If the thought of a dental visit makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Many adults put off care for years because of dental fear, a difficult past experience, or a strong gag reflex. Dr. Andrew Holloman offers three levels of sedation at our Clearwater office, so you can get the care you need while feeling calm and comfortable.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during your dental visit. With the options we offer, you stay conscious and can respond to our team, but you feel calm and at ease. Dr. Holloman still numbs the area being treated, so sedation takes care of your nerves while numbing keeps you comfortable. Our trained team monitors you from the moment you’re seated until you’re ready to head home.
Your Sedation Options at a Glance
Each option works a little differently. Here’s a quick comparison to help you know what to expect.
| Option | How it’s given | How you’ll feel | Getting home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) | Breathed in through a small nose mask | Calm within minutes, fully awake | Most patients drive themselves |
| Oral Sedation | A pill taken before your visit | Drowsy and deeply relaxed, still able to respond | You’ll need a driver |
| IV Sedation | Medication through a small IV in your arm | Very relaxed, and many patients remember little of the visit | You’ll need a driver and someone to stay with you |
Nitrous Oxide
A gentle option for mild nerves and shorter visits. The effects fade within minutes after the gas is turned off.
Learn more about nitrous oxide
Oral Sedation
A step up for moderate anxiety. You’ll take a prescribed pill before your appointment and arrive feeling drowsy and relaxed. Because the effects take time to wear off, plan to have a friend or family member bring you and take you home.
IV Sedation
Our most relaxing option, often recommended for high anxiety or longer treatment. Dr. Holloman carefully adjusts your level of relaxation throughout the visit so you stay comfortable.
Learn more about IV sedation
You don’t have to pick an option on your own. Dr. Holloman will talk through your choices with you and make a recommendation based on your comfort level, health history, and the treatment you need.
Is Sedation Right for You?
Sedation can help if any of these sound familiar:
- You feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
- You’ve had a difficult dental experience in the past
- Sounds or smells at the dentist make you uneasy
- You have a strong gag reflex or have trouble getting numb
- Sitting still through a long appointment is hard for you
- You need extensive treatment and would like to finish it in fewer visits
Sedation is a good fit for most healthy adults. Dr. Holloman reviews your health history before recommending an option, and he consults with your physician when needed.
Sedation and Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety is common, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. The problem is that avoiding the dentist often lets small issues grow into bigger ones that need more involved treatment. Sedation helps break that cycle. Once a visit feels manageable, many patients find it easier to keep up with regular care.
Read more about overcoming dental anxiety
What to Expect at Your Sedation Visit
Before Your Visit
Dr. Holloman reviews your health history and medications, answers your questions, and recommends the right level of sedation. You’ll receive clear instructions to follow before your appointment, including whether you’ll need a ride.
During Your Visit
Our team gets you settled and starts your sedation. Once you’re relaxed, Dr. Holloman numbs the area and begins treatment. You’re monitored the entire time.
After Your Visit
With nitrous oxide, you’ll feel like yourself again within minutes. With oral or IV sedation, a friend or family member takes you home, and you’ll want to rest for the remainder of the day. You’ll leave with aftercare instructions so you know exactly what to do next.
Cost, Insurance, and Financing
The cost of sedation depends on the type you choose and the length of your visit. Our team will go over costs with you before treatment so you know what to expect.
We accept most PPO insurance plans, and coverage for sedation varies by plan. Our team can help you check your benefits. No insurance? Our HollomanCare Membership Plan includes preventive care and discounts on other treatments. Financing is also available through CareCredit® with low monthly payment options.
Visit our Financial Information page
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Will I be asleep during sedation?
No. With all three options, you stay conscious and can respond to our team. With IV sedation, you’ll be so relaxed that many patients remember little of the visit, which is why some people call it “sleep dentistry.” In the rare case where general anesthesia is the better choice, Dr. Holloman works with an anesthesiologist who provides it in our office.
Will I feel anything?
Dr. Holloman numbs the treatment area in addition to your sedation, so most patients feel very little. You may notice some pressure, but you’ll stay relaxed and comfortable.
Can I drive myself home?
After nitrous oxide, most patients can. After oral or IV sedation, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you.
Does insurance cover sedation?
It depends on your plan and the treatment you’re receiving. Our team can help you check your benefits before your visit.
Can I finish several treatments in one visit?
Often, yes. Sedation makes longer appointments easier, so Dr. Holloman can sometimes complete more of your treatment plan in fewer visits.
Schedule Your Sedation Visit in Clearwater
Ready to take the stress out of your next dental visit? Call (727) 581-1441 or request an appointment online. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Reaching out after hours? Send us a request online, and our team will contact you when we’re back in the office.