Sedation Dentist Tampa
No Fear, Just Relaxing Dental Visits
Dr. Patrino offers three methods of sedation dentistry at our Tampa dental office to help individuals who struggle with dental anxiety. Although this is not the only reason to use sedation, many patients cancel or frequently reschedule their appointments because they are apprehensive about visiting the dentist’s office. With nitrous oxide and oral conscious and IV sedation, we can eliminate fears and instead create a more relaxing dental experience. If you think you might benefit from dental sedation, let us know when you call to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa for Sedation Dentistry?
- Three Methods of Sedation Dentistry Available
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- We Welcome Your PPO Dental Insurance Plan
The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefits you can expect to receive with sedation dentistry are greater than simply reducing anxiety and minimizing any fear you might feel when visiting the dentist’s office. Other benefits you can expect include:
- The chance to receive necessary dental care and improve your smile and overall health
- A reduced gag reflex
- The ability to sit still and remain comfortable throughout your appointment
- The confidence to overcome past dental trauma
- Multiple options to choose from
Our Sedation Dentistry Options
At Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa, we offer three methods of dental sedation for you to choose from. Although not all are suitable for every patient, you can expect Dr. Patrino to carefully evaluate your case and overall health before determining which option is right for you.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
Nitrous oxide is one of the most popular forms of sedation. If this is the first time you’re hearing about it, then there’s a good chance that you’ve heard it referred to as something else: laughing gas! This mild, calming, and fast-acting form of dental sedation is safe for most individuals, so you shouldn’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you’re interested in learning more about it. You can also read on!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
The mild effects of nitrous oxide are often enough to “take the edge” off for patients who:
- Struggle with dental-related anxiety
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Need extensive dental care
- Are scared of needles
- Experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair
Of course, there are some exceptions. If you are pregnant, you are allergic, or you have a medical condition that makes it difficult to breathe, like asthma, then we will need to explore the other forms of sedation dentistry that are available.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
The process always begins with us placing a nasal mask over your nose. Then, we will begin the flow of nitrous oxide. Within a matter of minutes, you’ll enter a state of complete relaxation. Once that happens, we’ll begin providing the preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry that you need.
One of the many benefits of dental nitrous oxide sedation in South Tampa is that we can adjust the flow throughout your visit. As a result, we can ensure you stay calm and comfortable from start to finish!
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
When we’re done caring for your smile, we will turn off the gas and remove the mask. Within a few minutes, you’ll feel like your usual self again. As a result, you don’t have to arrange for someone to drive you home or take the rest of the day off work or school! Just make sure to abide by any aftercare instructions we give you pertaining to the care that you received. For instance, if we performed a tooth extraction, then you will need to change the gauze pads as needed, stick to a soft foods diet, and take prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is a more powerful option, as it requires you to take a prescribed pill before your appointment. In doing so, the medicine will enter your body and begin to produce calming effects before you reach the treatment chair. Throughout your visit, you may doze off, but you’ll never be fully sedated. Instead, our team will be able to gently shake you should it be necessary for you to respond to a question or cue. Because of how oral sedation works, you’ll need to have someone escort you to and from your appointment.