Whether you have anxiety over a routine appointment or require more involved treatment, our sedation options can help you feel comfortable. We will tailor your sedation to your individual needs so that you can get the care you need.
With oral conscious sedation, you’ll take a pill an hour before your appointment and feel calm throughout your visit. However, you’ll have little or no memory of your appointment.
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas, is a colorless and odorless gas that helps patients relax during dental procedures. It is delivered via a small mask placed over the patient’s nose and works immediately to relieve anxiety and reduce pain. It is safe for both adults and children and can be used in combination with other sedative agents.
When using this form of sedation, the dentist will administer a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a nasal breathing apparatus. The patient will remain conscious while in a relaxed state and is still able to respond to verbal commands.
It is important to note that nitrous oxide does not put the patient to sleep. Unlike general anesthesia, this type of sedation does not have any lingering effects and patients will be able to return home shortly after their appointment. However, if the patient begins to feel sick or nauseated, they should contact their treating doctor immediately.
Oral conscious sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a great option for people with moderate dental anxiety or fear. It involves a pill that is taken an hour before your appointment to induce a calm and relaxed state. Unlike Nitrous oxide, this level of sedation does not make you unconscious. However, it does have a tendency to cause headaches or nausea for some patients. It is also important to note that you will not be able to drive after receiving oral conscious sedation.
The medications used in this type of sedation are from a family of drugs that includes Valium and Halcion, and they are very safe. The dentist will monitor your BP, heart rate, and oxygen levels during the procedure to ensure your safety.
This form of sedation is ideal for long or complicated dental procedures. It helps to eliminate any pain or discomfort during the procedure, and it will allow you to feel like your appointment only lasted minutes.
IV sedation
Dental anxiety can be a huge obstacle to seeing the dentist, with almost 22 percent of people skipping their appointments because of fear. Luckily, modern dentistry has many solutions to ease dental anxiety, including IV sedation. This form of sedation involves administering a drug through an intravenous line in the arm, which allows the sedative to take effect very quickly and is easily adjusted. It’s also safe for people who have a fear of needles.
With this type of sedation, patients remain conscious but in a dream-like state. They can still respond to commands and are generally able to open their eyes. They are often unaware of the procedure taking place, and do not have any recollection afterwards.
Patients who receive IV sedation should be accompanied home by a friend or family member to ensure their safety as the effects wear off. They should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions until 24 hours after the treatment.
Free dental work
For many patients, the prospect of a trip to the dentist can be very intimidating. Whether due to a negative past experience or severe gag reflex, dental phobia can make even minor procedures seem daunting and cause patients to delay treatment until their oral health is at an unmanageable state.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a safe sedative that can be inhaled through a small nasal mask. It is odorless and tasteless, and is very effective at reducing anxiety and sensitivity to pain. It is also fast-acting, and is quickly neutralized with oxygen at the end of your appointment. You will need someone to drive you home after your treatment, because the sedative can take a while to wear off.
Our Dr. has a passion for helping high-fear patients, and regularly teaches seminars on IV sedation to other dentists. He is also available to provide free sedation dentistry Tampa for qualifying patients in Lexington. He has a great track record of helping low-income patients get the care they need, and loves forming long-term relationships with his patients.
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