Sedation Dentistry – Panama City, FL
Don’t Let Fear Keep You Away
Some patients are so afraid of dental care of any kind that they skip their regular appointments. Of course, this only ends up putting their teeth and gums at risk for decay and disease. However, your comfort is still important, and at Baldwin Family Dental we’ll do what we can to accommodate for our anxious and fearful patients so that they no problem returning to us for their next appointment. To learn more about the options for sedation dentistry in Panama City, FL that Dr. Waheed offers, call us today.
Why Choose Baldwin Family Dental for Sedation Dentistry?
- Different Relaxing Sedation Options
- Dental Office That Always Prioritizes Comfort
- Caring Dentist and Knowledgeable Team
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
This type of sedation is preferred amongst patients with more severe dental phobias or those who need treatments that will last a very long time. The sedative comes in the form of a pill, which you’ll take some time before the treatment actually begins. You’ll be so relaxed that you’ll have trouble remembering anything about your appointment later; however, you’ll still be conscious enough to follow our directions and answer any questions we might have.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation in Panama City is essentially a prescribed pill. You’ll swallow it like you would pain relief or allergy medication. Unlike nitrous oxide, which takes effect quickly, oral conscious sedation spreads through the body slowly. We’ll instruct you on the proper time to ingest the sedative pill because this can vary, but you can generally expect to swallow it about an hour before your appointment.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Similar to nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation won’t “knock you out.” You will, however, be in a deep state of relaxation, and sensations like discomfort, bright lights, and loud sounds will be dulled. Some patients feel so at ease once oral conscious sedation takes effect that they start to nod off during treatment!
It can take several hours for oral conscious sedation to wear off, which means you’ll need to ask a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from the office. Rest assured, even if you do fall asleep, we’ll be able to wake you so that your designated driver isn’t kept waiting. Later, you’ll likely only have a hazy memory of your dental treatment.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation in Panama City is generally considered to be safe, and works well for patients who:
- Have general or dental anxiety
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Find it difficult or uncomfortable to sit still for extended periods of time
- Require multiple or complex treatments
- Do not find local anesthetics to be effective
It is important to note that oral conscious sedation can interact negatively with certain medications. Rest assured, we’ll thoroughly review your health history to make sure oral conscious sedation is right for you.
Nitrous Oxide Dental Sedation
When you think of sedation at the dentist’s office, nitrous oxide is probably what you think of immediately. Compared to other types of sedation, nitrous oxide is certainly more convenient; it takes effect very quickly once you start breathing it in, yet it wears off quickly enough that you’ll be able to go on with the rest of your day as you normally would. That said, nitrous oxide is generally more suitable for those with mild to moderate anxieties or dental phobias; patients with particularly severe cases may need to consider other options.
Who Is A Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
Only when you meet with our dental team will you know for sure if you are a good candidate for nitrous oxide in Panama City. Some individuals will need to wait until a later time to undergo this type of sedation (i.e., pregnant women); however, the majority of patients who suffer from one or more of the following are likely to be considered:
- Sensitive gag reflex
- Difficulty getting numb
- Mild or moderate dental anxiety
- Traumatic dental experience at another dentist's office
- Difficulty remaining comfortable for prolonged periods
- Tooth sensitivity
- Fear of needles
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide sedation begins with you having a nasal mask placed over your nose. In seconds, your sedation dentist in Panama City will turn on the mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen, which will then be pumped through the tubing into your nose. You will need to inhale, as the effects come on quite quickly. In only minutes, you can expect to feel somewhat tired. It’s possible you might also feel a warming sensation that allows you to fully relax.
Your dentist can complete the necessary dental work before turning off the gas and removing the nasal mask. Once you breathe in pure oxygen, you’ll notice the effects will dissipate.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
After you are finished with treatment and the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off, you will be free to drive yourself home or back to work. Typically, patients should not expect to experience any ill effects from the sedation, which is one of the reasons why it is so popular and safe to use for both children and adults.