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Smile Design dentists throughout Florida take pride in performing gentle dentistry and will ensure that you experience no to very little discomfort. If you feel anxious about visiting the dentist or are especially fearful of discomfort, then sedation dentistry may be right for you. You should not feel embarrassed about this. We offer sedation options and compassionate care to ease your nerves and enable you to receive the treatment you need.
A frequent sedation choice is an anti-anxiety oral medication that is prescribed and taken prior to treatment. A small dose will ease your nerves and let you relax to the point that you may not remember the procedure, but you will still be able to hear and follow instructions from the dentist and dental assistant. After your procedure, the effects of the sedation will wear off while we monitor you. With this type of moderate oral sedation, you will need a driver to take you home and you shouldn’t drive for the rest of the day.
In many of our locations, another option is nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” This safe and effective sedative agent is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose. The dentist controls the amount of gas you receive throughout your dental procedure. With this type of sedation, the sedative effects disappear immediately after the mask is removed and you are breathing normal air. You do not need to wait to go home, and you do not need a driver.
If you have delayed a checkup, teeth cleaning, and, perhaps, treatment due to dental anxiety, reach out to us, and we will help. Today’s local anesthetics eliminate the pain you may fear, and our dentists are happy to talk with you about sedation options. Many patients feel immediately relaxed after their first visit, due to the time we take with patients, and the nonmedical comfort measures we provide. For example, we can spend the first visit just getting to know each other, or we can take your initial exam in small gentle steps. Be assured that we will not perform treatment without your permission, and our dentist will provide full information about any recommended treatment, why it is recommended, options available to you, and what to expect if you do not receive treatment. We will help you afford and have the treatment you deserve when you are ready to accept it, and sedation is an option.
We not only welcome fearful patients, we cater to them.
When you call to schedule an appointment, tell us about your concerns. The Smile Design dentist you see will partner with you in developing a special plan just for you. Give us a call today!