Are you a person who is afraid of the dentist? Do nerves get the better of you, even in the days leading up to your dental appointment? Do you find that you’re unable to get your dental concerns addressed, because you’re too preoccupied with your nerves?

Explore the calming and pain-free approach to oral healthcare at our Plantation facility with sedation dentistry. At Implantation Dental Center, we understand the apprehension and anxiety that can often accompany dental visits. Our specialized sedation dentistry services in Plantation are designed to alleviate your fears and ensure a relaxing experience in the dentist’s chair. Discover how we’re transforming dental care, one patient at a time.

What exactly is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry,” although that’s not entirely accurate. Patients are usually awake with the exception of those who are under general anesthesia.

Are there different types of sedation dentistry?

There are different levels of sedation, the most used include:

Inhaled Minimal sedation: You are awake but relaxed. You breathe nitrous oxide — well known as “laughing gas” — combined with oxygen through a mask that’s placed over your nose. This gas will help you relax. The amount of sedation you will receive during the procedure will be control by Dr. Mauricio Hervas at his dental clinic located in Plantation. This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.

Moderate sedation (“conscious sedation”): You may pronounce your words when speaking and not remember much of the procedure.
Deep sedation and general anesthesia: Through deep sedation you are on the edge of consciousness but can still be awakened. Through General anesthesia you are completely unconscious. You will get medications that will make you either almost unconscious or totally unconscious – deeply asleep – during the procedure. While you are under general anesthesia, you cannot easily be awakened until the effects of the anesthesia wear off or are reversed with medication. This type of sedation is not used at Implantation Dental Center by Dr. Mauricio Hervas. Dr. Hervas needs the patient to be conscious especially when it’s a long procedure, for the control of their own head and mouth movements on the dentist’s chair.

Oral sedation: Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation, you take a pill. Typically, the pill is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually takes about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you’ll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Some people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation to actually fall asleep during the procedure. They usually can, though, be awakened with a gentle shake.

How Safe Is Sedation Dentistry?

There is always a risk in getting anesthesia. It is usually safe, though, when given by experienced dentists. However, every patient should talk to their doctor before having sedation. At Implantation Dental Center, Dr. Mauricio Hervas is trained and qualified to administer the type of sedation you will be receiving. Before the procedure, Dr. Hervas will follow this steps :

Before the procedure, Dr. Hervas will go over your medical history to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate for sedation and ask about any medications you’re currently taking.
Dr. Hervas’ will tell you what dose of the sedative is appropriate for your age and health.

Can Any Dentist Perform Sedation?

Most dentists are qualified to administer minimal sedation (such as nitrous oxide or pills). An increasing number of dentists can give moderate sedation. However, only a small percentage of dentists who have completed the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) program in deep sedation and general anesthesia can use these more complex techniques. These dentists are typically maxillofacial surgeons and dentist anesthesiologists. Some dentists use a dentist anesthesiologist, who is specially trained to give all levels of sedation and anesthesia to both children and adults.

Each state’s dental board carefully regulates the use of sedation techniques. Many states require dentists to hold permits in order to perform sedation.

For more information about sedation dentistry, please contact Dr. Mauricio Hervas at Implantation Dental Center to 954.476.0770.