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
Many people get nervous about dental appointments, especially if they have to undergo more complex or multiple procedures. Our compassionate providers understand you may worry about discomfort and can provide oral conscious sedation to help soothe you.
This typically involves prescribing a pill that you can take ahead of time so that you’re already feeling more at ease by the time you sit in the dentist’s chair. Continue reading to learn more about this service and when it might be recommended to help decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Oral Conscious Sedation?
This medication doesn’t involve wearing a face mask, as is required for nitrous oxide (laughing gas). Instead, you’ll be prescribed an anti-anxiety pill with directions to take it before arriving for your scheduled appointment or procedure. Common medications can include options like Valium, Ativan, or Halcion.
The effects may take 15 or more minutes to kick in, so you likely will need to have someone help drive you to your appointment and home again afterward. Our team will provide instructions for how to prepare for your visit and how far in advance you should take your sedative so you can plan accordingly.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
This option usually induces a deep sense of calm and relaxation, and though it’s not intended to put you to sleep, you might feel so comfortable that you naturally doze off during your procedure. Rest assured, our team will monitor your condition while you’re medicated to ensure you remain safe and secure while sedated.
It can take some time for the medication to leave your system, so you might feel weighty or groggy for the rest of the day, though most patients are completely fine by the next morning. You might also be unable to recall details about your appointment, but many anxious patients consider this another benefit of dental sedation.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Although this option is considered safe for most patients when administered by a trained professional, like one of our dentists, that doesn’t mean it’s the best way to meet everyone’s unique needs. We might recommend this service for those who:
- Are resistant to needles or numbing
- Regularly cancel appointments due to dental anxiety
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Have multiple treatments or a longer procedure to undergo
- Struggle to sit still for longer periods
- Have had negative experiences at the dentist in the past