Sedation Dentist – Jacksonville, FL
Keeping You Calm in the Dental Chair
Dr. Altenbach received advanced training with the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS) – an organization dedicated to ensuring that patients receive safe, comfortable, and anxiety-free dental care. When you arrive at our office for your dental procedure, we will discuss the various options available to provide an anxiety-free experience. In addition to your minimal oral sedation, our gentle dental staff will help you feel as comfortable as possible during and after your visit. Keep reading to learn about the types of sedation dentistry in Jacksonville that we offer at Altenbach Dentistry.
Why Choose Altenbach Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
- Multiple Dental Sedation Options
- Caring, Approachable Dental Team
- Technology-Forward Dental Practice
Oral Conscious Sedation
When you choose oral conscious sedation, you’ll be given a pill to take roughly an hour (or another designated time) before your treatment begins. While under the effects of oral conscious sedation, you won’t be bothered by the sights and sounds of our dental office, but you’ll still be awake so that you can follow our directions. Plan on having a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment, as the effects of oral conscious sedation will linger for a while.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who only need a little help relaxing during dental appointments. It’s administered through a comfortable nasal mask, and the effects of the colorless, odorless gas only take a few minutes to set in. So, it’s both effective and convenient! If you are interested in learning more about this mild form of sedation dentistry, then keep reading.
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
We mentioned above that nitrous oxide is ideal for patients who only need a little help relaxing during dental appointments. It’s also beneficial for people who experience head/neck/jaw pain in the treatment chair, who have a sensitive gag reflex, or who struggle with dental-related anxiety. This calming solution has been tested extensively, and it’s considered safe for both children and adults alike. That said, there are some patients who aren’t candidates, including expecting mothers. Ultimately, if you want to find out if we can add nitrous oxide to your treatment plan, the best thing to do is give us a call to schedule a consultation!
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Dr. Altenbach is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and has completed extensive training and continuing education in dental implant placement, including the Implant Educators Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Implant Continuum. As a result, he is specially qualified to place dental implants in-house, eliminating the need for you to have to travel to a different specialist’s office for this part of the procedure.
When you arrive at our Jacksonville dental office, one of our friendly team members will take you back to the treatment room, help you settle in comfortably, and answer any questions you have. Then, they will place a small nasal mask over your nose, allowing you to breathe in the sedative and oxygen. Within a few minutes, you’ll feel completely anxiety-free and utterly relaxed. This feeling will continue throughout your visit, and we can adjust the level of sedation as needed to keep you comfortable.
Note: Nitrous oxide will not put you to sleep. That said, some patients feel so at-ease they doze off. If that happens, we can gently wake you. We can also let you sleep peacefully until we’re done providing your preventive, restorative, or cosmetic care.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
At the end of your appointment, we will switch off the nitrous oxide and remove the nasal mask. Within a few minutes, you’ll feel the effects wear off. That means you don’t have to worry about any lingering effects, like grogginess. Instead, you can drive yourself home and resume your usual routine!
Before you leave our office, we will provide you with aftercare instructions specific to the treatment you received. For example, if we restored a decayed tooth with a dental crown, we will ask you not to eat anything until the numbing agent wears off, to rinse periodically with warm saltwater, and to avoid chewing on that side of your mouth for 24 hours. As always, if you have any questions, you can give us a call – we’re here to help!