Sedation Dentistry – Sarasota, FL
Say Goodbye to Dental Nerves
It’s very common for people to feel a little anxious about going to the dentist. In fact, research estimates that around 30-40 million Americans avoid routine dental care every year because of dental phobia. 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.
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 you can come see us with peace of mind. To learn more about sedation and how it can help at your next appointment, give us a call today.
Nitrous Oxide
The sedation method we like to use involves nitrous oxide, which you might know better as “laughing gas.” Nitrous 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.
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 nitrous is that it can help curb nervous thoughts and reduce a patients ability to feel any physical discomfort at the same time, leading to an overall better experience.
Dr. Tindal can even adjust how much nitrous 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.
Learn More About Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
If you frequently deal with dental anxiety, then seeing a sedation dentist in Sarasota could be just the thing you need to achieve and maintain a healthy smile. We understand, though, if you still have some concerns before beginning. That’s why we’ve included the answers to some frequently asked sedation dentistry questions below.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes, dental sedation is perfectly safe, especially when administered by a trained professional like Dr. Tindal. Your safety is always our number one priority. During your procedure, we can adjust the dosage of the nitrous oxide as needed to make sure you’re fully relaxed and safe.
Before your appointment, we can go over your medical history as well as your current medications to ensure that the sedative will not cause any negative interactions. If you are not a good candidate for sedation, we can discuss other options of making you more comfortable during your appointment.
Will I Be Asleep with Sedation Dentistry?
No, you will still be fully conscious. You will remain awake, but in such a state of powerful relaxation that you likely won’t be very aware of your surroundings. However, you’ll still be able to respond to our requests (such as “open wider”) throughout your procedure.
Will I Remember Anything from My Procedure?
With nitrous oxide, your memory of your procedure will most likely be fuzzy or fragmented. This makes sedation ideal for patients who have had negative experiences at dentist’s offices in the past; they can just breathe in the nitrous oxide and suddenly the procedure is over!
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?
While sedation dentistry is most often used for patients who suffer from dental anxiety, it can also be used in a variety of other situations. Dr. Tindal may recommend sedation for patients who:
- Have an overactive gag reflex
- Are afraid of needles
- Have sensitive teeth or gums
- Can’t handle the sights, sounds, or smells of a dental office
- Require a complex treatment or multiple procedures in one appointment
- Have difficulties sitting still or keeping their mouth open for a prolonged period of time
- Have certain mental or physical impairments that make getting dental work difficult
Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
It depends. Some dental insurance providers consider sedation to be a “luxury” procedure and do not cover it at all, while others may cover sedation if it’s used for a complex procedure (like tooth extractions) or for a patient with disabilities.
At Tindal Prosthodontics, our team is willing to file your insurance claims to help you maximize your benefits. If you still need help funding your care, we offer financing through CareCredit, Compassionate Financing, and our in-house Dental VIP Program.
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