Sedation Dentistry Tampa
Stay Relaxed During Your Dental Implant Procedure
We’ll do everything we can to help you stay as safe and comfortable as possible during your dental implant surgery. Even so, you may still be nervous about the procedure. Fortunately, thanks to sedation dentistry, Dr. Elikofer and Dr. Holcombe can soothe your feelings of anxiety and help you have a more positive dental implant experience. Give us a call today if you’re interested in learning more about our sedation options.
Why Choose Florida Digital Implants for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Forms of Sedation Available
- Knowledgeable Dental Implant Experts
- Comfortable, Welcoming Office
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Do you feel mild anxiety, stress, and worry in the treatment chair? If so, we may suggest nitrous oxide! This calming solution has been used for decades and, if you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, it’s because it’s commonly referred to as “laughing gas.” If you are interested in finding out if you’re a candidate, get in touch with our Tampa dental team. You’re also welcome to read on to learn more about this calming solution, including how it works.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
In order to determine if you’re a good candidate for dental nitrous oxide in Tampa, we need to first review your medical history, any allergies you have, and the level of anxiety you experience. The good news is that nitrous oxide is an option for the vast majority of patients. If we determine that it’s not ideal for you because you are allergic or you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, like asthma, then we will find another way to give you the positive, calm, and comfortable experience you deserve at our office.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask, which will be placed over your nose once you settle comfortably into the treatment chair. Within minutes, you should start to feel more relaxed. Many patients describe feeling light, happy, and, of course, anxiety-free.
It’s important that we mention here that you’ll remain awake throughout your entire treatment. As a result, asking any questions you have and responding to any instructions we give you is easy.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
Once your treatment is complete, we’ll remove the mask. It should only take a few minutes for the effects of the nitrous oxide to wear off. So, you don’t need to take the rest of the day off of work, deal with lingering grogginess, or arrange for someone you know and trust to drive you to and from your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, you can enter an advanced state of relaxation simply by taking a pill. We’ll give you specific instructions for when you should take the sedative so that the effects start to kick in by the time we’re ready to begin your treatment. Not only will you be able to remain calm and comfortable while we’re working on your smile, but you may not even fully remember what happened while you were under the effects of the sedative.
It should be noted that the effects of oral conscious sedation will likely linger even after your procedure is complete. As such, you should have someone you trust drive you to and from our office.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is often highly recommended for particularly complex procedures as well as patients who suffer from severe dental fear. The sedative will be delivered directly into your bloodstream, so it won’t be too long before you start feeling the effects. IV sedation does not put you to sleep, but nevertheless, you may not remember much about your treatment afterward.
Our team will keep a close eye on your vitals the entire time that you’re receiving IV sedation. If need be, we can adjust the level of sedation to ensure that you remain comfortable. Once your procedure is complete, the effects of IV sedation will still linger. You’ll need to have someone else drive you home, and you should plan on resting for the remainder of the day.
Bear in mind that IV sedation may not be right for everyone. We’ll need to review your overall health history to confirm that it’s safe for you to receive this form of sedation.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally considered safe for most patients! Nitrous oxide, in particular, is the safest option for the majority of people and is well-tolerated. Rest assured – our doctors will review your medical history and any medications to identify potential interactions before administering a sedative.
Throughout the procedure, our team will closely monitor your vital signs (i.e., blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels) to ensure your safety. Additionally, we’ll ensure the process is handled professionally and with care. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask us for details about our available sedation options before proceeding.
Is Sedation Dentistry Worth It?
Absolutely, especially for patients with severe dental anxiety or those who require extensive dental work, like dental implants. It helps make the procedure more comfortable and manageable. Although the cost of sedation may be a concern, delaying necessary dental care can lead to more complicated and costly treatments in the future.
Ultimately, sedation can make dental visits less stressful, improve the experience, and help maintain your oral health over time. It’s often a smart investment for both your comfort and long-term dental care.
Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?
With dental sedation, the level of pain you experience depends on the type of sedation used. For example, nitrous oxide sedation and oral conscious sedation will relax you but not put you to sleep. The sedative helps suppress your body’s ability to register pain. Any discomfort you might feel is typically more like pressure rather than actual pain.
Additionally, we may use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area, further ensuring that you don’t experience pain during the procedure. Overall, dental sedation helps make your treatment more comfortable with minimal risk of pain.
Can Dental Sedation Make You Sick?
While it’s possible to feel a bit nauseous from dental sedation, it’s generally uncommon. For instance, nitrous oxide has a very low risk of causing nausea. The longer the gas is used, the slightly higher the chance – but it’s still rare.
Meanwhile, oral conscious and IV sedation carry a slightly higher risk. We’ll likely advise you not to eat for a few hours beforehand. If going without food is difficult, scheduling a morning appointment may help. Be sure to let us know in advance if you’re prone to nausea. They may be able to give you anti-nausea medication to help keep you comfortable during and after the procedure.