Relax Your Way to a Healthier Smile
Dental anxiety can prevent many people from receiving the oral care they need. Being terrified of feeling pain, choking, losing control, and getting injections are some reasons patients need sedation dentistry for general or cosmetic treatments.
At Southern Smiles, we understand these concerns and offer sedation dentistry to help you relax during your dental procedures. Our Jacksonville sedation dentists, Dr. Trotter and Dr. Burton, are committed to providing comfortable, anxiety-free dental experiences for all our patients. To schedule a sedation dentistry consultation in Jacksonville, call us today at 904-389-3451.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It's an excellent option for those who experience anxiety or fear when visiting the dentist. Sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sedation, depending on the patient's needs and the complexity of the dental treatment.
When Is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
Between 50% and 80% of people in the US suffer from dental anxiety, a phobia of dentists and oral procedures. Sedation dentistry is a treatment that helps you handle your stress and fear during a dentist appointment. We might give you a safe dose of medication via gas, pills, or IV fluids for the following reasons:
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
- You have a sensitive gag reflex
- You’re scared of dental tools or oral procedures
- You suffer from extreme tooth sensitivity
- You’re sensitive to pain
- You can’t sit still
- Complex dental procedures like oral surgery
- Multiple treatments are being done in one session
Sedation dentistry isn’t painful, but the medication might make you dizzy and sleepy until the effects wear off completely.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild sedative you inhale through a mask to calm down before an oral treatment. This substance has immediate effects, and we check your vitals from start to finish to keep the amount of gas within safe and effective levels. Once we’re done, the medication quickly wears off, and you’re all set to go back home.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a pill that relaxes your muscles and lowers your brain activity, making you feel less alert. When the medication takes effect, you start feeling sleepy but won’t experience pain or fear at any point. Oral sedation doesn’t wear off as fast as nitrous oxide, so you must take someone who can care for you to the procedure.
IV Sedation
When you choose IV sedation, we inject the medication into your arm and control the amount throughout the procedure. Since the substance goes straight to your bloodstream, oral sedation acts fast, and you remain calm from start to finish. Like oral sedation, the effects are long-lasting, so bring a helpful loved one to your appointment. You might not be able to get IV sedation if you suffer from these conditions:
- Sleep apnea
- Heart problems
- High blood pressure
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Choosing sedation dentistry at Southern Smiles offers numerous advantages:
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Increased comfort during procedures
- Ability to complete multiple treatments in one visit
- Little to no memory of the dental procedure
- Decreased gag reflex
- Time-efficient dental visits
The Sedation Dentistry Process at Southern Smiles
Consultation
We'll discuss your procedure, dental anxiety, and health history to determine the most appropriate sedation method. Sometimes, only local anesthesia is needed to numb the area. Dr. Burton will review all the important health and safety information about your selected sedation method.
Preparation
You'll receive instructions on how to prepare for your sedation appointment, including any dietary restrictions. Depending on the sedation method, you may be asked to bring a trusted friend or family member to drive you home or monitor your condition after the procedure.
Sedation Administration and Procedure
On the day of your procedure, we'll administer the chosen sedation method and monitor your vital signs throughout the treatment. Once you're relaxed, our dentists will perform the necessary dental work efficiently and comfortably.
Recovery
After the procedure, you'll be monitored until the sedation effects wear off. For deeper sedation methods, you'll need someone to drive you home. Most dental sedation wears off in a few hours.
Safety and Sedation Dentistry
At Southern Smiles, your safety is our top priority. Our dentists have extensive training in sedation techniques and follow strict protocols to ensure your well-being. We carefully screen patients for any potential risks and continuously monitor vital signs during the procedure.
Southern Smiles’ Unique Approach to Sedation Dentistry
Personalized Sedation Plans
We understand that every patient is unique. Our dentists work closely with you to develop a personalized sedation plan that addresses your specific needs and concerns.
Advanced Monitoring Technology
During your sedation dentistry procedure, we use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure your safety throughout the treatment.
Call us at 904-389-3451 to learn more about our personalized approach to sedation dentistry in Jacksonville.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the effects of sedation dentistry last?
The duration of sedation effects varies depending on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, allowing you to drive home after the procedure. Oral and IV sedation effects may last several hours, requiring you to have someone drive you home and rest for the remainder of the day.
Will I feel any pain during the procedure?
While sedation helps you relax, local anesthesia is still used to numb the treatment area. This combination ensures you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure. Most patients report little to no discomfort during their sedation dentistry experience.
Is sedation dentistry safe for children?
Sedation dentistry can be safe for children when administered by trained professionals. At Southern Smiles, we carefully evaluate each child's medical history and anxiety level to determine if sedation is appropriate. We use child-friendly sedation methods and closely monitor young patients throughout the procedure.
Can I eat or drink before my sedation dentistry appointment?
Fasting requirements depend on the type of sedation used. For nitrous oxide, you can eat a light meal before the appointment. For oral or IV sedation, you'll typically need to fast for several hours before the procedure. We'll provide specific instructions based on your individual sedation plan.
How much does sedation dentistry cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry varies depending on the type of sedation used and the complexity of the dental procedure. Some dental insurance plans may cover part of the sedation cost. We'll discuss the fees associated with your specific treatment plan during your consultation and offer financing options to help make sedation dentistry more affordable.
Southern Smiles Provides Sedation Dentistry Services in Jacksonville, FL
Don't let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. At Southern Smiles in Jacksonville, FL, we're committed to providing a comfortable, stress-free dental experience through our advanced sedation dentistry techniques.
We welcome patients from Jacksonville and surrounding areas, including Orange Park, Mandarin, and San Marco. Contact Southern Smiles today at 904-389-3451 to schedule your sedation dentistry consultation in Jacksonville, FL.
