Sedation Dentistry – Lady Lake, FL
Experience Ease in
the Dental Chair
Are you eager to get your teeth fixed, but just the thought of going to the dentist causes a chill to run down your spine? This kind of anxiety is very common, and it’s something we’re very familiar with here at RP Dental & Implants. Patient comfort is paramount, which is why we offer multiple kinds of sedation dentistry. With it, we can help absolutely anyone feel completely comfortable while we restore their smile, ensuring the entire process (not just the final result) is enjoyable. If you’d be interested in using sedation dentistry from our Lady Lake, FL dentist the next time you visit the dentist, contact us today to discuss your options.
Why Choose RP Dental & Implants for Sedation Dentistry?
- Friendly Team That Takes Patient Comfort Seriously
- 20+ Years of Experience Providing Gentle Dentistry
- Sedation Can be Tailored for Each Patient
Oral Conscious Sedation
On the surface, oral conscious sedation sounds too good to be true for a lot of people. We simply give you a medication to take on the day of your appointment, and it will allow you to remain relaxed throughout your procedure. You’ll stay awake the entire visit and be able to communicate with our team, but time will seem to flow by very quickly, and you might even doze off here and there. In the end, your visit will be over before you know it, and your only thought will be, “That’s it?”
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Many patients like oral conscious sedation because it does not involve any needles or masks. All you have to do is take a small pill shortly before your procedure is set to begin. Within 15 minutes or so, you should start to feel its effects. You will slip into a state of calmness and relaxation that should last throughout your entire appointment. The medications used for oral conscious sedation can vary, but most patients are prescribed a dose of Valium, Ativan, or Halcion.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the medication kicks in, you should feel a strong sense of calmness and relaxation. You might even become a little drowsy. In fact, you could drift off to sleep during your procedure. However, you will not be totally unconscious. It should remain easy for our dental team to awaken you if necessary.
The effects of the sedation can linger for several hours after your appointment, so you should have a trusted adult ready to drive you to and from our office. Once the medication wears off, you may have no recollection of what happened during your procedure.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
You might be a good candidate for oral conscious sedation if:
- You are nervous or afraid when undergoing dental procedures.
- You have a strong gag reflex.
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- You have gone through traumatic dental experiences in the past.
- You have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to sit still for an extended period of time.
- You do not have any contraindications that would make it risky for you to be sedated.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
For patients who need just a little help getting through their dental appointments, nitrous oxide sedation offers a fast, gentle, and effective way to calm any unwanted nerves. In fact, the fact that it’s mild, but effective makes it a great option for adults and children alike! If you are interested in learning more about this calming solution – like who is a candidate and how it works – then read on.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Fortunately, the majority of patients are good candidates for nitrous oxide since it’s quite mild. As a result, we recommend asking our team about this calming solution if you:
- Are uncomfortable around needles
- Find it difficult to sit still in the treatment chair
- Struggle with a strong gag reflex
- Are not easily numbed with local anesthesia
- Experience dental-related anxiety
At your appointment, we will learn more about your dental and medical history to see if you’re a good candidate. If you aren’t because you are pregnant or have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, don’t worry – we’ll work together to find a solution that gives you the comfortable and positive experience you deserve.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
At your appointment, we’ll help you settle into the treatment chair before placing a small mask over your nose. Then, we’ll switch on the nitrous oxide, allowing you to breathe in the colorless, odorless gas. Before long, you’ll feel relaxed, warm, happy, and anxiety-free. Throughout your appointment, we’ll continue to check in with you to ensure that you’re still comfortable and, if needed, we can adjust the amount of nitrous oxide. At the end of your appointment, we will remove the mask so you are only breathing oxygen.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once the mask is removed, it only takes a few minutes for the effects to dissipate. That means that you don’t have to take off work, arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment, or worry about lingering grogginess. Of course, if you received restorative or cosmetic care, then we will provide you with aftercare instructions on how to stay comfortable during the healing process, like rinsing with warm saltwater or taking OTC pain medication as needed. If any questions arise once you return home, don’t hesitate to give us a call.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Are you nervous about your upcoming dental appointment? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Believe it or not, many people suffer from dental-related fear or anxiety. At RP Dental & Implants, we offer multiple kinds of sedation dentistry to ensure our patients feel completely comfortable while we work on their smiles. Of course, it’s normal to have a few concerns about the treatment before receiving it. That’s why we’ve decided to answer some of the most common questions we get about sedation dentistry in Lady Lake. If you’d like to learn more about this service, continue reading or call our office to speak to a member of our team!
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is a perfectly safe option for most patients. However, out of all the types of dental sedation that are available, nitrous oxide is considered to be the safest for the most amount of people. Rest assured – our dental team at RP Dental & Implants will carefully review your medical history and current medications to ensure there won’t be any complications while you’re sedated. Additionally, your vitals (i.e., blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, etc.) will be monitored at all times during your procedure.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide are the two dental sedation options that are least likely to cause memory loss. Even though you’re technically awake with both forms, you won’t remember much from your procedure. You might even doze off a few times throughout your appointment!
What Are the Risks of Sedation Dentistry?
Even though sedation dentistry in Lady Lake is safe for most patients, it can still present risks for some people. Those with obstructive sleep apnea or who are taking certain medications might be more likely to experience complications with sedation. Also, keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to sedatives and the medications that are used during a dental procedure. It’s completely normal to experience a few side effects after being sedated, such as nausea, headache, and grogginess. They may last for several hours following the procedure!
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
Short answer: it depends. The lasting effect of dental sedation varies based on the type you’re receiving. For instance, nitrous oxide should wear off within just a few minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. Since it fades away so quickly, you’ll be okay to drive yourself back home or to work soon afterward with no lingering drowsiness. On the other hand, the effects of oral conscious sedation might remain active for the entire day. It’s a good idea to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours after your procedure.