Sedation Dentistry in Coral Gables

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.”

— Henry Ford

It is absolutely normal to feel anxious before your dental appointment. In fact, there are many people in the dental profession that get nervous! Feeling vulnerable and out of control in any situation is uncomfortable. That’s why we take extra care to put your comfort first. We will answer any question honestly and take as much time as you need to get your dental exam or procedure accomplished. If you experience anxiety that feels too big to handle alone, we offer three levels of sedation to calm your nerves and ease your mind — without the risks of full anesthesia.

Sedation Dentistry is So Good, it Feels Like Cheating

There is no reason to suffer through a dental appointment
There is no need to white-knuckle your way through a cleaning or procedure — dentistry, like any medical procedure, can be done in a way that maximizes patient comfort. Even if you think, “It’s just a cleaning, I should be able to do this!” but you are sweating and feel like running away, you should consider sedation. There is no anxiety too small in our book. We want you to be 100% comfortable — and dental sedation can get you there.

Types of Dental Sedation

Three options to help you get the care you need, comfortably
There is a misconception that sedation is the same as ‘going under.’ Dental sedation is sometimes referred to as conscious sedation since the patient can experience varying levels of sleepiness but at no point does the medication make the patient unconscious like full anesthesia.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas is a common and effective first-line option for sedation. The colorless gas is administered through a mask. After a few deep breaths you will feel relaxed, and perhaps a bit giggly. The gas displaces oxygen in your lungs and disrupts the flow of oxygen to your brain and muscles. The result is a state of relaxation and calm.

BENEFITS OF NITROUS OXIDE

  • Fast acting
  • Relaxes the patient and decreases anxiety and fear
  • Safe for most patients
  • Leaves the body quickly
  • Patients can typically drive themselves home

Oral sedation

If you don’t like nitrous oxide or have experienced side effects in the past, you might want to try oral sedation. Oral sedation refers to the oral administration of sedatives to help you feel relaxed. Dr. Bana will provide you a prescription for a mild to moderate sedative and you will take the pill orally about an hour before your appointment. During the procedure you will feel drowsy and maybe even catch a few Z’s while Dr. Bana works his magic. You will be awake enough to follow directions, but patients report not remembering much afterward. Oral sedation at Miami Sedation & Cosmetic Dentistry is a great option for nervous or anxious patients who care about their oral health.

BENEFITS OF ORAL SEDATION

  • Erases anxiety and fear
  • Enables you to get the dental work needed, without stress
  • Easy to administer

IV Sedation

You’re getting sleepy…

IV Sedation is the third tool in Dr. Bana’s sedation toolkit. IV sedation stands for intravenous sedation. The sedative in this case flows through an IV into your bloodstream. IV sedation is fast-acting and starts working as soon as it enters the veins. It will relax you and release you from fear and stress; but like the other forms of sedation you will still be awake. If Dr. Bana needs you to adjust position, or tell you what he is doing — you will be aware enough to understand. IV sedation can last longer than other forms, so plan to have a friend or family member pick you up from your appointment. Also, plan to take the rest of the day to recover and rest as you might feel a bit groggy.

YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM SEDATION DURING THESE PROCEDURES