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, fear of the dentist is a major barrier. Avoiding care because of this fear can lead to serious problems for both your oral and general health. 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, making small concerns complex. 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. We specialize in caring for nervous patients. We listen to your concerns, explain every step, and prioritize your comfort.
We offer sedation dentistry to provide patients with the necessary dental care while minimizing stress and discomfort.
Dr. Alexander understands dental anxiety and offers sedation dentistry to help you relax. Safe sedation lets you stay awake while feeling completely relaxed and pain-free. This makes any procedure, from a simple cleaning to cosmetic work, a comfortable experience.
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 maintaining, restoring, and enhancing oral health easier. It fits with the rest of our general dentistry services.
Dr. Alexander creates a personalized plan that fits your dental needs and overall health. We offer:
- Oral sedation: Oral sedation is a pill. We may have you take one before you arrive to help you feel completely relaxed for your treatment. This type of sedation also takes several hours to completely wear off. For these reasons, patients must have a ride to and from their appointments.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas,” we administer nitrous oxide 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. With sedation, Dr. Alexander can often complete multiple treatments in one visit. This saves you time, money, and stress.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is primarily an option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Dental fear occurs on a spectrum. Whether your fear is specific or all-consuming, sedation dentistry can help. This allows you to finally receive essential care, protecting your health by catching problems early.
If you have neglected care, sedation also helps you get all of your oral health problems fixed. Staying relaxed in a chair without fidgeting or getting bored is hard. Sedation relaxes you so that you can stay in your seat comfortably throughout the entire procedure. It’s a great way to combine treatments into one appointment, saving you time and multiple trips.
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 sedation is safe for patients of all ages when administered by a certified professional. We’ve used these safe, proven techniques for decades to eliminate anxiety and pain, making dental care comfortable for everyone.
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
We understand how dental anxiety can keep you from seeking care. If you’re avoiding the dentist, our Jacksonville team is here to provide a comfortable, worry-free experience. 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.