Fewer than 50 percent of all people in the United States see a dentist regularly. Putting off dental care only makes the situation worse – and more expensive to fix. While some people are just too busy for multiple dental appointments, most people who avoid the dentist do so out of fear. But now a revolutionary new option is available to help fearful patients overcome their anxiety – sedation dentistry.
Our doctors believe that all patients should have the option of being in as relaxed a state as possible while undergoing their dental procedures. That is why we utilize sedation dentistry. No longer does one have to suffer through the anxiety and fear associated with a dental visit!
There are several forms and levels of sedation available at Tampa Periodontics and Implant Dentistry. All of them are safe and effective at allowing you to accomplish needed procedures while relaxing through them. Following are options available to our patients for each and every procedure that we do:
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas) – Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas” is a gas mixed with Oxygen that is inhaled through a small nose piece during your procedure. This is one of the oldest and safest forms of sedation available. One of the advantages of Nitrous Oxide is that you do not need to have a driver or escort to and from your procedure. Within five minutes of turning off the gas, your body is at a normal state that is not sedated, allowing you to drive home from your procedure. You should tell your doctor if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant before choosing this option.
- Oral Sedation (Pill) – When oral sedation is chosen, you will take a sedative pill prior to your procedure to “take the edge off” during the procedure. The correct medication will be chosen specifically for you in order to achieve a state of relaxation. Oftentimes, the chosen sedative will also have “amnesic” effects, allowing you to forget most of, if not the entire duration of the procedure. You will need to have an escort or driver to and from your procedure with this sedation option.
- Intravenous Sedation (IV Conscious Sedation) – This form of sedation also known as “Twilight” sedation, allows us to control the level to achieve maximum comfort and relief from anxiety. This is accomplished by the delivery of medications through one of your veins. While you are still conscious, you will be very relaxed and typically forget most or all of the procedure. With this option, you will need somebody to drive you to and from the procedure. Additionally, you should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours prior to the procedure to ensure safety.
Sedation dentistry allows our doctors to perform the work you need while you relax. Keep in mind that you will be completely numb during the entire procedure, regardless of the sedation option that is chosen. We can accomplish in one visit what might have otherwise taken several appointments. Gum treatments, dental implants, smile restorations, and more can be accomplished while you relax comfortably.
Please feel free to discuss with our doctors which sedation option is right for you!
