Are you nervous about your next dentist appointment? Do you feel scared just thinking about visiting the dentist? You’re not alone. Integrated Dental offers sedation dentistry in Sarasota, FL, to help patients who are anxious or fearful of dental visits. As a general dentistry service, sedation can help you maintain your oral health with our dental services.
Our doctors are certified in Adult Conscious Sedation from DOCS Education, making them well-equipped to help you get the dental care you need. The Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) offers training for dentists who want to learn about sedation dentistry. Through their courses, dentists stay updated on the best methods to ensure patient comfort. After completing their training, dentists can safely provide different types of sedation, making dental visits more comfortable and stress-free for patients.
Benefits of Dental Sedation
Sedation is a modern dental tool we use for adults and children in our office. This tool can benefit patients and our team. The benefits of sedation dentistry in our Sarasota, FL dentist office include:
- Reduces anxiety and fear
- Minimizes pain and discomfort
- Allows more work in fewer visits
- Helps patients with special needs
- Benefits patients with sensitive gag reflexes
We understand that many patients can have dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist. Other patients may have special needs or medical problems that can make it difficult to get care. Our dentists ensure you get the dental care you need. You can relax in your dental chair and we can provide dental care with fewer interruptions.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Many patients find sedation dentistry helpful, especially if they have dental anxiety. This tool makes it easier to get dental treatment. Sedation can also benefit patients with:
- Fear of loud noises, tools, or pain
- A strong gag reflex
- Special needs
- Certain medical conditions
- A low pain tolerance
Sedation is also useful for patients who need several treatments in one visit or have complex procedures. Our team works closely with each patient to find the best solution for their needs, oral health, and budget. If you have questions about your insurance or payment options, we’re here to help.
Types of Sedation We Offer
Our office offers two types of sedation: oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. These options can help patients feel more comfortable during their treatment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation involves taking a pill before your appointment. We’ll give you a prescription and instructions on how to take the medication. This sedative helps you feel deeply relaxed, though you’ll be awake and responsive. While you may feel drowsy, you’ll still be aware of what’s happening, and you won’t feel pain.
Since this sedation affects you before and after your appointment, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office. You also need to have someone stay with you after the procedure until the effects fully wear off.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas,” is a common sedation option. It’s a colorless, odorless gas that helps patients feel calm and relaxed. We administer nitrous oxide through a mask that fits over your nose. You’ll breathe it in throughout your appointment to feel the effects.
As soon as you start breathing in the gas, you’ll feel relaxed and possibly light-headed, but you’ll stay awake and responsive. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after the appointment. This sedation is also safe for children since we adjust the amount for each patient.
Aftercare
After your appointment with sedation, it’s important to take care of yourself as the effects wear off. If you receive oral conscious sedation, you will feel drowsy for a few hours after treatment. For your safety, you’ll need someone to drive you home and stay with you until you are fully alert. Most patients feel back to normal by the next day.
Follow these tips as you heal:
- Avoid heavy exercise, lifting, or stressful activities.
- Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol
- Stick to light, soft meals if your mouth feels sore or numb.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods right away.
- Wait at least 24 hours before operating a car or equipment.
Also, take any medications as directed and follow the specific aftercare guidelines given to you. Call us if you feel unwell. If you have trouble breathing, prolonged dizziness, or severe pain, contact us right away.
Patient Review
How Do You Keep Patients Safe Under Sedation?
Patient safety is our top priority. Before any procedure, we review your medical history and current medications to make sure sedation is safe for you. Our team also discusses the type of sedation that is best for your needs.
During your appointment, we carefully monitor your vital signs. This includes your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, to ensure your body stays stable. Our dental team is trained in emergency procedures and safety, so we can respond quickly if needed.
After your treatment, we give clear instructions on how to rest and care for yourself safely. Following these guidelines helps you recover comfortably and reduces the risk of complications. We combine careful planning, professional monitoring, and thorough aftercare for safe and effective treatment.
Other Ways We Make Your Appointment as Comfortable as Possible
In addition to sedation, we also use local anesthesia to numb the area being treated. We can combine anesthesia and sedation if needed. If you or a loved one are nervous about dental visits, please let us know ahead of time so we can make accommodations for you.
Before your visit, we’ll examine your oral health and plan care based on your needs. Our goal is to make sure you feel as comfortable as possible. Our friendly staff is here to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have.
We also believe in the importance of patient education. We’ll take the time to explain your procedure, especially if you have anxiety. Our office can provide materials and resources so you’ll know what to expect. We want to reduce your fear and make you feel more confident about your dental care.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you have dental anxiety? We’re here to help you find the best treatment option based on your needs and comfort level. Get sedation dentistry in our Sarasota, FL office. Call Integrated Dental of Florida at 941-398-0609. You can also request an appointment with us online.