At Smile Cape Coral, we offer our patients the option of comfortable, safe, and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who benefit from sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
Sedation Dentistry Explained
Sedation dentistry enables your dentist to provide a variety of treatments safely and comfortably for patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.
Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
Levels of Sedation Available
You need not be nervous about having sedation dentistry at Smile Cape Coral. We are licensed by the American Dental Association, and you will find that we are both respectful and professional at all times. Here at Smile Cape Coral, we offer only mild sedation. Moderate and Deep Sedation are not available at our office.
Sedation dentistry is closely regulated by law. There are three sedative states at which your dentist can administer your treatment:
- Mild Sedation — Anxiolysis is the lightest form of sedation dentistry and is often used for patients with mild anxiety, or for longer procedures, or more complex situations. Mild sedation is usually administered orally. You remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure and are able to breathe on your own. You will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete. Nitrous oxide inhalation (laughing gas) is another form of mild to moderate sedation that results in relaxation during treatment.
- Moderate Sedation — For patients with moderate dental anxiety and those needing longer or more complex procedures, conscious sedation may be used. Conscious sedation often refers to the use of light IV sedation. With conscious sedation, you remain awake but in a deep state of relaxation throughout your procedure. It is recommended that patients who receive conscious sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
- Deep Sedation — Patients receiving deep sedation alternate between consciousness and unconsciousness during their procedure. Patients are often unable to remember the treatment. Even if they are awake at times during the procedure, they are unable to respond to commands. It is recommended that patients who receive deep sedation have a parent, spouse, or friend accompany them to appointments because it can take several hours for the sedative to wear off and driving may be unsafe.
Sedative Administration
- Inhalation — Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Recovery is quick so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
- Oral — An extremely common technique for dental sedation is oral sedation. It is easy and does not require the use of needles. You will be given a prescription pill which, taken about an hour before your appointment, will have you fully relaxed by the time you arrive at our office.
Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.
