Overcome Dental Anxiety: Discover the Relaxing Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Do you feel nervous about visiting the dentist? You are not alone. At Beaches Dentistry - Prosthodontics & Orthodontics in Jacksonville Beach, Florida, we understand. Dr. Nodesh Shyamsunder and Dr. Jasleen Raina help patients feel at ease. We offer sedation dentistry to make your appointments comfortable and stress-free.

Whether you need a routine cleaning or a customized smile makeover, we tailor our care to you. Sedation can help you get the treatment you need without the worry.

How does oral sedation help you relax?

Oral sedation is a common way to ease dental nerves. We may prescribe a pill for you to take before your visit. This medication helps quiet your central nervous system.

According to a Cochrane systematic review, adults taking oral midazolam achieved higher physical sedation levels than those taking a placebo. It makes you feel very sleepy and physically relaxed. However, the review notes it may not completely remove your internal feelings of fear.

This option is also highly reliable. A study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica looked at 265 adults undergoing dental sedation. The researchers found that procedures were completed 91.9% of the time.

What should you expect during your visit?

Your safety is always our top priority. We monitor you throughout your entire appointment. 

Side effects from oral sedation are very rare. The study in Acta Odontologica Scandinavica also showed that mild side effects occurred in only 2.2% of treatments. Sometimes, patients experience agitation or dizziness as the medication wears off. 

Because the sedative makes you drowsy, you cannot drive yourself home. You must ask a trusted adult to drive you after your appointment. We give you and your companion clear instructions for your recovery.

Can sedation permanently cure dental fear?

Sedation is an excellent tool to help you get through urgent dental work. However, sedation does not cure dental phobia. 

A review in the Journal of Clinical Medicine explains that sedatives can actually prevent you from overcoming your fear long-term because sedation stops you from fully experiencing the dental environment and learning that you are safe. 

If you want to move past your fear permanently, other therapies can help. A clinical trial in the European Journal of Oral Sciences compared behavioral therapy to sedation. Both groups of adults saw a similar, significant drop in dental anxiety after one year. We can discuss these long-term options to help you build lasting confidence. 

We want to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile in complete comfort. If you are ready to experience stress-free dental care, schedule a visit with our caring team today.