Sedation Dentistry in West Palm Beach, FL

South Florida Sedation Dentistry offers sedation for dental procedures in West Palm Beach, Florida. Call 561-967-2001 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Listening to you - comfortable dental treatment

Sedation dentistry refers to a variety of techniques used to help patients relax and feel more comfortable during dental procedures. It is also described as medically induced relaxation. Sedation may be used for patients who are anxious, patients who are fearful, or for complex dental work that may be lengthy.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers many benefits to patients:

• Feel more relaxed. If going to the dentist makes you anxious or nervous, sedation can help you feel more calm and relaxed.
• Reduce stress. Stress takes a toll on your body and mind. Sedation dentistry can relieve or even prevent you from feeling any stress regarding dental care.
• Procedure feels shorter. When under sedation you are less aware of the procedure and how much time passes, which can make your procedure seem much shorter.
• Less local anesthesia needed. Local anesthetic is still needed even though you are sedated. However sedation dentistry allows you to feel less anxiety and also not realize the anesthetic has been given. This allows the anesthetic to be more effective, resulting in a need for using smaller amounts of local anesthesia.
• Safe. Sedation is safe for most patients. For those patients that may be at risk, we refer to their primary care physician to ensure that it is safe for them to undergo sedation. In many cases sedation can make the procedure safer because you are able to relax and remain still in the dental chair.

Types of Sedation We Offer

We offer the following types of sedation:

• Nitrous Oxide. Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is an odorless gas made up of nitrogen and oxygen that is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose. It provides a calming effect and even a euphoric feeling. You are completely awake and aware, but relaxed.
• Conscious Oral Sedation. An oral sedative can be prescribed in either pill or liquid form. You take the sedative before you arrive at the dental office so that it has time to take effect before your procedure. It provides a calming feeling that may even make you feel groggy, but you are still awake.
• IV Conscious Sedation. A medication is administered intravenously that relaxes you and provides a deeper level of sedation than nitrous oxide or an oral sedative. You are conscious enough to respond to questions and requests, even though you may not remember anything from the procedure. We also have a dental anesthesiologist or staff for those who may need a deep sedation. You will have a combination of sedation types to achieve your desired level of sedation.

Are You a Good Candidate for Sedation?

Do you feel nervous or anxious about going to the dentist, whether for a routine cleaning and exam or a dental procedure of some kind? Sedation can be used for any type of dental care to manage or even eliminate anxiety. A good candidate for sedation dentistry is someone who is afraid of dental treatment and is in relatively good health.

South Florida Sedation Dentistry has options customized for you

Dr. Senft has created a series of videos to help explain his approach to sedation, as well as several dental procedures. Click here to review the video library. 

Listening to you - comfortable dental treatment

Don't let fear ruin your smile

Sedation options to calm your dental anxiety

Rough dentistry kept me away, until I met Dr. Senft

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IV Sedation the Same as General Anesthesia?

IV sedation helps you relax and puts you in a partially conscious state. General anesthesia renders you completely unconscious, requiring medical machinery to carry out your necessary bodily functions like breathing. IV conscious sedation can be used in a dental office but general anesthesia must be administered in a hospital setting for safe monitoring.

How long does it take for nitrous oxide to wear off?

One of the biggest benefits of nitrous oxide is that it takes effect almost immediately and wears off just as quickly. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off in just seconds to minutes after the patient begins breathing regular air. Most patients have no side effects and can resume their usual daily activities after leaving the dental office.

Is sedation covered by insurance?

The use of sedation in dentistry is not usually covered by your dental insurance. However, it is worth the cost if it can take the anxiety and stress out of the situation. We offer payment options and financing to make the out of pocket costs associated with your dental care more affordable.

I am afraid of needles. What sedation option would be best for me?

For many patients their dental anxiety comes from a fear of needles, which can make the idea of IV sedation even more intimidating. Nitrous oxide and oral sedatives do not require needles, but can help you relax enough to get the dental care you need.