Dental phobia is a real fear we take very seriously here at Carlson Dental Group. If you’ve avoided going to the dentist because of anxiety, we will do everything we can to deliver a comfortable experience, including offering sedation dentistry. The techniques outlined below are proven to soothe nervous patients while also preventing them from feeling physical pain. The result is a smooth, easy appointment and healthier smile! Want to use sedation at your next dental appointment? If so, give us a call today to discuss options for sedation dentistry in Jacksonville, FL.
Our entire team has trained extensively to use different types of sedation so we can perfectly tailor them to each patient. Whether you have a little bit of dental anxiety or a lot, whether you just need a cleaning or a full-mouth reconstruction, we can provide the ideal sedation for you. After speaking with you, we’ll know exactly how to take the stress out of your dental care so you never have to worry about your visits again.
Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it’s better known, can quickly and gently calm patients who need just a little help to feel comfortable. A small mask is placed over the nose, and as the patient breathes in the gas, they’ll be overcome by feelings of happiness and serenity, and they’ll also become a little numb all over. The mask stays on for the entire appointment, and once it’s removed, the patient will be back to normal within a couple of minutes.
Nitrous oxide is considered the mildest form of sedation. Known as “laughing gas,” it is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is used to help patients who are experiencing some level of dental anxiety. Safe for both children and adults, its effects occur within minutes of the gas being turned on and quickly dissipate the moment it’s turned off.
The process of receiving nitrous oxide is simple and easy. Our doctors will place a small mask over your nose before instructing you to inhale the gas. In a matter of minutes, you will begin to feel light-headed and as if you are floating. You may even begin to feel slightly warm and as if you are about to fall asleep, but do not worry. You will actually remain cognizant throughout your appointment and be able to respond to cues by your sedation dentist in Riverside and dental team members.
After your treatment is finished, our doctors will turn off the gas. Within minutes, the effects will wear off, and you will be free to leave and resume normal activity. With nitrous oxide, there is no need to arrange for another person to escort you to and from your appointment.
While it is important that you discuss your medical history with our doctors before receiving nitrous oxide, there is a very good chance you will be eligible to receive this type of sedation, especially if you:
Nitrous oxide is not only safe and effective for most patients, but it allows you to get the care you need without the added anxiety. Too often, individuals who are fearful of the dentist’s office will forgo necessary treatment, which can result in serious oral health issues over time. Nitrous oxide makes it possible to undergo a regular dental checkup and cleaning or even the placement of a dental filling or crown without causing additional stress.
Also, this unique mixture makes it possible for your dentist to perform treatments with much greater ease. If you are not moving around out of fear, he can more freely complete the procedure and ensure a safe and successful appointment.
After the nitrous oxide is turned off, you will be able to return to work or school without any problems. Not only is it fast-acting once the mask is placed on your nose, but the effects wear off almost immediately once it is removed. With nitrous oxide, there is no need to arrange for another person to escort you to and from your appointment.
With oral conscious sedation (OCS), we simply give you medication to take at home on the day of your appointment, so that by the time you reach our dental office and sit in the chair, you’ll already be completely sedated. You’ll remain awake and be able to respond to basic commands, but time will seem to go by very fast, and you likely won’t have clear memories of your visit afterward. This approach is best for those with mild to moderate dental nerves or who require more extensive care.
Oral conscious sedation is arguably the easiest way to feel relaxed for your appointment. In fact, you’ll likely begin to feel its effects before you even arrive to our office! Before your visit, we’ll prescribe you a single, custom dose of sedation medication, typically in the form of a pill that you swallow. The calming effects won’t come on right away, but gradually over time, you’ll slowly begin to feel more and more relaxed. By the time you arrive to your appointment, it’s likely you’ll be very out of it, but still conscious enough to answer basic questions and respond to simple instructions.
Being sedated with oral conscious sedation is often described as feeling sleepy or “zoned-out.” Many patients also describe a heavy feeling in their limbs. However, aside from that, the majority of patients don’t remember anything about their time with oral conscious sedation. Despite this, oral conscious sedation does not “put you to sleep.” You’ll remain conscious throughout your treatment, though many patients tend to doze off. This is much safer and gentler than being put completely under, and it provides nearly the same level of comfort and relaxation.
After your appointment is over, the sedation will continue to linger for a time. This is why you’ll need to have a trusted friend or family member drive you home afterwards. You should plan on resting for the remainder of the day, as it will take several hours for the effects to fully wear off.
The only way to know for sure if oral conscious sedation is the best choice for you is to come visit us for a consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and concerns, and we’ll also review your medical history. Typically, many patients are good candidates for oral conscious sedation, as long as they are not breast feeding, have respiratory illness, or have certain other medical conditions. We often recommend oral conscious sedation for patients who:
If you struggle with dental anxiety, you’re not alone. Millions of children and adults find that visiting the dentist’s office is a stressful and overwhelming experience. Fortunately, Dr. Richard Carlson and his team have years of advanced training to provide nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation in Riverside. No matter the reason behind an individual’s dental anxiety, he can use this safe and effective solution to quickly calm nerves and ensure a successful appointment. Sedation dentistry is a good choice for patients who have:
Wondering if sedation dentistry is right for you? We invite you to give us a call and visit us for a consultation. Our doctors will take the time to have a conversation with you and get to know you so he can fully understand your goals and concerns. After reviewing your medical history, he’ll be able to help you discover the most effective way to safely and comfortably get the dental care you deserve!
Here at Carlson Dental Group, we understand that you might have questions about sedation dentistry that you’d like answered before you feel comfortable about committing to treatment. We’re more than happy to help put your doubts to rest! Our team has gathered a few of the most frequently asked questions that we receive about sedation dentistry, along with their respective answers, so that you can make a well-informed decision. Of course, if you have any other questions about sedation dentistry that aren’t listed here, feel free to contact us for additional information or assistance!
You’ll be happy to hear that sedation dentistry is a perfectly safe option for most patients, as long as it’s administered by trained and experienced dental professionals. Most can manage nitrous oxide without any concerns since it’s the mildest form of this kind of treatment—and it often makes things much easier for all parties involved! However, oral conscious sedation may not be suitable for everyone; our team can closely review your medical history to determine whether sedation is a good option for you—your safety always comes first!
One of the primary objectives of sedation dentistry is to provide pain relief! Sedation dentistry actively suppresses your body’s ability to register pain while keeping you conscious; even if you experience some discomfort, you are more likely to feel pressure than outright pain. Depending on your procedure, your dentist may also numb your mouth with a local anesthetic to ensure you remain comfortable throughout your treatment.
The length of sedation varies depending on the type being used; with nitrous oxide, the effects should wear off within a few minutes once you stop inhaling the gas. One of the benefits of using nitrous oxide is that both the timing and dosage can be accurately controlled. However, once the dental work has been completed and the mask is removed, the patient will merely have to take a couple of deep breaths to begin enjoying mental clarity within a few minutes. With oral conscious sedation, the pill’s effects might remain active for the rest of the day, and you’ll need to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for the following day.
The majority of dental insurance plans classify sedation as a “luxury” treatment, meaning it’s often not covered. However, there might be certain exceptions, such as if a patient has a condition that makes it tough for them to receive dental care without sedation. Another situation in which sedation might be covered is if the procedure is exceptionally complex, such as multiple tooth extractions. Of course, every dental insurance plan is different, meaning you’ll want to check the specifics of yours before making any type of decision regarding treatment. Our team would be more than happy to help you navigate the ins and outs of your policy and help you make your care more affordable!