Do you have dental anxiety every time you think about going to the dentist? Having fears of going to the dentist is nothing to be embarrassed about.
For many people, dental anxiety is a serious issue that threatens their oral health and, over time, their overall health and well-being. There are many reasons why people fear the dentist, but the most common is a previous bad experience. Fear of the dentist is a leading cause of poor oral health and tooth loss.
Avoiding the dentist increases your risk for tooth decay and gum disease and allows small concerns to become complex problems. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your anxiety and get back to smiling again.
Dr. Don Alexander welcomes patients who have been away from the dentist due to dental anxiety. We are a judgment-free dentist office! Our team strives to provide personalized, compassionate care for patients who feel fearful or stressed when visiting the dentist in Jacksonville. We will take the time necessary to discuss your concerns, provide informative care, and find the best dental care solution to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
We offer sedation dentistry to give patients the necessary dental care with minimal stress and discomfort.
Dr. Alexander understands dental phobia and offers sedation dentistry in Jacksonville, FL to patients who want to feel relaxed during a dental procedure. Sedation dentistry enables Dr. Alexander to provide preventive, restorative, or cosmetic dental treatments while a patient relaxes comfortably in an “awake” state but feels no pain or anxiety.
Relax At The Dentist: Dental Sedation Options in Jacksonville
Sedation in the dentist’s office has revolutionized the patient experience. Anxious and fearful patients now have options to meet their needs, which enable them to feel calm, relaxed, and stress-free during their treatment. Sedation dentistry makes it easier to maintain, restore, and enhance oral health.
Dr. Alexander works with patients individually to determine the most suitable option for their dental care needs and overall health. We offer:
- Oral sedation: Administered in pill form, oral sedation may require an at-home dose to ensure complete comfort during treatment. This type of sedation also takes several hours to completely wear off. For these reasons, patients must have a ride or be escorted to and from their appointments.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas”, nitrous oxide is administered via a tiny cannula beneath the nose. The gas takes effect and wears off almost immediately, enabling patients to drive themselves to and from their appointments. In some cases, several treatments can be completed while the patient is under sedation, saving time, money, and anxiety.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is primarily an option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Dental fear occurs on a spectrum. While some people may only be triggered by certain tools or sounds, others may have fear so debilitating that they’re unable to set foot in a dentist’s office. Sedation allows patients to come into the office for regular dental care, so they don’t have to worry about serious issues developing due to a lack of care.
If you have neglected care, sedation also helps you get all of your oral health problems fixed. It’s hard to stay relaxed in a chair without fidgeting or getting bored. Sedation relaxes you so that you can stay in your seat comfortably throughout the entire procedure. It’s also a good option for patients who want multiple procedures done in the same sitting, avoiding the need for multiple visits to the office.
Dentistry is a very precise process. The dentist uses delicate dental tools that are sharp and can cause injury if they hit the wrong area in your mouth. Patients with movement disorders make involuntary movements that they can’t control, and dentistry can be dangerous in this circumstance. Sedation relaxes these involuntary movements so patients can get safe care. This is also an option for children who need extensive procedures.
When a patient has a bad gag reflex, it fights the dentist as they try to work in their mouth. It’s also not comfortable for the patient, as frequent gagging can even lead to vomiting in the dentist’s office. Sedation relaxes this reflex, too, making care quicker and more comfortable for all parties involved.
Dental Sedation FAQs
Sedation helps patients receive the care they need safely and comfortably. To learn more, read the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Is sedation dentistry safe for all ages?
Yes, oral conscious sedation options are safe for all ages if provided in a controlled environment and administered by a certified professional. Dental sedation has been used for decades to alleviate dental anxiety in fearful patients, to reduce and eliminate pain, and more.
What does oral sedation feel like?
Dental sedation makes you feel very relaxed, loose, and carefree. You will also feel drowsy as the dosage starts to take effect. Most patients report having no sense of time while under sedation and having no fear or anxiety during treatment.
Does oral-conscious sedation put you to sleep?
If administered correctly, you will not fall asleep. A dental professional will closely monitor you to ensure you are comfortable and medically stable during treatment. Oral-conscious dental sedation should never put you to sleep.
Is dental sedation safe for pregnant women?
Sedation dentistry is safe for pregnant women. However, if patients are pregnant, we may recommend delaying more invasive, elective, or extensive care that often requires sedation. Most treatments that do not require sedation, including preventative treatments, are safe for pregnant women.
Will I be unconscious under dental sedation?
You will not be unconscious under every type of sedation. For instance, oral conscious sedation ensures that patients remain conscious but do not feel pain. However, patients under a combination of sedation, including IV and nitrous oxide, may fall asleep during treatment.
Am I a good candidate for dental sedation?
Patients who benefit from sedation can include:
- Patients with generalized dental fear or anxiety
- Special needs patients
- Those who require lengthy dental care
- Patients who fear dental tools or loud noises
Schedule A Dental Exam Today
If you suffer from poor oral health or an uncomfortable bite but have been avoiding the dentist due to fear and anxiety, we will make you feel right at home in our Jacksonville, FL dentist’s office. To make an appointment, contact us at 904-901-4302 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get back to smiling comfortably.