Sedation

Sedation Dentistry Ensures Your Comfort

Did you know up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist due to anxiety? According to a 2015 study, 80% of people suffer from some degree of dental phobia. That’s over half a million people in Jupiter, FL alone! Clammy palms, palpitations, dizziness, and nausea are some of the common symptoms experienced by patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Unfortunately, this means many people with this condition put off visiting their dentist, even when they’re experiencing pain or other problems with their teeth.

Common phobias include a fear of needles, the discomfort of lying down and feeling out of control, or even the dislike of the smell. Unsurprisingly, dental problems are much more common in patients who don’t visit their dentist regularly. These can eventually have an impact on your overall health and wellbeing. Poor oral hygiene and bad teeth have been linked to many different diseases, including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. Regular visits to a qualified dentist can ensure any potential problems are identified and treated before the symptoms have a significant impact on your life – or before your dental bills have a big impact on your bank balance!

Dental anxiety is common for patients, and we’ve made sure to certify ourselves in the solution at Jupiter Dentistry. Our doctors are certified in IV Sedation Oral Sedation therapy and members of the American Society of Dental Anesthesiology. Sedation dentistry is the perfect solution if you’re not fond of the dentist but don’t want to sacrifice your oral health and overall wellbeing. You’re putting yourself in harm’s way by avoiding your dentist!

Sedation is also highly beneficial for patients who suffer from physical or cognitive disabilities that affect how well they tolerate dental check-ups and treatments. With sedation dentistry, you don’t have to worry. You’ll be awake and conscious, but we can help make sure your fears and worries don’t stop you from getting a new, beautifully healthy smile.

Call us today to schedule your consultation. You won’t find another dental office as modern, clean, and phobia-free as ours: (561) 575-5599.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedative medications to perform routine dental procedures successfully. It’s not the same as general anesthetic since the patient will have some degree of consciousness. The level of which may vary depending on the type of sedation used.

A local anesthetic will be used in conjunction with the sedative medication if necessary to ensure the patient remains calm and pain-free throughout their dental appointment.

Commonly Combined Treatments of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is excellent for patients who want to knock out more than one treatment at a time. It helps you get through your procedure faster and minimizes how many visits you need to make. As such, sedation dentistry is great to combine with restorative treatments like laser therapy and dental implants. It can even work with cosmetic procedures such as veneers or dental bonding.

Levels of Sedation

There are multiple types of sedation available that provide a slightly different depth of consciousness. Your recommended sedation will depend on the extent of your fear and the type of dental procedure you’re receiving. Generally, the more invasive the treatment, the greater the depth of sedation required to make the process tolerable for the patient.

Minimal Sedation

Minimal sedation is administered in the form of Nitrous Oxide, or Laughing Gas. We will place a mask over your nose, which will deliver the gas and help you to feel relaxed throughout the appointment.

Moderate Sedation

Moderate sedation generally requires the patient to swallow a sedative capsule about an hour before the scheduled procedure. Most moderately sedated patients find that while they have some awareness during their treatment, they’ll have little to no memory of it afterward.

Maximum Sedation

If you require extensive dental work, you will likely need to have sedative medication delivered intravenously. It’s the heaviest level of sedation before a general anesthetic and will put you on the very edge of consciousness. You will have no memory of the procedure once the medication wears off.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety is common, but that doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your dental health. You’re risking infections, bone loss, and other problems if you avoid the dentist. That will only worsen the situation. Not seeking a dentist can also put your general health at risk, as conditions like gum disease are correlated with cardiovascular and heart problems. Extensive dental health issues are associated with depression and anxiety, creating a vicious circle only you can break and a decision to take a step forward to drive change in your life.

Sedation dentistry is your solution. It’s your path forward to a new, stunning smile and a life free of the worries that come from putting off the dentist.