Certain people suffer from extreme fear and anxiety that stops them from receiving much-needed dental care. Being terrified of feeling pain, choking, losing control, and getting injections are some reasons patients need sedation dentistry for general or cosmetic treatments. We provide calming medication in various ways to help you relax at the office and make oral procedures a breeze.
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:
- 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
Sedation dentistry isn’t painful, but the medication might make you dizzy and sleepy until the effects wear off completely.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
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
Southern Smiles Provides Sedation Dentistry Services in Jacksonville, FL
If going to the dentist makes you anxious, you can benefit from sedation dentistry and kiss your fears goodbye. Contact Southern Smiles today to learn more and book an appointment!
