Sedation Dentistry
Many patients experience severe anxiety or stress when planning or undergoing dental procedures. To help individuals have a more comfortable experience at our Fort Walton Beach, FL, practice, Dr. Douglas Pohl offers sedation dentistry.
Dr. Pohl can administer oral conscious sedation or nitrous oxide to help you relax and help him provide the best treatment possible.
Our 2 Types of Sedation
Our Fort Walton Beach, FL, dental office offers two types of soothing sedation:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, induces a giddy and euphoric feeling in patients. Patients who undergo nitrous oxide sedation report feeling relaxed throughout treatment.
The steady stream of nitrous oxide is administered through a mask placed over the nose. As the gas is inhaled, the mild sedative enters the bloodstream through the lungs before reaching the central nervous system and brain. Dr. Pohl and his team will closely monitor the gas levels throughout your dental procedure.
A benefit of nitrous oxide is that the effects of the gas can be felt quickly, and also wear off quickly so you'll be able to drive yourself to and from your dental appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a sedative pill before your appointment. Oral conscious sedation generally delivers stronger sedative effects than nitrous oxide and may be recommended for longer procedures like dental implant placement.
Under the influence of oral conscious sedation, patients are awake and able to communicate, but they are in a dream-like state that allows them to relax.
The effects of oral conscious sedation can take a few hours to wear off. Therefore, patients who choose this sedation option will need to have someone drive them to and from our office.
Request Your Appointment With Our Expert Sedation Team
If you experience symptoms of dental phobia, have a sensitive gag reflex, or have a difficult time sitting still for long periods, let Dr. Pohl know. He will determine if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry and explain both of our offerings in detail.
Our dental practice proudly serves patients in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Pensacola, and surrounding areas. To learn more about our sedation options or other dental services, give us a call or write to our team.
(850) 243-0800
Fort Walton Beach, FL, Leaves 5-Star Reviews for Our Anxiety-Free Appointments
A L
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2024
I have a HUGE fear of any dental work. Visiting Dr. Pohl’s office felt welcoming and everyone was very helpful in answering my questions. I have anxiety in general but they were able to provide me with Nitrous during my filling and have these exotic birds you can watch ☺️ Having no insurance at the time, they were able to help me with payments. The nurses and staff are so nice! I will be back!
View on GoogleKatherine Verzwyvelt
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2023
Dr. Pohl and his entire staff are true professionals! They have provided EXCELLENT service to me and my brother for several years. They are welcoming, kind, courteous, extremely efficient, and talented. But, most of all, they CARE about their patients and the needs of their patients ALWAYS come first! We highly recommend Dr. Pohl and his entire staff!
View on GoogleWe Accept Financing
Here is some key financial information our dentist wants you to know about sedation dentistry prior to your visit with him:
Insurance
Unfortunately, most dental insurance policies do not provide coverage for sedation dentistry. This is despite sedation being a necessity for many treatments.
Financing
Our dentist accepts third-party financing through CareCredit®, allowing you to break sedation dentistry and dental procedure payments into low or even no interest installments.
Evaluating Candidacy for Dental Sedation
During your first appointment, Dr. Pohl will ask about your medical history to determine if you have any conditions that could complicate the use of sedation.
While most of our patients are good candidates for either form of dental sedation we offer, our dentist may determine that you are not a good candidate if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are allergic to benzodiazepines
- Have respiratory problems (for nitrous oxide)
- Have had an adverse reaction to dental sedation in the past
No Needles Needed
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A major part of any medical phobia is a fear of needles and their associated injections. You should know that both of our sedation dentistry options are administered without any needles or injections. Furthermore, our offerings have a low risk of adverse reactions.
Nitrous Oxide Is Suitable for Children and Teens
Dr. Pohl proudly treats entire families. In some cases, adults have no issues whatsoever with receiving dental treatment while their children have extreme dental phobias.
You should know that the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has formally stated that nitrous oxide is both safe and effective for pediatric patients. The academy reports that the most common adverse side effects, nausea and vomiting, only occur in .5% to 1.2% of patients.
Overall, nitrous oxide has been found to have a stellar record of safety and pediatric patients can minimize the potential for side effects by eating a light meal prior to their procedure.
Fort Walton Beach, FL, Patients Rave About Their Dental Visits
Connie Dunlap
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2023
If you’re not going to Dr. Pohl, you’re going to wrong dentist- he’s the best including his staff.
View on GoogleVickie Roberson
Fort Walton Beach, FL
2022
Best dentist. I have been with Dr Pohl for over 20 years . I completely trust him taking care of any and all issues I have had with my teeth
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