Naples Sedation Dentist

If you have severe dental anxiety, we have the tools to help you get the care that you need at Naples General & Cosmetic Dentistry. Certified in oral and IV sedation, Dr. Robert Bracho is equipped to bring you into a state of complete calm. You’ll be relaxed throughout your entire treatment, and you’ll likely not even remember it afterward!

How It Works

We offer oral and IV sedative options to induce a state of conscious sedation that completely relaxes you during treatment while still leaving you able to respond. Throughout your appointment, you’ll remain blissfully in that state while Dr. Bracho takes care of all of your dental work. You may fall asleep in the dentist chair or simply feel afterward as though you slept through the whole thing!

Before prescribing sedative medicine, Dr. Bracho will first review your medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for it. If everything looks good, he will talk with you to determine whether oral or IV sedation better suits your needs.

If he prescribes an oral sedative, you’ll take it 30-60 minutes before your appointment so that you’re immersed in its calming effects before your treatment begins. If Dr. Bracho prescribes an IV sedative, he’ll administer it before beginning treatment, and it will begin to take effect right away.

Whichever method of sedation is used to bring you to a state of calm, we’ll monitor your vital signs as an added measure of safety. And although it will likely seem to you that you are asleep, you will be able to respond to requests such as opening your mouth.

Which is Better, Oral or IV Sedation?

The sedative medicine that is right for you will depend on your level of anxiety. Many patients experience total relaxation with oral sedative medication. For our patients who need the deepest level of sedation we can provide, Dr. Bracho typically recommends IV sedation. It takes effect quickly and allows Dr. Bracho to adjust the level of sedation in response to your needs throughout the procedure.

What Are the 4 Levels of Sedation?

Mild

Mild sedation leaves you completely alert, just in a more carefree state. Our mild sedative is nitrous oxide, meant for patients who are mildly anxious or have trouble getting numb. We also use it to prepare patients for IV sedation.

Moderate

Under moderate sedation, you’re still conscious and able to respond to commands. But you’re in a state of such relaxation that you are unconcerned with your dental treatment. In addition to keeping you comfortable, this relaxation allows the numbing agent to work as it should so that you don’t feel pain during the procedure. Sedative medicine administered both orally and intravenously (through IV) can bring you to this level of sedation.

Deep

Deep sedation brings you to the edge of consciousness where you have little ability to respond or experience pain. This level can be achieved only through IV sedation.

General Anesthesia

The deepest level of sedation, general anesthesia leaves you unconscious for the entire procedure. We don’t administer that level of anesthesia.

How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?

For IV sedation, your IV will be removed after your treatment is over, and its effects will begin to wear off. For both types of sedation, you’ll still feel the effects of the medicine for hours after your dental appointment is over. As it will not be safe for you to drive for at least the next few hours, you should plan on having someone drive you home and taking it easy for the rest of the day.

Because of the amnesiac effects of sedative medicine, you may find that you don’t remember the details of your appointment afterward. One thing is for sure: you’ll have a successful dentist visit under your belt and be empowered to take the next steps toward a healthy smile!

Our Experience & Credentials

Dr. Robert Bracho is certified in both oral and IV sedation. He completed a mini-residency on conscious sedation through Seton Hall University at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center. In his over 13 years as a dentist, he has had the pleasure of caring for numerous fearful patients.

Stress-Free Dentistry

When you’re ready to move forward with dental treatment, we’re here to make it accessible for you. To discuss sedation options, just give us a call at (239) 262-1535 to schedule an appointment. Or you can request an appointment online, and we’ll contact you to set one up.