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Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety is a huge concern in our society. It’s estimated that 15% of people suffer from dental anxiety so severe that it prevents them from getting the routine care they need to keep their teeth healthy. And that doesn’t even count all the people who feel stressed and worried but still white knuckle their way through appointments!

What’s behind this fear? For some, a bad experience when they were younger is to blame. Dental techniques and technology have improved so much in recent years that most dental procedures are simple, fast, and painless, but people who avoid the dentist may not even realize this. If someone waits until a big problem has developed that needs a more extensive fix, their fears of the dentist may be validated, which can prevent them from getting routine care (which might have prevented the big problem in the first place!).

Another challenge when it comes to dental anxiety is the way that dentists are often portrayed in the media. Jokes about dentists usually include some reference to cruelty or pain, but the reality is that nothing could be further from the truth. The vast majority of dentists are gentle and compassionate and will do everything possible to keep their patients from feeling any discomfort.

No-Fear Dentistry

We want to change the way that dentists are perceived, and that’s why we offer “no-fear” dentistry and sedation options. Everything about our practice is designed to give you a calm, relaxing, comfortable experience. From the moment you step into our laid-back office, you’ll notice the difference. We’ll take the time to get to know you and understand your unique needs and concerns. Our goal is to build a relationship with you and earn your trust.

Oral Sedation for a Comfortable, Calm Dental Experience

If you’re still worried about your appointment, we encourage you to give us a call and ask about sedation dentistry. Dr. Haeussner can prescribe you a medication that you take shortly before you appointment. As the medication begins to take effect, your anxiety will melt away and you will feel calm and relaxed. Some patients become so relaxed that they actually doze throughout the procedure!

Sedation dentistry has a number of effects that make your appointments easier:

Time will seem to speed up and your appointment will feel like it’s over faster.
Sedation can help to relax an overactive gag reflex.
The background noise of our equipment will fade.
You may find that you don’t remember much about the actual appointment.
Even if you doze off, you will remain conscious so that you can both ask and respond to questions.
We can often complete multiple treatments in a single appointment so you don’t have to keep coming back.

It is important to note that the effects of the medication can take some time to wear off, so you do need to bring someone with you who can drive you home from the appointment.

Call to Learn More

Want to learn more about making dentistry a comfortable, calm experience? Please call our St. Augustine dental office today so that we can help you determine whether sedation dentistry is the right option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer sedation?

Yes.

Many patients avoid seeing the dentist for routine care or put off treatment for a problem until it has spread and become a painful situation. We want to make it easier for everyone to get the care they need when they need it. Your safety and comfort are important to us.

Ponce de Leon Family Dentistry offers oral sedation for patients who struggle with dental fear or anxiety. You simply take a prescribed pill before your appointment. Once the medication takes effect, you will feel calm and relaxed. Some patients become so relaxed that they actually fall asleep during their procedure! This also makes it easier for anyone who needs more extensive treatment because we can complete more procedures in a single visit, which prevents you from having to return to the office multiple times.

Because the medication does not cause you to lose consciousness, you will be able to ask and answer questions during your treatment. Time may seem to speed up and the sounds of the dental office, which some people find bothersome, will fade into the background and be barely noticeable.

If you have put off dental care because of fears, please call us today to find out more about sedation dentistry and see it is right for you.

Meet Our Doctor:

T. Daniel Haeussner, DMD

Dr. Haeussner has lived in Northeast Florida since 1975. Dentistry runs in his family! His father was a dentist, his mother is a dental hygienist, and his brother is also a dentist.

After graduating from Bishop Kenny High School, Dr. Haeussner received his undergraduate degree from his beloved University of Florida. He is very proud of his Gator education and bleeds orange and blue. He then went on to graduate from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, where he obtained an excellent education and also learned to appreciate the mild ...