Gainesville Dental Associates has always been very sensitive to our patients with high fear and apprehension of dentistry. We now offer them a safe and even more comfortable experience — Sedation Dentistry. We feel that many people avoid needed dental care due to fear. We are helping those patients to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile with this safe and wonderful technique. Drs. Batistas and Chehade are certified to provide Sedation Dentistry through oral conscious sedation. We are also proud to provide IV Sedation by board certified anesthesiologists for those patients who prefer that method. Patients are thrilled to receive their dental treatment while totally relaxed and comfortable — often in just 1 or 2 visits. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.

Sedation dentistry provides safe, comfortable dental treatment for patients with special needs. Sometimes called relaxation dentistry, sedation dentistry is a method of managing pain and anxiety during professional dental care through the use of medication.

The doctors at Gainesville Dental Associates have been providing Sedation Dentistry to their patients for several years and feel it is just the answer for those patients who have long put off needed dental care due to anxiety and fear. Hear what patients are saying about Sedation Dentistry!

You can benefit from sedation dentistry if you experience one or more of the following:

• High fear of dental care
• Complex dental problems
• Traumatic dental experiences
• Fear of needles and shots
• Trouble getting numb
• Sensitive teeth

The three most common types of sedation dentistry are:

1. Oral Conscious Sedation
2. Inhalation Sedation
3. General Anesthesia

Oral Conscious Sedation

Through this type of sedation you will experience very deep relaxation while still being conscious. Your doctor will provide you with an oral medication that is easy to swallow, safe, and low cost. Most adults will receive Halcion (triazolam), though children are usually given a liquid medication like Versed (Midazolam). When the medication takes effect, you will be able to speak and respond to external requests.

Inhalation Sedation

Inhalation sedation uses Nitrous Oxide and Oxygen (laughing gas) to help your body achieve a relaxed state. This is the most popular form of sedation used in dentistry today.

General Anesthesia

Coming Soon!

Facts About Sedation Dentistry

1. It Really Works! You really can relax through your entire dental appointment.
2. It Is Safe!! And you have options! You can either choose to take a small pill prior to treatment, no intra-venous tubes or needles OR have gentle IV Sedation provided by our board certified anesthesiologist right in our office.
3. You will have little or no memory of the experience. You won't remember any sounds or smells.
4. If you opt for the oral sedation you can relax for up to five to six hours after taking the pill. The time you are relaxing will vary depending on your needed treatment. Should you choose IV Sedation, you will be brought back up to a conscious level much more quickly.
5. Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments, can be done in as little as one! All while you relax comfortably under quiet supervision.
6. People who have difficulty getting numb do not experience that problem when relaxed.
7. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment often requiring several visits.

Common Questions

Will I feel any pain?
No. You will feel nothing!

Will I be unconscious?
With oral conscious sedation you are in a deeply relaxed state, you are responsive. With IV Sedation, yes, you will be unconscious.

Will I be monitored?
Yes, one of our team and/or our board certified anesthesiologist is always with you and your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone.

How long will I be relaxing?
Depending on your needs, from two to six hours.

Will someone need to accompany me?
Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you will need someone to drive you to our office and home again.