Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry In Lakeland, FL

Facts About Sedation Dentistry

1. It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.
2. It Is Safe! You take a small pill prior to treatment, no intra-venous tubes or needles.
3. You will have little or no memory of the experience. You won't remember any sounds or smells.
4. You can relax for up to five to six hours after taking the pill. The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment.
5. Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments, can be done in as little as one! All while you relax.
6. People who have difficulty getting numb have no problem when relaxed and relaxing.
7. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

Common Questions Will I feel any pain?
No. You will feel nothing! 

Will I be unconscious?
No, you are in a deeply relaxed state, you are responsive. 

Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone. 

How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, from two to six hours. 

Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again. 

Who Is a Candidate For Conscious Sedation?
People who have . . .
- high fear
- had traumatic dental experiences
- difficulty getting numb
- a bad gag reflex
- very sensitive teeth
- limited time to complete their dental care
- complex dental problems 

  People who . . .
- hate needles and shots!
- hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
- are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Ways to Relieve Anxiety

Oral Sedation — Oral sedation (given by mouth) is a popular option for many people precisely because it does not require the use of needles. Oral sedatives are either swallowed whole in pill form or can be dissolved under the tongue. Both methods work in a matter of minutes. A variety of oral sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-dissolving) medications have been developed through extensive research and testing to make your experience of dental treatment as comfortable and relaxing as possible. All have long safety records after decades of use, and several even have “amnesic” properties, meaning you will remember little to nothing, even though you are conscious throughout the treatment. Commonly prescribed medications include Valium®, Halcion®, Sonata®, Ativan®, Vistaril®, and Versed®. 

Inhalation Conscious Sedation — Nitrous oxide, a sedative you inhale, has been used in dental offices for nearly 100 years. It is a relatively poor pain reliever but a very good anti-anxiety medication. It is administered through a nasal hood, which resembles a small cup that is placed over your nose. The oxygen mixed with nitrous oxide provides a light-headed or even euphoric feeling, which is quick to wear off so there is no “hangover” effect. All bodily functions remain essentially normal during the use of this sedative, which is very safe.

IV Conscious Sedation — Sedatives delivered directly into the bloodstream intravenously (into the vein) are more potent than when taken orally, and the amnesic effects may be more profound. Because IV sedation has an almost immediate effect on the body and its functions — including heart rate, blood pressure and breathing — there is a higher degree of risk associated with it than with other types of sedatives. There is also a higher level of training required for those who administer it. As with all sedation (except nitrous oxide), you must be monitored with specialized equipment throughout your IV sedation treatment. The main advantage is that drugs administered this way work immediately and the level of sedation can be adjusted more quickly and easily. And with most sedatives, you won't remember a thing about your dental procedure after the sedative wears off.

    Have you been putting off your dental visit because of anxiety? Sedation Dentistry may be for you. 
Call Dr. Charles Llano at (863) 644-2428
To learn more or to book an appointment!