The Treatment You Need, Without Fear
Dedicated To Your Comfort
We know that dental anxiety, whether toward a visit to a dentist or a periodontist, affects millions of Americans across the country. We also know how to help you overcome it. Making you as comfortable as possible and your treatment as painless as possible is our passion. We are trained in multiple sedation options, and your treatment will be led by our experienced and compassionate periodontist. We have a wide range of sedation options to suit the complexity of your treatment at Garazi Periodontics & Dental Implants, designed for your safety and comfort. If you’re looking for a practice with sedation dentistry in Miami, FL and a caring team you can trust, visit us for your surgical care.
Why Consider Sedation Dentistry?
Minimal pain or discomfort
Greater relaxation during treatment
Decreased dental anxiety and fear
Reduced gag reflex
Fewer appointments and ability to combine treatments
The lasting effects of receiving necessary care
Our Select Sedation Options
Nitrous Oxide
Often called “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask prior to treatment. You’ll stay alert and awake but feel relaxed throughout your procedure. Once your mask is removed, the effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly.
Oral Sedation
This kind of sedation is taken orally, typically two hours before your visit. Many patients experience a decrease in dental anxiety and discomfort, with the degree of effects depending on what medication is prescribed and at what dosage, and an altered mental state. If you are undergoing this type of anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home.
IV Sedation
Administered intravenously, this type of sedation puts you in a sleeplike state, though you will remain awake during your procedure. With amnesic effects, many patients who receive IV sedation may forget parts of their care or the entirety of their treatment. With some lasting effects, patients will need someone to drive them home after their visit.
The Dangers Of Dental Anxiety
If you’re afraid of dental visits, you may decide to skip them and ignore dental symptoms that should receive attention. The associated risks are considerable since small dental health issues that go unchecked can eventually turn into big health issues. Gum disease can cause gum recession and tooth loss. If left untreated, this can lead to additional systemic complications, more pain and more treatments. With all of our options for sedation dentistry in Miami, FL, this need never happen to you. Reach out to learn more about how our specialized and comprehensive sedation solutions can offer the comfort and confidence you need for a healthy smile and a healthy life.
Anesthesia Options FAQs
What are the different types of dental anesthesia available?
Dental anesthesia options typically include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and intravenous (IV) sedation. Local anesthesia numbs a specific area, allowing procedures to be pain-free. Nitrous oxide helps patients relax while staying conscious. Oral sedation uses medication to induce relaxation or mild sleepiness. IV sedation delivers medication directly into the bloodstream for deeper sedation, often used for longer or more complex treatments.
How does nitrous oxide (laughing gas) work during dental procedures?
Nitrous oxide is a safe, odourless gas inhaled through a small mask placed over the nose. It quickly induces a calming and euphoric effect, reducing anxiety and discomfort. The gas is easily adjustable, allowing the dentist to control the sedation level. Patients remain awake and responsive but feel relaxed and less aware of the procedure. After the treatment, the gas is turned off, and normal alertness returns within minutes.
What is oral sedation, and how is it administered?
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill or liquid medication before the dental appointment. The medication belongs to a class of drugs called sedatives or anxiolytics, which help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Patients typically take the medication about an hour before the procedure. The dose can range from mild to moderate sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the dental work.
How long does oral sedation last, and what should I expect?
The effects of oral sedation usually last several hours, including the time needed to recover after the procedure. Patients may feel drowsy and relaxed and have limited memory of the appointment. It’s important to arrange for someone to drive you home because the sedative effects can impair judgment and coordination for the rest of the day. Patients should avoid alcohol or other sedatives when using oral sedation.
What is IV sedation, and when is it recommended?
IV sedation delivers sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a small needle inserted into a vein. This method produces a deeper level of sedation than oral or nitrous oxide sedation, often described as a twilight sleep where the patient feels very relaxed and may have little or no memory of the procedure. IV sedation is recommended for patients with severe dental anxiety, extensive dental work, or difficulty tolerating other forms of sedation.
How quickly does IV sedation take effect, and how long does it last?
IV sedation acts very quickly, usually within minutes, because the medication is introduced directly into the bloodstream. The sedation level can be adjusted throughout the procedure for optimal comfort. After the dental work is completed, the effects may take a few hours to wear off. Recovery times vary, but patients typically need a companion to drive them home and assist afterward.
How do I know which sedation option is right for me?
Choosing the right sedation depends on your anxiety level, medical history, the type and length of the dental procedure, and personal preferences. Your dentist will evaluate your health, discuss your concerns, and recommend the safest and most effective sedation method. Patients with mild anxiety might benefit from nitrous oxide or oral sedation, while those needing extensive procedures or experiencing severe anxiety may require IV sedation.
