Sedation Dentistry Miami, FL

Sedation Dentistry refers to the way a dentist manage people who have:

• High fear of needles or going to the dentist
• Traumatic dental experiences
• Difficulty getting numb
• Significant gag reflex
• Very sensitive teeth
• Complex dental problems
• Limited time to complete dental care

Patients in Miami who:

• Are bothered by the noises, smells and taste associated with dental care
• Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth

Oral Sedation

Also called pill sedation, this method involves simply taking a pill before the procedure. While used heavily by less-trained dentists due to ease of use, pill sedation is not reliable on its own and does not result in full amnesia. Additionally, the results can vary from patient to patient, making it hard to predict the effects. Although it typically uses many of the same medications as IV sedation, the pills take much longer to absorb, so this method requires a long delay in cases where more medication is needed. Since oral sedation is less effective and more unpredictable, we prefer to use it only as a mild relaxer if needed.

Inhalation Conscious Sedation | Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation

Nitrous Oxide, or Oxygen Sedation, is popularly known as laughing gas and is the most common method of sedation for most dentists. It is given through a small breathing mask that is placed directly over the patient’s nose, allowing them to inhale the gas. With this method, the patient retains normal bodily functions and can breathe independently. This method has the benefits of being simple to administer and having very few side effects, as well as being quickly removed from the body after the procedure. However, it does leave the patient awake and produces no memory loss, making it best for patients with mild anxiety who simply wish to take the edge off.

Computer-Generated Anesthesia

One of the most advanced methods offered by dentists today, computer-generated anesthesia uses a tiny needle to painlessly deliver the anesthetic to precise locations. The computer tracks the flow of the medication to deliver the correct amount to be both comfortable and effective while also being easily adjustable. Highly-trained dentists can use this method to provide a precise enough dose to anesthetize a single tooth, but it can also be used more broadly in larger areas of the mouth. This leaves the patient fully conscious and awake but completely eliminates pain during the procedure.

IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry

Used by our specially trained and certified dentists, IV Conscious Sedation administers medication directly to the bloodstream. Since IV sedation requires such specified training and is strictly overseen by our State Board of Dentistry, we are among just 4 to 6% of dentists nationwide that routinely use this method in our practice. The advantage of this method is that the doctor can easily and instantaneously administer more medication if the patient is insufficiently sedated. Additionally, the drugs used intravenously are more effective than the same medications taken by mouth, which means that this technique is associated with more profound amnesia.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe For Kids?

Visiting the dentist can be stressful for people of all ages. Dental professionals know that having your teeth worked on is not always a comfortable experience, and they do their best to prevent any negative experiences by providing gentle preventative care and using anesthesia when needed during procedures to prevent pain.  

When it comes to kids, the experience of visiting a dentist can be especially scary. Young children may not know what to expect, or they may have had a bad experience in the past that has made them fearful of all future dental visits. It can be tough for parents to ensure that their kids get the dental care they need while ensuring that their experience at the dentist isn’t traumatic. 

Sedation dentistry, which involves the use of sedatives to relax a patient during dental procedures, is a service that some highly-qualified dentists offer. It is a great option for adults who need major work on their teeth, or for those who are extremely fearful of dental work. 

But is sedation appropriate for children? Obviously, safety is the top priority for parents and dentists. Here’s what you need to know about sedation dentistry for kids.