Sedation Dentistry in Oviedo, Florida
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Did you know…
An overactive gag reflex, fear of needles, or a low-pain threshold can be treated and soothed with sedation.
What can I expect at a sedation consultation?
Treatment Review
To begin, your sedation dentist will walk you through your treatment plan and determine if sedation is the right choice for your procedure. For more invasive or lengthy dental procedures, specific types of dental sedation may be recommended or necessary. Other options are best suited for relieving tension and anxiety.
Health Evaluation
Next, your sedation dentist will discuss your current health and past health history to make sure sedation is an appropriate option for you. Some health issues may affect your ability to be sedated with your preferred method, such as past drug addiction or the use of certain prescription medications.
Needs & Concerns
An honest conversation with your dentist regarding your specific needs and concerns will help determine which sedation options will work best for you. How deeply do you wish to be sedated? What is making you anxious about your procedure? Do you have a low pain threshold? Your dentist may ask a variety of questions in order to select the appropriate sedation method.
Recommendations & Options
After collecting this information, your dentist in Oviedo, FL will lay out all your available sedation options. They will also let you know of each one’s effects and instructions. With the dentist’s recommendation and your input, we can help you choose the right option for your procedure.
Explore your sedation options
Laughing Gas or Minimally Inhaled Sedation
If you are nervous about an upcoming dental procedure or appointment, but want to avoid being deeply sedated, this sedation option is ideal. To begin, your dentist in Oviedo will pump a mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen through a nose mask, and once you are directed to do so, you’ll start to breathe through this mask normally.
You’ll feel less nervous, and may experience a “floaty” or “dreamy” feeling as you begin to breathe in the laughing gas. While you may feel slightly disconnected from your surroundings, you will remain awake and aware of what’s going on during your procedure.
One of the main benefits of laughing gas is the minimal side effects, which wear off within a few minutes of the nose mask being removed. Right after treatment, you can drive yourself home and get back to your day-to-day routine without any sedative side-effects. You can use sedation for all dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, emergency dentistry, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This method uses a strong pill or liquid sedative that you’ll take about 30-60 minutes before your procedure. As the sedative begins to take effect, you’ll feel tired and groggy, and you may even fall asleep during your appointment.
Oral conscious sedation can trigger “anterograde amnesia,” a very common occurrence that can cause you to forget much of your procedure.
Compared to nitrous oxide sedation, oral sedation has more noticeable and prolonged side effects. You will most likely feel groggy well after your appointment, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 4-6 hours. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you to and from our office if you choose oral conscious sedation.
Did you know…
Around 40% of Americans suffer from dental anxiety.
Have questions about sedation options? Find answers here.
What is sedation used for in dentistry?
Sedation is used to soothe dental anxiety and alleviate pain during procedures. Many patients suffer from dental anxiety, which can prevent them from getting the dental care they need. If coming to the dentist makes you feel anxious or nervous, oral sedation can help you feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed during your treatment.
Sedation also helps mitigate pain and discomfort during more invasive procedures, such as oral surgeries, tooth extractions, and dental implant placement. If you require multiple dental procedures and need to sit still for several hours during treatment, sedation can help you feel comfortable and calm.
Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most patients are good candidates for sedation dentistry, but it is important to share your current health and past health history with your dentist to make sure sedation is appropriate for you. If you have a history of drug abuse, or are taking medications that may interfere with the sedation process, sedation dentistry may not be a suitable option. Reach out to our team to learn more about sedation, and to get the conversation started.
What does sedation dentistry feel like?
Each method of sedation feels different, so it depends on which option you choose. Laughing gas keeps you fully conscious and aware of your surroundings. You will feel light-headed, giggly, and relaxed while feeling less discomfort during treatment.
Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation will most likely cause you to fall asleep and forget most of your procedure. However, you will not be unconscious, and you can still be woken and respond to commands. Feeling groggy and “out of it” are common side effects. Oral conscious and IV sedation are considered moderate sedation.
The deepest method of sedation is general anesthesia. You will be completely unconscious and will not feel or remember anything from your procedure. General anesthesia is considered deep sedation.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is provided by qualified professionals at our office who are specially trained to administer all available options. While oral conscious sedation and IV sedation have more prolonged side effects compared to laughing gas, they are still very safe. As long as you are a good candidate, oral sedation will have no serious risks to your health or well-being.
Did you know…
Since the late 19th century, laughing gas has been used as a safe, effective treatment in dentistry.