Ponte Vedra Beach Sedation Dentistry Helps Patients Relax
Whether it’s a fear of the dentist, chronic neck or back pain, or any other barrier that prevents you from reclining into the dental chair for an extended period of time, sedation dentistry can help. Dr. Harth and Dr. Townsend are pleased to offer our patients oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide. Whether you’re from Ponte Vedra Beach or nearby Nocatee and Jacksonville Beach, we can help you receive the relaxing dental care you seek.
Oral Conscious Sedation
You take the medication for oral conscious sedation about an hour before your appointment at Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry. By the time you’re settling into the dental chair for your treatment, its effects have taken over and you are able to relax. You remain conscious throughout this type of sedation, just completely removed from worry that’s related to what’s going on around you. People with chronic pain are also often able to lie back comfortably with the help of oral conscious sedation.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide sedation, or laughing gas, is a milder form of anesthesia administered through a small nasal mask. As you breathe the medication in throughout the procedure, you will feel relaxed, light, and even happy to be at the dentist’s — it’s not called laughing gas for nothing. And once the treatment is complete, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off almost immediately, allowing you to go on about your day without any lasting grogginess.
Learn More About Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
As your sedation dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach, we want you to enjoy a comfortable treatment experience every time you visit us for an appointment. Of course, it is completely understandable if you have questions about sedation dentistry and how it works. That is why we have put together the following brief list of FAQs. If you do not see the specific information you were hoping for, you are welcome to reach out to us directly.
How Much Does Sedation Cost?
The cost of your sedation will depend on which method we use to help you relax. Nitrous oxide is generally the least expensive option. Dental insurance does not usually cover sedation, but it may under certain circumstances. Our team will strive to help you understand how your policy applies, and we will always be upfront with you about all the fees related to your treatment.
How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is very safe for most patients. In fact, nitrous oxide is commonly used to help even small children relax during their dental appointments. Of course, as with any dental or medical procedure, there is a small amount of risk involved. We strive to minimize the risk by taking a thorough medical history and identifying any conditions or allergies that might make lead to sedation-related complications. For example, sedation is generally not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with breathing problems.
Will I Be Able to Remember My Procedure?
It is common for patients who undergo oral conscious sedation to forget what happened during their dental appointment. Nitrous oxide might also produce amnesia, but it tends to be milder than that from oral sedation. Most patients, especially those with moderate to severe dental anxiety, are happy to forget their time in the dental chair.
Will I Be Able to Go Back to Work or School Right Away?
If we use nitrous oxide on you, you should be able to resume your daily routine without any problems. However, you might want to take the rest of the day off to give your mouth — and the rest of you — a chance to rest. Oral conscious sedation is more powerful, and its effects may linger for 24 hours or longer. That is why we recommend that patients who use it clear their schedule for the entire day of their procedure.
Will I Fall Asleep?
It is possible that the sedation will cause you to drift off to sleep. However, it will not “knock you out.” Our team should be able to awaken you with a light shake. After your appointment, lingering grogginess or tiredness may make you feel like taking a nap.