If nerves and anxiety prevent you from visiting the dentist, even for routine procedures, our team at Crosby Dentistry can help. With sedation dentistry, we can put your mind at ease using safe, effective medication. Our team has a range of options to keep you stress-free and comfortable throughout your appointment. Dr. Crosby is proud to offer innovative solutions to make going to the dentist a breeze.

Our office is located in Lakeland, FL, and we serve patients from all over the area who want a more relaxing way to handle their dental care. We know that dental anxiety is a real challenge for many people. It can keep you from getting the help you need for your oral health. When you visit our Lakeland, FL office, we focus on making sure you feel safe from the moment you walk through the door.

Sedation Dentistry 101

Sedation dentistry relies on different medications to help a person stay calm and relaxed during treatment. While sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” this term is a bit of a misnomer. During sedation dentistry, the patient is usually awake and conscious. The various medications simply help keep them at ease and comfortable through the procedure.

This type of dental care is often called conscious sedation. It is designed to lower your anxiety levels so you can sit back and relax in the dental chair. You will still be able to talk to our team and follow instructions. However, you will feel a deep sense of peace. For many, an effective solution like this is the only way they feel they can get necessary dental work done without a struggle.

Benefits of Choosing Dental Sedation in Lakeland, Florida

There are many reasons why someone might choose sedation dentistry services. Beyond just helping with fear, it helps the dentist work more efficiently. When a patient is relaxed, complex dental procedures can often be finished in fewer visits. This saves you time and reduces the number of times you have to schedule a dental appointment.

Other benefits include:

• Help for those with a low pain tolerance or a low pain threshold.
• A solution for people with a strong gag reflex that makes dental work difficult.
• The ability to stay still and comfortable during lengthy procedures.
• Less memory of the procedure, which helps if you have had a bad dental experience before.
• A more positive dental experience that builds trust for the future.

Sedation Options We Offer

Dentists have a few options when it comes to sedation medication, and your preferred type of relaxant will largely depend on the length of your visit to the dentist and the type of procedure you are undergoing.

Some of the most common types of medication include:

1. Oral sedation: The most common medication that dentists will use is a pill that helps calm the nerves. The medication should be taken prior to the dental appointment. The pill will make the patient drowsy but still awake, and the effects will last for about an hour. If a longer procedure is required, Dr. Crosby can always increase the dosage.
2. IV sedation: This type of sedation is given through an intravenous injection. IV sedation is a more moderate option, and the dentist can immediately administer this fast-working medication. One benefit of IV sedation is that the dentist can continually adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure.
3. General anesthesia: General anesthesia is commonly used for surgical procedures when deep sedation is required. This medication can make the patient almost unconscious throughout the entire procedure. The effects can take a little longer to wear off in some patients.

Talk to Dr. Crosby about what kind of sedation medication is right for you and your particular procedure. Our team is kind, caring, and knowledgeable and can make the best sedation medication recommendation for your needs.

Procedures For Sedation Dentistry 

Sedation dentistry is the perfect option for any patient who is hesitant or nervous when visiting the dentist. It doesn’t matter if you are anxious about a dental exam or cleaning or are stressed about an upcoming procedure, our team wants you to feel calm and comfortable throughout the duration. Sedation dentistry is commonly used for more lengthy procedures such as root canals, scaling and root planings, or a new cosmetic dental procedure.

Will Sedation Dentistry Work for Me?

Sedation dentistry is a tremendous advancement in science and dentistry that allows patients to visit the dentist comfortably. However, it may not be suitable for everyone. Before administering sedation medication to our patients, we always complete a medical history and an evaluation to ensure that patients will be safe with our sedation methods. Our number one priority at Crosby Dentistry is to keep you protected and calm throughout your visit.

At Crosby Dentistry, we understand that people sometimes feel fear related to a dental visit, and we are here to help. If you feel uneasy about your upcoming visit, the best thing you can do is schedule a time to talk to Dr. Crosby. Not only can he answer your questions and assuage your fears, but he may also be able to recommend sedation dentistry for your next visit.