Sedation Dentistry in Pensacola, FL
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel relaxed during dental care. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation can help with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or longer visits, and an exam and conversation show which option fits you.
At Coastal Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Pensacola, Dr. William Rolfe, Dr. Emily Hébert, and our dental team offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation as part of our dental services. We welcome patients from Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Perdido Key, Ensley, and Ferry Pass, and we do not offer IV sedation or general anesthesia.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation helps you feel relaxed, while local anesthesia numbs the area being treated. Our doctors review your medical history, your anxiety level, and the planned treatment before recommending an option, and some patients choose not to use sedation at all.
Nitrous oxide, for example, is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask over your nose, and the American Dental Association notes that it is not intended to put you to sleep. You can still hear and respond to your dentist.
Feeling nervous about your visit? Ask about sedation options.
Types of Sedation Available
We offer two sedation options, and our doctors help you choose based on your health, your anxiety level, and your treatment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask over your nose. You stay awake and able to respond, and the effects wear off soon after the mask is removed, according to the ADA. It is often a good fit for routine visits such as cleanings, fillings, or root canal therapy.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedation uses a prescribed medication taken before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed while you stay conscious. Because the effects can last for hours, you need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your visit. It may be considered for longer visits, such as dental implant placement, extractions, or cosmetic dentistry.
If you need a deeper level of sedation than these options provide, we can talk with you about other choices. Our doctors recommend an option after reviewing your medical history.
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation may help patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or longer visits. Many people put off care because of fear, and talking through your concerns with our team is a good first step.
For longer treatment such as extractions, restorative work, or smile makeovers, sedation can help you stay comfortable, and our doctors tell you whether it is appropriate for your visit.
Safety and Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Our doctors review your medical history and current medications before recommending any sedation, and certain conditions or drug interactions can affect which option is appropriate. Our team monitors you during treatment and explains what to expect before your visit.
Preparing for Your Sedation Appointment
Our team gives you instructions before your visit, which may include fasting for several hours and avoiding certain medications. Wear comfortable clothing, remove contact lenses and jewelry, and arrange for a responsible adult to drive you if you are receiving oral sedation.
Meet Our Dental Team
Dr. William Rolfe and Dr. Emily Hébert are general dentists with comprehensive training in occlusion and full arch rehabilitation through the Dr. Dick Barnes Group in Salt Lake City. They coordinate sedation with treatment such as root canal therapy and dental crowns when it is appropriate for your visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry in Pensacola
These answers cover sedation types, safety, who it helps, and preparation.
What types of sedation do you offer?
We offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask and wears off soon after the mask is removed, while oral sedation is a prescribed medication taken before your visit. We do not offer IV sedation or general anesthesia.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Our doctors review your medical history and current medications before recommending any sedation, and certain conditions can affect which option is appropriate. Our team monitors you during treatment and explains what to expect before your visit.
Who is sedation dentistry right for?
Sedation can help patients with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or longer visits. An exam and a conversation about your health and comfort show which option, if any, fits you.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
After nitrous oxide, many patients can drive themselves home once the effects wear off, and our team tells you what applies to you. After oral sedation, you need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your visit.
How do I prepare for a sedation appointment?
Follow the instructions our team gives you, which may include fasting for several hours and avoiding certain medications. Wear comfortable clothing, and arrange a ride if you are receiving oral sedation.
What Our Customers Say
Schedule a Sedation Consultation at Coastal Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
If dental anxiety has kept you from care, our doctors can talk with you about nitrous oxide and oral sedation and whether either fits your visit. We welcome patients with all insurance plans, although we may not be in network with every plan, and financing through Sunbit and our in-house membership plan are available.
Please request an appointment online to meet with our team.
- 6160 N Davis Hwy #6, Pensacola, FL 32504, United States
- 850-479-3355
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu: 7:30am-3pm, Sat-Sun Closed
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Now Accepting New Hygiene Patients
