thorough clean without needing perfect technique. Many even come with timers to help you brush for the recommended two minutes. Waterpiks (water flossers) are excellent for flushing out food particles and plaque from between the teeth and below the gumline — places where traditional brushing and flossing might miss.

We recommend both tools to our patients, and we’ve seen firsthand the difference they can make. They’re an investment that can lead to fewer cavities, healthier gums, and fresher breath.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Even with the best daily habits, it’s important to pay attention to signs that something might be wrong. Two of the biggest red flags? Tooth pain and persistent bad breath.

“If you’re starting to develop tooth pain,” Dr. Matt explains, “or if you or your partner are starting to notice bad breath,” it’s time to come in. Tooth pain could indicate cavities, infection, or gum disease. Bad breath, especially when it’s chronic, could be a sign of gum problems, dry mouth, or an underlying infection.

The earlier you seek care, the simpler and less invasive the treatment typically is. Catching an issue early can mean the difference between a small filling and a major dental procedure down the line.

If you’re noticing any changes in your oral health, don’t wait. Give our team at Green Dental Care a call — we’ll get you scheduled quickly and take great care of you.

If You’ve Been Avoiding the Dentist, You’re Not Alone

One of the most heartfelt messages we want to share is this: if you’ve been avoiding the dentist for years, you are not alone — and you are always welcome here.

“What I would tell someone who’s avoided the dentist for years is, you know, if you’re coming into our office, we’re just here to help,” says Dr. Matt. “No one’s here to judge you.” Our entire mission is to meet you where you are and help you move forward.

We understand that life gets busy, anxieties build up, or past experiences may make you hesitant. Whatever the reason, we’re just happy you’re ready to take the first step back toward a healthier smile.

When you visit us, our priority is building a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and helps you feel comfortable. Our goal is simple: “Get a game plan going so we can get you back on track and take care of you the best we can.”

The Daily Habits That Make All the Difference

In dentistry — and really, in life — it’s the small, consistent actions that make the biggest impact. “The biggest thing is just daily habits,” Dr. Matt says.

What does that mean for your oral health?

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily to keep your gums healthy
• Use helpful tools like electric toothbrushes and waterpiks
• Come in for cleanings every six months

When you commit to these simple habits, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in your oral health over time. “You’re going to see a big change in oral health and a big improvement,” Dr. Matt reassures. It doesn’t have to be complicated — it just has to be consistent.

Whether you’re taking care of your own teeth or teaching your kids these skills, you’re making an investment that will pay off for decades to come.

The Role of Preventive Dentistry in Your Overall Health

There’s another important reason why dental habits matter so much — your mouth is closely connected to your overall health.

Poor oral hygiene has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory infections, and even pregnancy complications. Inflammation in the gums doesn’t just stay in your mouth; it can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body.

That’s why preventive dentistry isn’t just about avoiding cavities — it’s about supporting your total wellness. Regular cleanings allow us to catch issues early, provide guidance tailored to your needs, and help you feel your best inside and out.

At Green Dental Care, we view your dental health as a vital part of your whole-body health. We’re here to partner with you every step of the way — whether it’s your child’s first cleaning, your first appointment after years away, or just your regular six-month checkup.