What is sedation dentistry? 

Feeling nervous or scared about getting your dental work done? Sedation dentistry and IV anesthesia solutions in Fort Lauderdale Florida can help.

Fear of the dentist is a common situation that affects many people. Luckily, you can work with your dentist to overcome your fear by using sedation dentistry. But how does sedation dentistry work? Can it help your dental anxiety? Find out with Coral Ridge Smile in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Sedation dentistry is a way for dentists to help patients cope with anxiety related to dental visits and procedures. Many events or experiences can trigger this anxiety, keeping patients from seeking out the preventive and necessary care they require for their smiles. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help the patient relax both mind and body during their dental visit. Sedation dentistry comes in various strengths depending on the patient, the complexity of their procedure, and the level of their dental anxiety.

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry? 

A good candidate for sedation dentistry is in good health and able to undergo the sedation process. In addition to helping patients relax, sedation dentistry allows several procedures to be completed in one visit. Sedation dentistry can also help those with jaw weakness or pain, people with a severe gag reflex, and other physical limitations. Dentists recommend against sedation dentistry if the patient has a heart condition, is taking certain medications, has medical allergies, or suffers from certain respiratory conditions.

Ever wanted to get the perfect smile but the thought of sitting in the dentist's chair terrifies you? Do you have such a busy schedule that the idea of sitting in the dentist's chair seems stressful? Well, you are not alone.

Over 36% of people avoid seeing the dentist due to fear or anxiety. These are the type of people who would benefit the most from sedation dentistry. However, the majority of people qualify for at least one type of sedation.

HOW CAN SEDATION DENTISTRY AID MY TREATMENT?

Sedation dentistry Fort Lauderdale, FL offers a solution to help patients who struggle with dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist (dental phobia). These techniques can also benefit individuals who are simply nervous about their treatment and would like to feel more at ease during their appointment. Sedation dentistry is often useful for patients who:

• Feel anxiety at the thought of shots, or the sound of a drill
• Have a pattern of canceling their dentist appointments at the last minute
• Avoid semi-annual exams and cleanings due to dental phobia
• Have a sensitive gag reflex or a low pain threshold

Perhaps the greatest benefit associated with sedation dentistry is that it allows even those with severe dental phobias to undergo the treatment they need without anxiety or discomfort. Dental sedation allows patients to drift pleasantly through their appointment, after which they will remember little to nothing of the work that was done. To learn about our different sedation options, please read below and contact us with any questions.

NITROUS OXIDE

Considered one of the safest methods of dental sedation, nitrous oxide gas offers some benefits for patients of all ages who experience dental anxiety. Also known as “laughing gas,” this technique uses a blend of nitrous and oxygen, which is administered through a mask that’s worn over the mouth. When you inhale the gas, you should feel a sensation of calm, and you may even feel a bit giggly—effects which should subside quickly after the mask is removed. Nitrous oxide is designed to enhance relaxation during treatment while you remain conscious and in control throughout the procedure. Additionally, you can drive shortly after having nitrous oxide, so there is no need to have a friend or family member take you to and from our office.

HOW MUCH DOES SEDATION DENTISTRY COST?

Sedation fees are generally added to the entire cost of your treatment. For certain services, the cost of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas” may be included in the total price of your procedure. Generally speaking, sedation dentistry costs at Scripps Center for Dental Care are as follows:

• Nitrous oxide: $95 per hour
• Oral conscious sedation: $185 per hour
• General anesthesia: $400 per hour after the first hour

Keep in mind that each patient’s sedation dentistry costs will vary depending on their unique needs and insurance plan. Scripps Center for Dental Care also accepts dental financing from LendingClub® and CareCredit® for qualified patients who would rather pay for their treatment in a series of low monthly installments. Our office would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding sedation costs or our accepted payment methods. Please call (619) 704-7867 for more information.

GENERAL ANESTHESIA SLEEP DENTISTRY

Patients near the Fort Lauderdale area who experience severe dental phobia or who have difficulty understanding and following instructions (such as individuals with special needs) may benefit from the use of general anesthesia. Known as “sleep dentistry,” this approach places the person in a controlled unconscious state for the duration of treatment. Our state-of-the-art practice has the equipment and the skilled dental and medical professionals necessary to provide this advanced option. General anesthesia will be provided in a hospital setting where you can be monitored by our oral surgeon or anesthesiologist throughout the procedure. Once complete, you should have no memory of the experience and will need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward. As with all of our sedation techniques, a consultation will be necessary before your dental appointment to determine the ideal approach based on your individual needs, goals, and medical history.

With general anesthesia, the patient is unable to move or feel pain. This is the same sedation technique used during tonsil removal and many other surgical procedures. Our dentist will provide you with some instructions that will need to be followed before the appointment, including not eating or drinking after midnight the day the anesthesia will be dispensed. On the day of the treatment, you will be placed in a deep sleep using medication that is administered intravenously by our experienced dental professionals. Once the procedure is complete, you will undergo a short period of observation before being allowed to return home the same day.

Anesthesia and Sedation

Several medications are available to help create a relaxed, comfortable dental visit when it comes to anesthesia and sedation. Some drugs control pain, while some help you relax, and others put you into a deep sleep-like state during dental procedures like dental implants. Your sedation dentist can discuss several factors when deciding which drugs to use for your treatment. The type of procedure, your overall health, history of allergies, and your anxiety level are considered when determining which approach is best for your particular case. 

Is IV Sedation dentistry Safe and Comfortable? 

We’ve offered various forms of sedation dentistry to our clients from our practice’s inception, such as traditional nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation specifically for intensive dental treatment.

Now, for the first time, we are offering full IV sedation for dental fear and anxiety of any kind. We’ve partnered with the local anesthesiologist experts to offer this unique service catered to your absolute and total peace of mind.

Your oral health shouldn’t have to suffer because of uncontrollable fear and anxiety over visiting the dentist. The Soul Dental team understands how pervasive this fear is. That’s what inspired us to create an all-new way for patients like you to experience great oral health care without having to suffer mentally and emotionally.

Sedation Dentistry Fort Lauderdale, FL

Sedation dentistry has several different levels and strengths, beginning with a local anesthetic. This numbs the work area of the mouth. From there, sedation begins conservatively with mild sedation or “laughing gas.” Moderate sedation will keep the patient conscious, but they will probably not remember much of their procedure. Deep sedation will cause the patient to go fully to sleep and undergo their procedure while unconscious.

For more information on sedation dentistry, please contact Coral Ridge Smile in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Call 954-990-6543 to schedule your appointment with your dentist today!