Oral sedation helps you stay calm and comfortable during dental treatments. Perfect for patients with anxiety.

Visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. Dental anxiety is widespread, but it shouldn't prevent you from receiving necessary care.
We provide oral sedation dentistry to ensure patients feel calm, comfortable, and at ease during dental procedures. Whether you have slight nervousness or intense dental phobia, oral sedation helps you undergo routine cleanings, restorative treatments, and oral surgery smoothly. If dental appointments make you uneasy, we're here to help you find peace in the chair. Schedule a consultation today to discover how oral sedation can make your next visit to our Thornton practice stress-free.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed sedative prior to your dental visit. This secure and effective method ensures you feel highly relaxed while staying conscious and responsive during the procedure. Unlike general anesthesia that puts you to sleep, oral sedation keeps you awake but calm, making it ideal for those with dental anxiety or undergoing extended treatments.


Many people feel anxious about dental visits, ranging from slight unease to severe fear that stops them from going to the dentist. Reasons for dental anxiety might include:
If you've been putting off a dentist visit due to anxiety, you're definitely not alone. Oral sedation offers a solution to get necessary care without fear or discomfort.
Step 1: Pre-Treatment Consultation
Your dentist will assess your medical history, current medications, and anxiety levels to decide if oral sedation is suitable for you.
Step 2: Taking the Sedation Medication
A prescribed sedative tablet (such as diazepam, lorazepam, or triazolam) is taken before your visit. It starts working within 30 to 60 minutes, helping you feel at ease and relaxed.
Step 3: The Dental Procedure
Once the sedation takes effect:
Step 4: Post-Treatment Recovery
Due to the drowsiness caused by oral sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home after your appointment. Most patients return to normal within a few hours.

Oral sedation is applicable for various dental procedures, including:
If you've been postponing necessary dental care, sedation can assist you in receiving treatment in a comfortable, relaxed manner.
Oral sedation is a great option for individuals who:
If these issues resonate with you, oral sedation can help make your dental appointments more relaxed and stress-free.
Who should avoid oral sedation?
Oral sedation may not be appropriate for patients who are pregnant, those with significant respiratory problems, or those on certain medications. Your dentist will review your medical history to assess if sedation is a safe choice for you.

Post-procedure, it's common to experience drowsiness for several hours. To promote a safe recovery:
Most individuals find they return to their normal state by the following day.
When provided by a skilled dental professional, oral sedation is very safe. It's widely used in the dental field with a strong record of success. Prior to administering sedation, we review your medical history, allergies, and any medications you're taking to ensure your safety and comfort.
Throughout your procedure, we monitor your breathing, heart rate, and overall well-being closely to provide a smooth experience.
No, oral sedation allows you to stay deeply relaxed but awake and responsive during the procedure. Many patients have minimal or no memory of their treatment.
Oral sedation effects usually last between 4-6 hours based on the medication used. Most people feel sleepy for the remainder of the day but return to normal by the following morning.
Certain dental insurance plans might cover sedation for specific procedures; however, coverage can differ. We can look over your insurance benefits and discuss cost-effective payment options.
Your dentist will give detailed instructions, but generally speaking, patients are advised not to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to their appointment to avoid nausea.