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Sedation Dentistry

The stress-free way to keep your teeth healthy.

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Location

1700 Eagle Harbor PKWY East, Orange Park, FL 32003

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Our team can help

Keep Your Teeth Healthy Without the Stress

Using sedation, dental procedures don’t have to be a stressful or scary event. Our team has experience working with patients who have a fear of the dentist. We can help you determine the best options for sedation according to your needs.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation is most commonly used for longer dental procedures, such as a root canal. It can help numb any pain associated with a procedure and keep people calm, or even asleep during it. The sedation drugs are safe for use by a medical professional and can help ensure a safe and steady dental treatment.

What’s the Purpose of Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation has many purposes, but a few common ones are:

  • Pain reduction
  • Keeps patients calm
  • Reduces dental anxiety
  • Decreases uncontrolled movements
  • Decreases nerve sensitivity

Is Dental Sedation Right for You?

A variety of factors can determine whether dental sedation is right for you, such as your age, medical history, or other medications you may take. Other factors may include the type and length of the procedure you need, as well as your comfort level with taking sedation drugs. Dental sedation may be recommended if you have:

  • Extreme levels of tooth and gum sensitivity
  • Frequent uncontrollable movement or fidgeting
  • Sensitive gag reflex
  • A fear of the dentist
  • A fear of needles or sharp objects

Sedation options

Sedative and Anesthesia

Sedation and anesthesia are used in dental procedures for pain and anxiety management but differ in their effects. Sedation relaxes you while keeping you conscious, ranging from mild (you are relaxed but awake) to moderate (you may not remember the procedure). Anesthesia, in particular local anesthesia, eliminates sensation in a specific area.

Types of Sedation We Offer

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There are four main kinds of sedation dentistry we offer: local anesthesia, oral sedatives, numbing gel, and nitrous oxide. A dentist can make recommendations based on your unique medical needs and preferences.

Local Anesthesia

Local anesthesia typically involves the numbing of a specific area through injection. This means that only the nerves in that specific part of the body block pain cells, and you will not experience excessive drowsiness. All patients remain conscious with local anesthesia and instead only partially block pain in one area of the body.

Oral Sedative

An oral sedative is a pill that is taken before a procedure to induce a calm, relaxed, or drowsy feeling. Some sedatives may help someone stay asleep during a lengthy dental procedure so that they do not need to stay awake during any painful movements. Always discuss your medical history and any other prescription drugs you take to ensure a safe dental procedure.

Numbing Gel

A numbing gel is a less-invasive, topical rub used locally on patients. This gel reduces painful nerve sensations in the applied area. In dental care, a numbing gel is usually used on the gums and only lasts temporarily. Ask your dentist if numbing gel is the recommended pain-reducing option for your individual needs.

Nitrous Oxide

A milder opinion is nitrous oxide. This “laughing gas” may temporarily sedate an individual and give them a calm, relaxed mood to ease any nervousness surrounding the procedure. It may also induce drowsiness and a release of muscle tension. Ask your doctor if nitrous oxide is a safe sedation dentistry option.

Dental sedation

Decrease tooth sensitivity

Advantage of Dental Sedation

The key advantage to dental sedation is to not let temporary pain or anxiety stop you from keeping up your oral health. Dental sedation acts as physical and emotional support to help both adults and children feel at ease during any dental procedure. Other advantages include:

  • Reduces anxiety and fear
  • Minimizes pain and discomfort
  • Allows for more dental work in fewer total visits
  • Helps control the gag reflex
  • Reduces fidgeting and disruptive movements
  • Increases comfort during the procedure
  • Can enhance treatment quality

Sedation Side Effects

Risks of Dental Sedation

Before undergoing any dental sedation, it’s important to evaluate the risks or side effects such as:

  • Headaches
  • IV bruising
  • Swelling
  • Dry mouth
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
Risk of Dental Sedation

What We Offer

How Sedation Is Administered

If you have an upcoming dental procedure with sedation involved, here’s what will happen during your appointment.

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Before Sedation

Before any sedation or pain-relieving drugs or ointments are used a dental professional will evaluate your health history and any medications you may be taking to ensure a particular kind of dental sedation tool is safe.

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During Sedation

Before the procedure starts, your dentist may give you an oral sedative. The oral sedatives take some time before a patient can feel the effects. Then, right before the procedure, the dentist may apply any local anesthesia or numbing gel to the site.

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After Sedation

Depending on the kind of sedative used, you may need a trusted friend or family member to give you a ride safely back home. Some sedatives can linger and cause you to feel drowsy for a few hours following your appointment.

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Trusted professionals

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

Whether you or your child needs some pain relief or a stress reduction associated with the dental, our team of professionals is here to help. We prioritize patient comfort during all kinds of dental procedures so you can stay healthy and happy.

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Insurance We Accept

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Our Doctors

Meet our Family of Dentists

Dr. Standish has been serving Clay County patients at Eagle Harbor Dental for over 30 years. His daughters Dr. Kelly & Dr. Erin joined the practice and they’ve been creating beautiful smiles as a family ever since. With extensive educations and memberships, our dentists are the best that Fleming Island has to offer.

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