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Sedation dentistry is so mild that it can be used for almost every dental procedure and for a variety of reasons – including reducing anxiety, reducing pain, and making it easier for patients with special needs to receive dental care. If you tend to have dental anxiety, you are an ideal candidate for sedation dentistry.

The dental industry has established the fact that many, many people avoid the dentist altogether because the idea of going to the dentist is stressful. However, this means that many people don’t see the dentist until a dental problem is severe and must be dealt with right away – and oftentimes, these issues could have been avoided if the patient had received regular dental cleanings all along.

That is why some dentists now offer sedation dentistry for everything, including regular cleanings. Patients who receive this treatment no longer avoid going to the dentist, because it is actually a pleasant experience. Let’s talk about sedation dentistry and all of the benefits of this treatment, and where you can go in Plantation to see an experienced family dentist who offers sedation dentistry.

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

Dental sedation medication works by lightly and temporarily depressing the central nervous system; essentially, it sedates your nerves. This makes a person feel relaxed, but usually not completely asleep. It results in a marked decrease in anxiety and stress levels.

The medication is best delivered intravenously. With IV sedation, because it passes directly into the bloodstream, it provides immediate effects. The dentist can also adjust the dosage easily, depending on whether the level of sedation needed has already been achieved.

What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?

In addition to how sedation dentistry eliminates dental anxiety, other benefits include:

• You will have little or no memory of the procedures performed during your visit. This is typical, since the sedative causes the patient to slip into a dream-like state of semi-consciousness. Therefore, you will be fully awakened after the treatment is done with no feelings of having endured any pain or discomfort.
• Sedation dentistry ensures pain relief for sensitive teeth. Sedation medication is not just a relaxant, it also numbs pain, which makes dental procedures more tolerable for patients who have sensitive teeth or gums.
• Sedation dentistry shortens procedure time. When patients are more relaxed, dentists and hygienists are able to complete treatments more quickly than if the patient were feeling anxious or in pain. Distracted dental patients tend to need frequent breaks, which makes the procedure take longer.
• Your gag reflex will be under control. Many dental patients have an overactive gag reflex, which makes it difficult or even impossible to undergo certain dental treatments. In sedation dentistry, the gag reflex is minimized so that treatment is possible.

Sedation Dentist in Plantation, FL

Dr. Ernie Soto, a full-service family dentist and reconstructive dentist in Plantation, offers IV sedation to his patients who tend to have dental anxiety. Dr. Soto is one of the very few family dentists in Florida who are licensed to administer not only mild sedation, but also anesthesia for services such as a root canal.

You need not worry about pain or anxiety when you come to our dental clinic, because we strive to give each patient a positive and relaxing experience.

Dr. Soto’s dental clinic serves greater Ft. Lauderdale, including Davie and Coral Springs. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Soto, call our dental office in Plantation today at (954) 368-6264 or fill out our convenient online request form. We look forward to being your dental practice!