Sedation Dentistry in Denver, CO

Did you know that the idea of comfortable dental care began to take shape nearly two centuries ago? In 1844, dentist Horace Wells made a discovery that would change medical care forever. After observing the calming effects of nitrous oxide, he recognized its potential to reduce pain during surgery. Wells believed that relief from pain should be “as free as the air we breathe,” a statement that captured his vision of compassionate and accessible care. His experiments marked the beginning of pain control in dentistry and inspired future innovations that continue to shape modern practice. At Donald Rice, DDS, we carry that same philosophy forward by offering sedation dentistry for patients who experience anxiety, sensitivity, or fear about dental care.

With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, we help make treatment more comfortable so you can focus on improving your health without unnecessary stress.

Dental Anxiety and How It Affects Care

Feeling uneasy about going to the dentist is more common than many people realize. Dental anxiety can show up as nervousness, restlessness, or worry before an appointment. You might find it hard to sleep the night before or feel your heart rate climb as you sit in the waiting room. These reactions are often tied to fears about pain, needles, or not knowing what to expect. For many people, anxiety may also stem from a past experience that left them feeling vulnerable or out of control.

Still, most patients with dental anxiety manage to keep up with routine care or get essential treatments. They might use coping strategies like breathing exercises, music, or talking openly with their dentist about what makes them nervous.

Dental phobia, however, is different. It goes beyond everyday nervousness and can feel overwhelming or paralyzing. The fear may be so intense that it leads to complete avoidance—even when you’re in pain or know you need treatment. In these cases, just thinking about a dental visit might trigger physical symptoms like nausea, panic, or shortness of breath. Dental anxiety is more than a simple dislike of the dentist. It can affect your mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life.

Mental health matters in dentistry. That is why options like sedation exist. When anxiety or fear makes it hard to get through a dental appointment, sedation can create the space you need to move forward with care. It provides a way to manage stress while remaining present and in control. For many people, that makes it possible to take care of their teeth without feeling overwhelmed. It can also help rebuild trust and comfort in the dental setting, one step at a time.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

In sedation dentistry, medication is used to help you stay calm and comfortable during dental procedures. If you often feel anxious at the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, or struggle with longer appointments, sedation can make your visit much easier.

You won’t be fully asleep unless general anesthesia is required, which is rare. Most of the time, you’ll remain awake but feel deeply relaxed. You may feel drowsy or remember very little afterward, depending on the level of sedation used. For our patients, we use nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, or oral sedation, which involves taking a small pill before your appointment.

Your safety is always our priority. Before we move forward with sedation, we take the time to review your full medical history, current medications, and any allergies or health concerns. This helps us select the appropriate medication and dosage for your specific needs. We always use the lowest effective dose to help you relax while keeping you safe and responsive. During your appointment, we closely monitor you from start to finish to make sure everything stays on track. Whether you need mild calming or deeper relaxation, our goal is to help you feel at ease and make sure your experience is as stress-free as possible.

What Is Oral Sedation Dentistry?

Oral conscious sedation creates a calmer, more manageable dental visit for both you and our dental team. When you take this type of medication, usually in pill form, it helps quiet the body’s stress response and lowers anxiety. You remain conscious and able to respond throughout your procedure, but you feel much more at ease. In some cases, you may become drowsy or even drift off lightly. However, we can still easily wake you if needed.

This sense of relaxation allows us to provide more care in a single visit without frequent breaks. That means fewer appointments, a smoother process, and a more comfortable overall experience. Oral sedation is particularly useful during longer or more complex procedures, such as tooth extractions, dental implant placement, or when multiple treatments are required in a single visit.

The medications used in oral sedation—typically from a class called benzodiazepines—work by enhancing the calming effects of a neurotransmitter in your brain called GABA. This reduces excessive nerve activity, helping you feel less fearful and more emotionally at ease. Many patients experience what’s known as an amnesic effect, meaning they remember very little about the appointment afterward. This limited memory helps ensure that anxiety doesn’t carry over after treatment.

What Is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous oxide (often called “laughing gas”) is a gentle and fast-acting sedation option that also helps ease anxiety during dental procedures. We administer it via a small mask over your nose. As you breathe normally, your body absorbs a carefully balanced mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen. In just minutes, you’ll feel calmer and more at ease, but you’ll remain awake and fully aware throughout your treatment.

One of the key benefits of nitrous oxide is how quickly it takes effect and wears off. As soon as the gas is turned off and you breathe normal air again, the sedative effects fade within minutes. This means you can safely drive yourself to and from your appointment, making it a convenient option for patients who need mild relaxation without downtime.

Nitrous oxide is ideal for routine dental work, short procedures, or for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety. Because we can easily adjust it during your visit, our team can fine-tune the level of sedation to keep you comfortable without over-sedating.

This type of sedation is also safe for children and adults, with very few side effects. For patients who want to feel more at ease without losing full control or needing recovery time, nitrous oxide is a reliable option.

Discover a More Comfortable Way To Care for Your Smile

You deserve to feel comfortable and confident in the dentist’s chair. If fear, anxiety, or a past experience has made it hard to keep up with appointments, sedation dentistry can make things easier. Oral conscious sedation and laughing gas allow you to remain awake and responsive while feeling deeply relaxed. To learn more about how sedation dentistry works or find out if it is right for you, contact our office today. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel more comfortable about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions