Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all ages. In fact, research estimates that around 30-40 million Americans avoid routine dental care every year because of dental phobia. It can stem from various factors, such as negative past experiences, fear of pain, or discomfort with the sounds and smells associated with dental offices. This anxiety can prevent individuals from seeking the dental care they require, leading to worsening oral health and more extensive dental issues.

At Tindal Prosthodontics, we understand that going to the dentist isn’t everyone’s favorite thing, which is why our team works hard to create a warm and welcoming environment where anyone can feel comfortable. This is also why we give each patient so much one-on-one attention.

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And, to make sure even the most nervous patient can enjoy a calm and stress-free dental experience, we’re ready to offer sedation dentistry as well. Whether you need something to help you relax during routine or extensive dental work, or if you want to have multiple procedures completed in fewer appointments to save time, we can help you glide through it all with sedation. In the end, we’ll do anything we can to make sure your visit with us is calm and almost relaxing. 

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Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. At Tindal Prosthodontics, Dr. Ben Tindal and his team offer several sedation options to help patients feel more comfortable and at ease during their dental appointments.

Laughing Gas

The sedation method we like to use involves “laughing gas.” It has been used for well over 100 years to help dental patients feel more comfortable during their appointments, and it is still just as effective today.

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All a patient has to do is inhale the colorless, odorless gas through a small nasal mask, and within a few moments, they will begin to feel a warm blanket of relaxation cover their body. The great part about "laughing gas" is that it can help curb nervous thoughts and reduce a patient's ability to feel any physical discomfort at the same time, leading to an overall better experience.

Dr. Tindal can even adjust how much a patient is getting throughout their appointment to make sure they are happy and calm the entire time. And better yet, once the visit is over and the mask is removed, the gas’ effects wear off almost instantly, enabling a patient to go straight back to their day without any lasting drowsiness.

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Oral Conscious Sedation

Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before the dental appointment, which helps patients feel calm and relaxed during the procedure. While patients remain awake and able to communicate, they may not remember much about their dental treatment. This type of sedation typically requires someone to drive the patient to and from the appointment.

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Dr. Ben Tindal is a skilled prosthodontist who has extensive experience in providing comprehensive dental care to patients in Sarasota, FL. At Tindal Prosthodontics, we understand the challenges that dental anxiety can present, and our team is dedicated to creating a comfortable and stress-free environment for our patients. To learn more about sedation and how it can help at your next appointment, give us a call today.