Sedation Dentistry

Ponte Vedra, FL and Surrounding Areas

Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center is proud to offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax while getting the needed dental care. Imagine going to the dentist and having complex treatments done without any pain, discomfort, or anxiety!

What Is Sedation Dentistry and What Are Its Benefits?

Sedation Dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, is the practice of creating a calm and relaxing state to allow for safe and comfortable dental care. There are numerous benefits to sedation dentistry, including the following:

Minimal recollection of the dental procedure
No pain or discomfort
No sense of sound, smell, or time
No fear, stress, or anxiety during treatment
Treatment is easier for both the patient and dentist
More dental work completed in fewer appointments

Are You a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Candidates for sedation dentistry include the following:

Patients with dental phobia, which is fear or anxiety of going to the dentist
Patients with a bad gag reflex
Patients with extremely sensitive teeth
Patients with a low pain threshold
Patients that have a hard time getting and staying numb using local anesthetics
Patients with special medical, physical, and behavioral needs
Patients in need of complex or lengthy dental treatments

What Are the Different Forms of Sedation?

The following are the sedation dentistry options we offer to help you relax while receiving outstanding dental care:

Nitrous Oxide Inhaled Sedation: Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most commonly used type of sedation to ease mild to moderate fear and anxiety. You'll breathe a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask. You'll be fully awake and responsive but will feel comfortable and relaxed. Once we remove the mask, the effects of the sedation will wear off immediately, allowing you to resume your normal daily activities without any downtime.

Oral Sedation: This common relaxation technique involves using oral medications before your dental procedure. You'll feel sleepy and relaxed, but you'll remain awake and responsive. You'll likely not remember much of the treatment after you're done. The effects of oral sedation will last for some time after treatment, so make sure you have an adult you trust to drive you home and stay with you until you're back to your normal self.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation: Our certified anesthesia provider will administer the calming medication using an IV directly into your bloodstream, with immediate effects. You'll be awake during treatment but will be relaxed and comfortable. Most patients have no recollection of their treatment. You'll need the rest of the day to recover, so make sure a trusted adult drives you home and stays with you until the sedation wears off.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Dental sedation is safe and effective when carried out by an experienced dental professional. At Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center, we adhere to all the recommended safety protocols and monitor your vitals throughout treatment. Your safety and wellbeing are always our top priorities!