“Knock me out, Doc—just wake me when it’s over.” How many times have patients made this request before a dental treatment? They want to undergo the procedure, but they are not willing to be awake and lucid while it’s being done. Still others are so phobic that they skip the dentist altogether. Research shows that 30% of the population avoids the dentist because of fear, and “Docs Education” estimates this percentage is actually closer to 50%.  

Fortunately, there is an alternative in helping patients overcome their anxiety, and it does not require “knocking out” the patient, as so many request. Conscious sedation is a minimally depressed level of consciousness, but patients maintain their own airways and reflexes, and respond to physical and verbal stimuli. As a result, the patients are more relaxed, less anxious and can interact with the staff if needed. The dentist does not have to support the patient’s breathing like with deep sedation and general anesthesia. Conscious sedation can be delivered orally or intravenously (IV) which allows dental treatments to be performed with minimal visits, no pain and little memory of the experience.  

Dr. Hal Huggins had discovered that using conscious sedation in dentistry has even more advantages too. Dr. Huggins recommended a strict set of guidelines when removing mercury fillings safely during a revision (the removal of any and all dental materials and infections that risk compromising the patient’s health). When the patient undergoes IV conscious sedation, the patient can have all procedures—even treating decays and extractions—performed in one day. He is now certified to offer IV conscious sedation for patients who want their dental needs resolved without the stress of multiple visits.  

For those patients seeking to avoid the experience of dental procedures or who want the convenience of minimal office visits for their treatments, we welcome you to contact our office and schedule a consultation, so we can discuss the best options for your dental health.  

Location: 520 48th St. Ct. E, Bradenton. For more information, call 941-748-9393 or visit WhiteSandsDentistry.com.