Sedation Dentistry Denver

Denver dentists  Dr. James DeLapp and Dr. H. Candace DeLapp are pleased to announce “minimal dental sedation” to their patients in the Denver Metro area. Minimal dental  sedationaccording to Malamed (2010) consists of “a level of sedation where the patients retains the ability to independently and continuously maintain an airway and respond to appropriately to physical stimulation or verbal command”… introduced by pharmacology (pills). What does that mean? It means we can make you dental appointment for most patients more palatable.  For the most part it can take the edge of anxiety about your dental appointment.

Minimal dental sedation Denver

Typically what needs to be evaluated first is if you are a candidate for any type of sedation. This sedation is used primarily for healthy patients typically an ASA I and II and for stable ASA patients III. For some patients this type of sedation will not be profound enough to complete the dental visit.  For these patient other levels of anesthesia might be appropriate.

Types of Dental Sedation

There are many different types of sedation available to patients.  Some are very simple and others more complex.  These levels include but are not limited to:

• No sedation or anesthesia at all (yes some patients have dental work with no local anesthesia…rare)
• Local anesthesia (very routine)
• Local anesthesia plus nitrous oxide
• Local anesthesia with anxiolysis (e.g. Valium table)
• Local anesthesia plus oral medication for a “minimal” sedation level
• Local anesthesia and “moderate” sedation (typical I.V. sedation)
• Local anesthesia and “deep sedation”
• General anesthesia in surgical center or hospital

Your choice

For the most part you should decide the level of anesthesia you need to accomplish you goals after a complete dental and medical evaluation as to suitability for any type of sedation.

Informed Consent for any type of dental sedation

In order to decide what type of dental sedation you wish to have… you should be aware  of the risks associated with each procedure so you are able to make an informed decisionon how you wish to proceed. The lower level of sedation is associated with lower risks and deeper sedation associated with greater risks.  The key to remember is… sedation as a general rule…. are performed  by the thousands each day across the country and are exceeding safe.

Call our Denver Sedation Dentists today!

Please feel free to call our office today and ask about your options and alternatives.  You can reach of office at (303) 694-9740