Many people postpone or avoid dental care because of anxiety, fear, discomfort—or simply lots of questions about sedation. At Northgate Dental in Colorado Springs, our goal is to help you feel informed, comfortable, and empowered. Below, we tackle some common misconceptions and answer FAQs about sedation dentistry to help you decide whether it might be right for you.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry refers to techniques used to help patients relax during dental procedures. At Northgate Dental, we offer a range of options:
- Nitrous Oxide (“laughing gas”) for mild anxiety, with effects that wear off quickly so most people can drive themselves home.
- Oral sedation (a pill) for moderate anxiety. Patients take a pill ahead of time, we monitor closely, and you’ll need someone to bring you to the appointment and take you home.
- IV moderate sedation, which allows for deeper relaxation or sleep, with precise control. Many patients have very little memory of the procedure.
- NuCalm, a drug-free, neuroscience-based technology to help relax the mind and body naturally.
Misconception #1: “Sedation = Losing Total Control / Will I Be Awake?”
Some people assume sedation means they won’t wake up, or they’ll have no awareness at all. The truth is:
- With oral sedation and Nitrous Oxide, you’re still conscious, though deeply relaxed. You may not feel much, but you’ll respond to stimuli.
- IV sedation allows deeper relaxation; many patients report little memory of the procedure. But rest assured: we monitor vital signs closely throughout.
Misconception #2: “Pain Isn’t Managed—Sedation Only Deals with Anxiety”
While sedation doesn’t replace anesthesia, at Northgate Dental, sedation works with pain control measures. For example:
- Local anesthetics are used in conjunction with sedation to numb the area being treated.
- Sedation helps you tolerate more comfortably the sensations, sounds, or pressure you might otherwise find stressful.
- Post-procedure discomfort is handled similarly to standard dental work: pain management protocols apply. Which means sedation doesn’t make the pain vanish completely, but yes—you will be far more relaxed, and pain will be managed.
FAQ: Will I Remember the Treatment?
One of the biggest concerns is memory:
- For lighter forms of sedation (like Nitrous or mild oral sedation), people often remember snippets—sounds, sensations—though they feel more relaxed.
- With IV sedation, many patients report very little or no memory of the treatment.
FAQ: Is Sedation Safe?
Absolutely—but like any medical procedure, safety depends on:
- Medical history: We review your health status, medications, allergies, etc., to determine which kind of sedation is safe.
- Qualified professionals: At Northgate Dental, the team is trained and experienced in sedation techniques. We monitor vitals and manage sedation levels carefully.
- Appropriate setting: Dental offices offering IV sedation must meet certain standards—equipment, staff training, emergency protocols. Northgate Dental offers IV moderate sedation and ensures safety.
FAQ: Does My Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Often, sedation isn’t fully covered:
- Many dental insurance plans do not cover sedation in full, particularly for elective relaxation or anxiety reduction.
- That said, we will review your insurance and see what can be covered, and offer payment plan options for sedation when needed.
FAQ: How Do I Arrange Sedation? What’s the Process?
If you’re interested in sedation at Northgate Dental:
- Contact us or request an appointment to discuss your needs. You can use the appointment page to schedule.
- Consultation: We review your medical history and talk through which sedation options best fit—based on your anxiety level, procedure type, and health.
- Preparation: Depending on the sedation type, you may need a companion to bring you home. Follow any pre-treatment instructions we give you.
- The appointment with sedation, treatment, and follow-up.
- Aftercare & recovery: You might feel groggy if IV or oral sedation was used; follow post-op instructions carefully.
Misconception #3: “Sedation Dentistry Is Just For ‘Scared’ People”
While anxiety is a common reason, there are many legitimate reasons someone might choose sedation:
- Long or complex procedures where comfort and stillness are important.
- Gag reflexes, jaw issues, or medical conditions that make sitting for long periods difficult.
- Reduced sensitivity to pain or trouble staying still.
- Simply wanting to get more done in fewer appointments without stress.
If any of this resonates with you, sedation might make dental care more accessible, comfortable, and less stressful. At Northgate Dental, we’re committed to helping you have the healthiest smile possible, in the way that works best for you.
Ready to Learn More or Book?
If you’re curious about sedation or ready to move forward, feel free to contact us on our site, or book an appointment directly via our Appointment page. We’ll walk you through all your options, costs, and what to expect—no pressure, just information and care.