Dental Sedation in Denver & Westminster, CO

We understand that dental procedures—especially surgical ones—can bring anxiety or discomfort, which is why we offer several forms of dental sedation to help you feel calm, comfortable, and confident throughout your treatment. Whether you have mild nerves or significant dental anxiety, our goal is a safe, closely monitored experience tailored to your needs, so you can comfortably get the care your smile needs. From lighter options that keep you relaxed and aware to deeper sedation for more involved procedures, we'll help you choose what's right for you. Please follow the sedation instructions provided at your initial exam, and don't hesitate to call our Denver or Westminster office with any questions before your appointment.

Our Sedation Options

Our office offers three forms of sedation along the continuum of anesthesia, so we can match the level of relaxation to your comfort and your procedure:

• Minimal Sedation — nitrous oxide ("laughing gas")
• Oral Moderate Sedation — an anxiolytic medication taken before your visit
• IV Moderate Sedation — medication delivered through an IV line

Minimal Sedation (Nitrous Oxide)

Also called anxiolysis, minimal sedation is achieved with a combination of nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") and oxygen, breathed in gently through your nose. It offers a mild, calming effect while you stay fully awake and aware. Because nitrous oxide has a quick onset and wears off just as quickly, you can typically drive yourself to and from your appointment.

Moderate Sedation: Oral & IV

For patients who want a deeper level of relaxation, we offer moderate sedation in both oral and intravenous (IV) forms. Our doctors are extensively trained in administering moderate sedation, with advanced training in airway and cardiac management and in handling medical emergencies.

With moderate sedation, you'll still be able to respond to gentle verbal and physical cues, and you'll maintain your own breathing and cardiovascular function on your own. You may feel sleepy, relaxed, and less aware of your surroundings—some patients drift off and remember very little afterward. Everyone responds a little differently. For most of our patients, IV moderate sedation is the preferred choice.

Important: With both oral and IV moderate sedation, a trusted friend, family member, or chaperone must drive you to and from your appointment.

Oral Moderate Sedation

You'll be prescribed an anxiolytic medication to take before your appointment, along with specific instructions on exactly when to take it so it reaches peak effect during your procedure. You can eat and drink beforehand with oral sedation.

IV Moderate Sedation

With IV sedation, please do not eat or drink for at least 8 hours before your appointment. During your procedure, we monitor you closely the entire time using a blood pressure cuff, a pulse oximeter, and a nasal cannula that tracks your oxygen and carbon dioxide levels. An IV line is placed in your arm to deliver fluids and anxiolytic medication for full effect. As always, everyone responds to sedation differently, and our team adjusts to keep you safe and comfortable.

Preparing for Your Appointment

To make sedation as smooth and safe as possible:

• Follow the specific instructions provided at your initial exam and in your sedation paperwork
• Arrange a chaperone to drive you if you're having oral or IV moderate sedation
• Mind your eating and drinking—fine before nitrous or oral sedation, but nothing for at least 8 hours before IV sedation
• Call us with any questions before your appointment

You can review our full pre- and post-operative sedation instructions on our Patient Center page.

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