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Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to calm and relax patients during dental treatments. At Dental Specialists of North Florida, oral conscious sedation is the most commonly used form of sedation in dentistry and is typically administered as a pill. Our dentist will prescribe you a pill about an hour before your appointment. By the time of your appointment, you should feel relaxed and comfortable sitting in the dental chair. Sedation dentistry helps patients feel more at ease in the dental office and during dental procedures. Some procedures, such as root canals, can be highly uncomfortable for patients. This can be caused by anxiety and fear of the dentist, but more often, it is due to the discomfort of the procedure itself. Sedation dentistry can help reduce or eliminate patient anxieties and dental procedure discomfort. 

Types of Sedation Dentistry 

Oral Sedation 

Oral sedatives are taken by mouth before the procedure to help patients relax. This type of sedation usually works well for patients who experience mild to moderate anxiety about dental treatments. The medication works quickly, and patients typically feel drowsy and dizzy after taking the oral sedative. Patients can still respond to the dentist during treatment but may only remember a few visit details. 

IV Sedation 

IV Conscious Sedation is a form of deep sedation that allows patients to relax while dental treatment is completed. Many patients prefer it, which is often necessary for longer, more complex procedures. Oral sedatives are also typically given before an IV sedation procedure to ensure the patient is comfortable and relaxed throughout the treatment. While the patient will still be awake and able to respond to questions, the medications will help to calm their nerves and make their experience more pleasant overall. This will help maximize your patient’s comfort during treatments they might otherwise feel anxious about. Many patients also choose this type of sedation for oral surgeries such as wisdom teeth removal or extractions, 

Nitrous Oxide 

Nitrous oxide is a sweet-smelling, nonirritating gas mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a nasal mask or mouthpiece. It is mild and wears off quickly; therefore, it is easily reversed with oxygen. Patients are conscious and can talk with the dentist during their procedures. They do not experience any pain because the gas puts them to sleep.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry 

• Anxiety and anxiety relief 
• Relax during dental treatments 
• Get necessary care without fear or stress 
• Ease of experience during dental procedures 
• Relaxation during a procedure 
• Treatment can begin earlier and finish faster 
• Dentists can work for more extended periods without interruptions 
• Less recovery time after procedures 

For more information about your sedation options in dentistry, contact Dental Specialists of North Florida at 3 Cypress Branch Way # 107, Palm Coast, FL 32164, or call (386) 9861000 to schedule an appointment.