For many people, just the thought of going to the dentist can trigger stress, worry, or even panic attacks. Whether it’s due to past bad experiences, a gag reflex, or an aversion to needles, being afraid of the dentist is very common. But when it prevents you from seeking the oral health care you need, this fear can start to become a problem.

Fortunately, sedation dentistry in Ormond Beach offers a way to receive the care you need without fear getting in the way. With sedation solutions, you’ll be calm for the entire procedure. Even if you aren’t afraid of dental procedures, sedation dentistry allows you to remain relaxed and confident during your visit. Read on to learn more about how this solution can help you stay comfortable in the dental chair.

Understanding Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, also known as “sleep dentistry”, refers to the use of medication to help you relax during dental procedures. However, the process doesn’t actually put you to sleep. This medication helps to dull awareness, reduce anxiety, and make time pass more quickly – so your experience is much less stressful, but you’ll remain awake the entire time. Some patients describe it as a “carefree” state, while others say stress and anxiety simply melt away. While you’ll be in a twilight state of consciousness, you’ll remain alert enough to respond to voice.

Once the procedure is over, you can expect to feel groggy for several hours, but you should feel back to normal within a day or two. You probably won’t remember much about the procedure, which can help to reduce future dental anxiety. 

There are different levels of sedation, and the right amount is usually based on the dental procedure (length, complexity), the patient’s anxiety level, and individual needs. There are two primary methods for administering the medication:

• Oral Sedation
  When this process is administered orally, patients will receive a prescription pill to take about an hour before the appointment. The pill can be taken at home, but you can’t drive, so you’ll need to have another person available to take you to and from your appointment. Oral sedation is common for basic dental procedures or patients with mild dental anxiety.
• IV Sedation
  A second type of sedation dentistry is IV sedation, which involves administering the medication through a vein while you’re sitting in the dental chair. The effects are still the same; however, the medication levels can be adjusted up or down during the procedure. IV sedation for dental work is optimal for longer, more complex procedures or for patients who have severe dental anxiety. 

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

The idea that sedation dentistry is only for people with an extreme dental fear is a common misconception. While it’s very helpful for cases of dental anxiety, this process is for anyone who wants to experience a stress-free, comfortable dental procedure. The procedure is ideal for:

• Patients with mild to severe dental anxiety
• Patients with a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth
• Patients undergoing lengthy or multiple procedures in a single visit
• Patients with a low pain threshold
• Patients who struggle to sit still for a long period of time
• Patients who simply want to remain relaxed and comfortable

Sedation dentistry is very safe when performed by trained professionals, but it’s important to remember that not all patients will qualify for sleep dentistry. Those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, are taking certain medications, or have specific allergies might not be eligible. Your periodontist will review your medical history before making a determination on eligibility.

Ormond Beach Periodontics Does Everything We Can To Keep You Comfortable

Good outcomes and patient comfort are our top priorities at Ormond Beach Perio. We take the time to understand your needs and concerns, so we can propose a treatment path that helps you to have a good experience in our office. Dr. Beauchamp and our staff are experts in dental procedures and in making patients feel at ease every step of the way. We often recommend sedation for gum surgery and other intensive procedures.

Sedation procedures are closely monitored at our practice to ensure your comfort and well-being. Once the procedure is done, you’ll be given clear instructions for recovery and support.

Whether it’s sedation solutions, a serene office environment, or taking the time to thoroughly answer questions, we do everything we can to make your visit less intimidating and give you the confidence needed to pursue the oral treatments you need.

If you need a comfortable tooth extraction, anxiety-free periodontal therapy, or any other dental procedure, dental anxiety treatment can transform your experience. Schedule your appointment at Ormond Beach Periodontics & Implant Dentistry today.