Sedation Dentistry in Sarasota, FL | Meadows Dental Associates

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is the use of chemically induced relaxation techniques for dental procedures. Patients who are anxious or nervous about receiving dental treatment can benefit from sedation dentistry. Sedation may also be recommended for certain procedures in order to make them more comfortable and seem shorter for the patient.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits for patients:

Feel more relaxed. Dental procedures don’t have to be stressful. With sedation you can feel more relaxed while in the dental chair.
Overcome dental anxiety. If dental anxiety has plagued you throughout your life, sedation can change that. Sedation has helped patients overcome lifelong dental anxiety and be able to relax through dental procedures.
Get the dental care you need. Have you avoided necessary dental treatment due to fear? Sedation can help you get the dental care you need for better oral health
Procedures seem shorter. With sedation you can breeze right through a dental procedure and feel as if only minutes have passed.

Choosing dental sedation can transform dental visits into a calm experience, especially for those who face dental phobia, experience anxiety, or need support during certain dental procedures. This approach is ideal for complex procedures and sensitive gag reflexes, and sedation involves taking a pill that helps you feel drowsy while remaining responsive. Guided by our skilled dental team, many patients find it to be an effective treatment that promotes safety through monitored vital signs and prioritizes patient comfort.

If you have avoided visiting the dentist due to pain, discomfort, or concerns, you may be a perfect candidate for moderate sedation, which supports a more stress free and pleasant experience in a comfortable environment. Whether you are accompanied by a loved one or coming alone, your well being is our top priority throughout the process.

Our practice is committed to lowering risks of complications and ensuring every step feels reassuring. With thoughtful care and clear communication, we make sedation a safe, reliable way to receive the treatment you need.

Why Choose Meadows Dental Associates of Sarasota

At Meadows Dental Associates of Sarasota we believe that dental care should never be stressful or frightening. We offer sedation dentistry to give our patients options to make their experience more comfortable. Please let us know if fear or anxiety has kept you from getting the dental care you have needed in the past so that we can help make your experience more positive going forward. We provide compassionate care that helps our patients feel at ease in the dental chair, maybe for the first time for some patients.

Sedation Options We Offer

We provide the following types of sedation:

Nitrous Oxide. Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over your nose. As you breathe it in for a few minutes a calm, relaxed feeling will come over you. You may feel a little lightheaded and your arms and legs may feel heavy with a tingling sensation in your fingers and toes. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off in just a few minutes of breathing regular room air.
Conscious Sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed for you to take before your dental procedure that will help you relax. You will be conscious, but less aware of what is going on around you. You may feel sleepy or groggy and not remember much about the procedure afterwards. An oral sedative can take a few hours to wear off, so you will need someone you trust to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation. IV sedation is a sedative that is administered intravenously. Your level of sedation can be carefully controlled so that you are responsive when necessary, but unlikely to remember anything about the procedure.

Are You A Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation is safe and effective for most patients. If you feel anxious, nervous, or fearful about an upcoming dental procedure, sedation dentistry may be right for you. A complete medical history and list of current medications will be gathered to ensure that sedation is a safe option in your case. If necessary, approval may be requested from your primary care physician.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry

Is nitrous oxide safe?

Nitrous oxide is one of the safest forms of sedation available. It takes effect quickly, wears off quickly, and has very few side effects. Patients with respiratory conditions should discuss the use of nitrous oxide with their primary care physician beforehand.

Can I drive myself home after sedation?

Whether or not you can drive depends on the type of sedation you have. It is safe to drive after nitrous oxide as long as you are feeling normal. It is not safe to drive after conscious oral sedation or IV sedation, so you will need a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver to drive you home from your appointment.

Does IV sedation put you to sleep?

You are not fully unconscious during IV sedation the way you would be with general anesthesia. You may feel as if you are asleep and you won’t be aware of your surroundings, but you will be conscious enough to respond to requests and questions while sedated.

Will I need to be in the hospital for IV sedation?

IV sedation can be administered in our office, so you will not need to be in a hospital. Only general anesthesia requires you to be in the hospital setting. Our dentists and staff are trained to administer IV sedation safely with careful monitoring of the patient.

Does nitrous oxide make you laugh?

Nitrous oxide is sometimes called laughing gas because the euphoric, lightheaded feeling it provides can make some people laugh or giggle. This response is rare, as most people simply feel relaxed and calm.

Do you need IV sedation for wisdom teeth extraction?

Wisdom teeth are the third molars that form in the back of your mouth. They tend to be large and often don’t come in properly or at all, requiring extraction. Due to the complexity of wisdom teeth extraction, IV sedation is often recommended, especially for impacted wisdom teeth.

When should I take an oral sedative?

If you are prescribed an oral sedative, it is best to take it about an hour before your procedure so that it has time to take effect. This means you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment.

Is sedation covered by insurance?

Sedation is sometimes covered by insurance, but it depends on the situation. Contact your dental insurance provider to inquire about the coverage available under your plan.

Contact Us

To learn more, call

941-377-3659

or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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Sedation Dentistry Sarasota, FL