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Sedation Dentistry – West Palm Beach, FL 

Help Nervous Patients Enjoy Dental Office Visits

Sedation dentistry from our West Palm Beach, FL dentist has changed the way patients walk into our dental office, allowing them to have the peace of mind that they won’t feel any discomfort and that they’ll be taken care of in every way possible.

Sedation dentistry can help patients overcome their dental anxiety and relax through routine to complex dental treatments. To find out how sedation dentistry may benefit your needs, call our dental office at (561) 640–9200 to discover if it may be right for you.

Young woman at the pool smiling after sedation dentistry visit

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Woman relaxed in dental chair during sedation dentistry visitSedation dentistry is trusted by dentists nationwide as a reliable method to administer a controlled amount of sedative medicine to create a calm and relaxing dental experience for anxious patients.

If You Have Dental Phobia, We Can Help.

Fearful woman in dental chair in need of sedation dentistryDo you put off making appointments to see the dentist because of fear or nerves? Dental phobia is one of the biggest reasons why many people avoid going to the dentist, even if they struggle with a toothache or dental pain. With sedation dentistry, I can restore your optimal dental health in a comfortable manner and really take away the anxiety you may feel from visiting the dentist!

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Me?

Laughing woman at the beach after sedation dentistry visitEvery patient deserves to have special attention paid to both their unique needs and comfort level. At your consultation, I can walk you through your sedation options and provide you information so that you can take the best next step forward in your dental health.

Our sedation options include:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman receiving nitrous oxide sedation in West Palm Beach, FL

Nitrous oxide (which is also known as “laughing gas” since it can put you in a euphoric state) is the most common type of dental sedation. It’s often a great choice for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety because it requires little to no preparation, and there’s no recovery time to worry about afterward. Most patients can safely get nitrous oxide, so don’t hesitate to ask about this sedation option the next time you call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?

Woman smiling before nitrous oxide sedation in West Palm Beach, FL

Nitrous oxide can be an excellent option for patients who:

  • Experience anxiety, fear, or overstimulation when visiting the dentist.
  • Are afraid of needles or are resistant to getting numb.
  • Have trouble sitting still in the dental chair for long amounts of time.
  • High dental sensitivity or a strong gag reflex that can get in the way of dental care.

It’s important to note that some patients might not be good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. In particular, pregnant women should not have it done because there is a risk of fetal harm. It’s also not a good option for people who are currently suffering from sinus congestion or respiratory disease. Be sure to let us know about any medications you’re taking; some might interact badly with the sedative.

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work? 

Close-up of machine used for nitrous oxide sedation in West Palm Beach, FL

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. The effects kick in after just a minute or two, at which point you should start to feel very relaxed. You won’t be unconscious, so you’ll be able to answer your dentist’s questions and follow their instructions; you can also let them know about your comfort level so that they can make any necessary adjustments.

Once you stop breathing in the sedative, you will only need to wait a few minutes for the effects to fully wear off. Once that happens, you’ll be able to drive yourself home or return to work.

Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide

Man smiling after nitrous oxide sedation in West Palm Beach, FL

Nitrous oxide doesn’t require much aftercare. You will need to stay in our office until we’re completely sure that the effects have worn off, but that will only take a few minutes at most. After you’ve recovered, you can return to your normal routine without delay.

It should be noted that the above only applies to the effects of the sedative. Depending on the kind of treatment you received, you may be given additional recovery instructions. Make sure that you follow these instructions to the letter, and please let us know right away if there’s anything that you don’t understand. 

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

Man holding an oral conscious dental sedation pill

  • Oral conscious sedation works by way of administering anti-anxiety medications in the form of a pill that is prescribed before your appointment. The exact type of medication will depend on your medical history.
  • Taken about an hour before your procedure, it requires a friend or loved one to drive you to and from your appointment. Throughout your visit, you will remain conscious and completely aware of your surroundings in a very calm and relaxed state. Many patients find their experience to be anxiety free!

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Relaxed man receiving dental care under dental sedationSedation dentistry has proven to be safe, reliable, and effective. Before you come see us, consider the benefits of sedation dentistry:

  • Provides relaxation for patients with dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist
  • It’s excellent for lengthy or complex dental treatments
  • Calms a sensitive gag reflex or very sensitive teeth
  • Concept of time diminishes for the patient

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

woman helped by sedation dentist in West Palm BeachIf you suffer from dental anxiety, a sedation dentist in West Palm Beach may be the answer you’re looking for! However, it pays to be well informed. Here are answers to some of the most common questions we are asked about sedation dentistry. If you don’t see the information that you’re looking for below, don’t worry! Contact our team here at the office of Dr. Mihran Asinmaz and we will be happy to answer your questions and schedule an appointment when you’re ready.

Can Dental Sedation Make Me Sick?

It is quite rare to feel nauseous with nitrous oxide sedation. Because oral conscious sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide, there is a slightly higher risk of nausea. Just to be safe, your dentist will likely recommend that you don’t eat for a few hours before your procedure. If you have trouble skipping meals, you may want to schedule your appointment in the early morning. If you are prone to feeling nauseous, simply let your dentist know and they can adjust accordingly.

What Are the Risks Associated with Sedation Dentistry?

Even though sedation dentistry in West Palm Beach is safe for most patients, it can still present risks for some people. Those with obstructive sleep apnea or who are taking certain medications might be more likely to experience complications with sedation. Also, keep in mind that everyone reacts differently to sedatives and the medications that are used during a dental procedure. It’s completely normal to experience a few side effects after being sedated, such as nausea, headache, and grogginess. They may last for several hours following the procedure.

Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance? 

Since sedation dentistry is considered a “luxury,” it’s typically not covered by dental insurance providers. Of course, there are some exceptions. If the procedure is especially complex or you have a disability that makes it impossible to receive the necessary care you need without it, then coverage may be available. If you aren’t familiar with your benefits, that’s okay. Our team would be more than happy to help you navigate your plan and understand the cost completely.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry? 

If you experience dread or severe anxiety at the idea of going to the dentist’s office, you might benefit from sedation dentistry. Putting off oral care due to fear will only allow minor issues to worsen and become serious problems. You might also be a good candidate if you have low pain tolerance, a sensitive gag reflex, or difficulties sitting still or holding your mouth open for prolonged periods. If you’d like to get extensive dental work done in one visit, dental sedation can make for a more comfortable experience. Your dentist will go over your medical history and list of medications beforehand to find out if sedation is right for you.

We’re Here to Help

West Palm Beach Florida dentist Mihran Asinmaz D M DCall us today to discuss your options regarding the use of sedation dentistry to help provide you a safe and comfortable dental experience. We are here to help you feel confident and comfortable and ensure that every trip to the dentist is a positive, relaxing one!