Sedation Dentistry in Cocoa Beach
For a More Relaxing Appointment
Many adults avoid visiting the dentist because of feelings of anxiety or fear. At Lineberry Dental of Cocoa Beach, our team wants to make your experiences with us as comfortable as possible, and that’s why Dr. Lineberry offers several techniques for sedation dentistry here in Cocoa Beach. Contrary to popular belief, most sedation options don’t actually put patients to sleep – instead, they help create a much more relaxed atmosphere for the patient while allowing them to remain conscious enough to respond to our requests throughout the procedure. Contact us today if you’d like to schedule your first appointment!
Why Choose Lineberry Dental of Cocoa Beach for Sedation Dentistry?
- State-of-the-Art Safety Protocols Always Used
- Variety of Services Available in One Location
- Compassionate Team That Prioritizes Patient Comfort
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Here are just some of the valuable benefits of choosing sedation dentistry:
- It relieves negative emotions like fear and anxiety.
- The process is extremely safe, with very few side effects.
- Procedures may seem to go by faster for patients.
- Our team can provide multiple procedures over the course of a single appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you are uncomfortable with needles and masks, oral conscious sedation may be the right choice for you. We will prescribe oral medication for you to swallow shortly before your treatment. As it takes effect, it should dull your senses, induce a feeling of deep relaxation, and help you forget the noises, smells, and sensations that are commonly associated with the dentist’s office. It should make your entire treatment experience easy and comfortable!
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a powerful relaxation technique. All you have to do is swallow a prescribed medication before your treatment is set to begin. Within 15 minutes or so, you should start to feel remarkably relaxed. The specific medications used for this type of sedation can vary, but Valium, Ativan, and Halcion are common options. The goal of oral conscious sedation is to help you remain calm and comfortable throughout your treatment, regardless of any anxiety you might have had beforehand.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Oral conscious sedation is somewhat powerful. While you are under its influence, it will not be safe for you to drive, so you should have a trusted adult ready to bring you to and from our office. Even though the medication is not designed to cause unconsciousness, you might drift off to sleep during your procedure; if you do, our team should be able to awaken you with gentle stimuli. You will remain able to respond to our questions and directions. You might also not remember your procedure after the sedation wears off. This is a common side effect that many patients value.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation might be right for you if:
- You struggle with dental anxiety or fear.
- You have a highly sensitive gag reflex.
- You are not easily numbed by local anesthesia.
- You have a medical condition that makes it difficult for you to sit still for extended periods of time.
- You need particularly lengthy or complex treatment.
- You are free of contraindications that would make sedation unsafe for you. For example, you should not be pregnant or have certain respiratory conditions.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Have you heard of laughing gas? That’s nitrous oxide! This calming form of dental sedation has been used for decades to help patients with everything from dental-related anxiety to a sensitive gag reflex. So, if you struggle with either or you need extensive restorative care, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us so we can determine if you’re a good candidate. If you want to learn more in the meantime, you can read on as well.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
There are numerous uses of dental nitrous oxide in Cocoa Beach, including helping patients who:
- Need extensive dental work, like multiple tooth extractions
- Struggle with mild dental-related anxiety
- Have a fear of needles
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
With all of that said, we need to review your medical and dental history before determining if you’re a good candidate. If you’re pregnant, you’re allergic, or you have a condition that makes it difficult to breathe through your nose, then we will need to explore other options.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
If we determine that nitrous oxide is right for you, then we will add it to your treatment plan. The day of your appointment, we’ll help you settle comfortably into the treatment chair and position the nasal mask comfortably in place. Then, we will begin the flow of nitrous oxide. Since it’s a colorless, odorless gas, you won’t notice anything until the effects start to kick in. Patients often report that their mood is pleasantly elevated. It’s normal to experience some tingling and numbness as well.
Important reminder: Nitrous oxide does not put you to sleep. You will be awake throughout the procedure, but time will feel like it’s going by quicker since you’ll be completely relaxed.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
One of the many perks of nitrous oxide is that patients don’t have to deal with lingering grogginess and drowsiness. Instead, the effects wear off within a matter of minutes, allowing them to quickly resume their usual routine. All we ask is that you keep any aftercare instructions related to the treatment you received in mind, like keeping your head elevated, using a cold compress, and taking OTC pain medication as directed.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Who is sedation dentistry for?
Sedation is ideal for those who experience varying levels of anxiety, but it’s far from the only group that can benefit from its use. For example, you may want to consider sedation dentistry if you have:
- Experienced panic attacks induced by dental treatments
- A fear of needles
- A low pain tolerance
- Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
- A long procedure planned
- Difficulty getting numb following anesthesia
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Sensitive teeth or gums
- Nausea induced by the smells associated with dental offices
Does sedation dentistry provide pain relief?
While sedation itself doesn’t really provide pain relief, our dental office does use it in tandem with anesthesia. This is what we use to effectively remove any sensations that could be felt during specific procedures. Anesthesia used alongside sedation, whether it be nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation, is a fantastic way to create the most relaxing and pain-free dental experience possible.
Will I remember my dental treatment with sedation?
If you intend on receiving oral conscious sedation as part of your care, it’s very unlikely that you will remember much of your appointment, if any of it at all. In some cases, patients have even fallen asleep due to how relaxed they feel. However, this is not the same thing as being put into an induced coma, which is typically done in hospitals. If you choose nitrous oxide instead, there is a possibility that you remember some of your treatment, even if it is a little fuzzy or fragmented.
What side effects are associated with sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is completely safe, but there are a few side effects that can occur. For example, you may notice:
- Dry mouth during or following your appointment
- Brief periods of amnesia
- Mild headaches and nausea
- The sensation of feeling “groggy,” which is by far the most common symptom
How can I prepare for my sedation dentistry appointment?
The sedation you receive will help you feel very relaxed, but it also helps to wear loose-fitting or comfortable clothing. This is especially important if you plan on completing a procedure that will take a long time to complete. Additionally, you will need to have someone drive you to and from the dental office if you plan on receiving oral conscious sedation, the more powerful sedative we provide. Following your visit, you should avoid operating a vehicle or other heavy machinery for at least 24 hours. You’ll want to have someone looking after you just as a precaution. Those who plan to receive nitrous oxide can expect its effects to dissipate quite rapidly after the nasal mask through which it is administered is removed.