Sedation Dentistry in Brandon, FL
At Family, Implant, Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to be as comfortable as possible for your dental procedures. Although most patients can do very well with local anesthetics, some patients may need additional sedation to keep them at ease during dental treatment.
Our doctors understand that dental anxiety and a previous “bad” dental experience can keep patients away from the dental office. If you avoid seeing the dentist because of dental anxiety, you're not the only one! It is estimated that up to 40 million Americans avoid seeing the dentist due to anxiety and fear.
We have many patients that ask about sedation dentistry. We offer several forms of sedations at our Brandon dental office so that you can sail through dental visits without anxiety or fear.
We Love When Patients Tell Us
“that was much easier than I thought it would be”
“I can not remember anything from my dental appointment”
Why Patients Choose Sedation Dentistry
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Fear of needles and/or injections
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Need to complete a large amount of dental work in one sitting
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Dreadful previous experiences with other dental offices
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Hyperactive gag reflex
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Sensitive teeth
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Special needs
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Uneasiness with standard dental sounds, odors, tastes, or vibrations
Sedation Levels Available
Local Anesthetic - No Sedation
For most dental and surgical procedures, we use local anesthetic such as lidocaine, to numb the area we are working on. Once you are properly numb, you do not feel pain.
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We always start by applying a gel on the gums to minimize the discomfort of the injection
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Our brandon dentist can also use a Dental Vibe instrument that minimizes discomfort by vibrating during the injection
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Local anesthetic is used in conjugation with sedation for pain management
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide (commonly referred to as “laughing gas”) helps patients relax during appointments.
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This is a good option for patients who have mild dental anxiety
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Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after your treatment is completed
Oral Sedation
Patients, who have mild or moderate dental anxiety, can benefit tremendously with oral sedation. Our doctors would prescribe medication in a pill form that you can take in our office an hour before your dental appointment starts.
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In certain situations, you may be prescribed a dose of medication to take the night before to help you sleep
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Oral sedation affects people differently with some patients becoming relaxed enough to fall asleep in the dental chair
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It is necessary to have a driver to escort you home from the dental appointment
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation is a good choice for patients who are very nervous and desire a deeper level of sedation. This is commonly referred to as “Twilight sleep” and our Brandon dental team uses monitors to assess your vital signs and administer oxygen.
It is a safer form of anesthesia because you are still conscious and breathing on your own. Many patients fall asleep but can be easily awakened.
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A small catheter is placed into a vein and this is where your doctor would administer medication
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It works more quickly and it allows the doctor to control and adjust the level of sedation as needed
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With IV sedation, most patients do not remember their dental procedure
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It is necessary to have a driver to escort you home from the dental appointment
It is estimated that up to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental anxiety, fear, or a history of a traumatic dental experience.
Our trained dental team in Brandon, FL understands this fear and we are ready to make you comfortable during your dental visits.
Whether you need sedation dentistry for a tooth removal, deep cleanings, restorative work, or root canals, our team is ready to help.
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Schedule a consultation online or give us a call today to discuss if sedation dentistry is right for you!
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Yes, sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals. Our team monitors your vital signs throughout your procedure, and IV sedation allows us to adjust medication levels in real time. You remain conscious and breathing on your own during treatment.
No, sedation dentistry keeps you in a relaxed, drowsy state—not fully unconscious. Even with IV sedation ("twilight sleep"), you can respond to instructions and be easily awakened. Many patients feel like they slept through the procedure.
Sedation costs vary depending on the type used. Nitrous oxide is the most affordable option, while IV sedation costs more due to the monitoring equipment and expertise required. We can provide a cost estimate during your consultation.
With oral sedation and IV sedation, most patients have little to no memory of their dental treatment. Nitrous oxide provides relaxation but typically doesn't affect memory. This amnesia effect is actually a benefit for patients with dental anxiety.
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes after your appointment. Oral sedation effects can last several hours, and IV sedation may leave you feeling drowsy for the rest of the day. Plan to rest at home after oral or IV sedation.
If you only receive nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself home. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you must arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for a few hours afterward.
For oral and IV sedation, avoid eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and arrange your ride home in advance. We'll provide specific instructions based on your sedation type.
Most healthy adults are good candidates for sedation dentistry. During your consultation, we'll review your medical history, current medications, and health conditions to determine which sedation option is safest for you.
Dental insurance typically does not cover sedation unless it's medically necessary. However, we offer payment plans to help make sedation dentistry affordable. Contact our office to discuss your options.
Sedation can be used for virtually any dental procedure, from routine cleanings and fillings to extractions, root canals, and dental implant placement. It's especially helpful when completing multiple procedures in one visit.
What makes Family, Implant, and Cosmetic Dentistry different?
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You are NOT a number
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Sedation options available for nervous patients (including IV conscious sedation)
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Same Day Crowns! That means no temporaries
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Cutting Edge Technology including 3d x-rays
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Intra-oral scanners to avoid impression material
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Membership plans and payment plan options available
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We place AND restore dental implants
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Wide range of services in ONE place
