Sedation dentistry allows those who have had bad experiences or poor treatment in the past to finally not fear going to the dentist. Using sedation dentistry, we may be able to complete many different procedures, including complex smile makeovers, in just one office visit to our Clearwater, FL dental office.

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With IV sedation dentistry at the office of Andrew Holloman, DDS, you won’t know what happened, won’t care what happened, and won’t remember what happened. If that sounds good to you, then IV sedation dentistry is the option for you!

Common questions about sedation dentistry

We understand that you may have many questions about sedation dentistry before receiving treatment. Here are some of the most common questions and answers about sedation dentistry:

Will I feel anything during my treatment?

In addition to the sedative, Dr. Holloman uses local anesthesia to provide profound numbness. As a result, there is no pain with the procedure. Our patients wake up feeling relaxed and comfortable with typically no memory of the treatment.

Is sedation dentistry the same as being unconscious?

No. You will still be conscious and responsive but you will be in a deep state of relaxation. The difference between general anesthesia and conscious sedation is level of consciousness and your bodies ability to maintain its protective reflexes. The patient usually can not tell any difference with the experience. In the rare situations where a patient would benefit from general anesthesia, Dr. Holloman works with a anesthesiologist who will come in to provide the general anesthesia.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way for many patients to receive dental treatment. Before starting your treatment with IV sedation, Dr. Holloman will consult with your general physician to make sure that you are healthy enough to undergo sedation.Dr. Holloman uses a very conservative approach to sedation, carefully bringing the patient down to the desired level of relaxation. As a team, we have undergone advanced training to provide sedation dentistry, and continue to have annual training to handle rare complications.

How long will it take the sedation to wear off?

The time it takes for the sedatives to wear off depends on the dose you’ve received, how long your treatment is, and how quickly your own body can recover. Because sedation causes drowsiness, you must have a friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment, and stay with you afterwards to monitor for adequate recovery.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

​​​​​​​People of all ages who experience dental anxiety and do not have uncontrolled medical conditions are good candidates for sedation dentistry. If you have any of the following fears or concerns, ask Dr. Holloman about sedation dentistry as an option for your next dental treatment:

– Extreme dental anxiety or fear of visiting the dentist

– Fear of needles and/or shots

– Past traumatic dental experience

– Inability to handle the smells or noises at a dentist’s office

– Overly sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or trouble getting numb

– Need for a more complex dental treatment

– Self-consciousness about one’s teeth

– Desire for a more comfortable dental treatment

If you feel that you could benefit from sedation dentistry, schedule an appointment with Dr. Holloman at our Clearwater dental office. He can answer all your questions and help you receive the dental care you need.