Questions about Sedation Dentistry

Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Boca Raton, Florida

Why would someone need to be sedated for dentistry?

There are many people out there who are terrified of having dental work done. In fact, there is something called “dental phobia,” which, as you can tell by its name, is fear of dental work. We have met patients who have put off necessary dental work for years, even decades, because of the anxiety they feel when merely thinking about making an appointment. Until these people learn about sedation dentistry, they simply will not even consider sitting in a dentist’s chair. If you are afraid of the dentist, have a strong gag reflex, need a lot of work done, or are afraid of needles or shots, sedation dentistry may be just the solution for you.

How are patients sedated?

Sedation and cosmetic dentist, Dr. Thomas O’Neil, serving Miami and surrounding areas, uses three different methods to sedate our patients:

• Oral sedation—Medications of various dosages are administered to the patient thirty minutes to an hour before the appointment, depending on how severe the patient’s anxiety is.
• Intravenous sedation—Versed is a drug we will use to sedate people intravenously.
• Nitrous oxide—Laughing gas is a very popular, safe way to induce relaxation.

What are “degrees of sedation”?

When you read or hear the phrase “degrees of sedation,” that simply means to what extent are you being sedated. There are basically three varying degrees of sedation:

• Anxiolysis—Light sedation, usually produced by oral medication or laughing gas.
• Conscious Sedation—Mild sedation. Laughing gas, I.V., and even oral medication can provide a mild degree of sedation.
• Deep Sedation—A state between consciousness and unconsciousness. We do not put patients in this state of deep sedation.

What can I expect if I am sedated?

At your initial consultation, we will review your medical history and take your vitals including blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation level. When you actually have the dental work done, our specially trained team will monitor you throughout the whole process. You will be drowsy and unaware of the passing time. Most patients do not remember the treatment at all.

What is the difference between sleep dentistry and sedation dentistry?

Sleep dentistry refers to putting the patient in an unconscious state. Dr. O’Neil does not use sleep dentistry. He does not use general anesthesia. Instead, he uses what is referred to as “conscious sedation dentistry,” in which oral medication or laughing gas is administered to put you in a relaxed state so that he may perform all the dental work you need for a beautiful new smile.

If you live in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Boca Raton or Palm Beach, Florida and would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, please contact Miami sedation dentist, Dr. Thomas O’Neil today.

7707 N. University Dr., Suite 201
Tamarac, FL 33321

Call Dr. O’Neil at 800-458-9140 or fill out an online contact form so we can get in touch with you.