Sedation Options
In Pompano Beach, FL
Dental anxiety affects millions of Americans and is one of the most common reasons people avoid getting the dental care they need. At Smile Design Holistic in Pompano Beach, FL, we believe every patient deserves a comfortable, stress-free experience — regardless of their fear level. That’s why we offer multiple sedation dentistry options, from mild nitrous oxide to IV sedation, so you can get the care you need without the anxiety that’s been holding you back.
VISIT
100 SW 6th St,
Pompano Beach, Florida 33060
CALL
(954) 942-4836
CLOCK
MON 8 AM – 4 PM TUE 8 AM – 4 PM
WED 8 AM – 4 PM THU 8 AM – 4 PM
FRI 8 AM – 4 PM
MON 8 AM – 4 PM
TUE 8 AM – 4 PM
WED 8 AM – 4 PM
THU 8 AM – 4 PM
FRI 8 AM – 4 PM
Why should I choose sedation?
Why should I choose sedation?
Sedation dentistry, sometimes called sleep dentistry, uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It is one of the most effective tools available for people who experience dental anxiety or dental phobia — but it’s also beneficial for patients with a sensitive gag reflex, low pain tolerance, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or those undergoing complex or lengthy treatments. Research has found that fear or anxiety caused 7.6% of patients to miss, cancel, or avoid a dental appointment altogether. Sedation removes that barrier and makes it possible to receive consistent, complete dental care without the dread.
At Smile Design Holistic, sedation is available across a range of levels — from minimal (awake but relaxed) to moderate (drowsy, little memory of the procedure) — so we can match the right depth to your needs and the complexity of your treatment. Dr. Andy Baghaei and our team will guide you through every option during a free consultation so there are no surprises on the day of your appointment.
Free Consultation
Not sure which sedation option is right for you, or whether sedation is appropriate for your upcoming procedure? During a free sedation consultation, Dr. Baghaei will review your medical history, discuss your anxiety level and procedure complexity, and walk you through all available options — from nitrous oxide to IV sedation — so you leave fully informed and confident in your plan. We offer CareCredit, Cherry, and Lending Club financing if cost is a concern. Contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
The Benefits of Sedation
Smooth Procedures
When you’re relaxed, your dentist can move efficiently through treatment without pauses or interruptions. Sedation allows multiple procedures to be completed in a single appointment — reducing the total number of visits needed and making your overall dental experience faster, easier, and far more manageable.
Keeps Care Precise
A sensitive gag reflex or difficulty tolerating certain sensations can make standard dental care physically uncomfortable for some patients. Sedation suppresses these reflexes, allowing your dentist to work without interruption and deliver a higher quality of care — particularly for procedures that require precision work around the back teeth or soft tissues.
Encourages Positive Dental Memories
For many patients, past negative dental experiences create a cycle of avoidance that worsens oral health over time. A comfortable, calm appointment breaks that cycle. When treatment feels manageable — even pleasant — patients are far more likely to return for regular care, helping them maintain long-term oral and overall health.
The Sedation Treatment Process
Health & Treatment Evaluation
Your consultation begins with a review of your medical history, current medications, and any health conditions that may affect sedation safety. Dr. Baghaei will assess the complexity of your upcoming procedure and whether sedation is appropriate — and at what level — before making any recommendations. This step ensures every decision is made with your safety and comfort as the top priority.
Address Needs & Concerns
We’ll have an open, detailed conversation about your anxiety level, past dental experiences, specific fears, and what aspects of treatment concern you most. How deeply do you want to be sedated? Do you prefer to be aware of your surroundings or have little to no memory of the procedure? This dialogue is the foundation of a sedation plan that actually fits how you feel — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Discuss Recommendations & Options
Dr. Baghaei will present the sedation options that best match your needs — explaining how each medication works, what to expect before and during treatment, any preparation required (such as fasting), recovery time, and whether you’ll need a driver afterward. You’ll leave the consultation with a clear plan, pre-treatment instructions, and no remaining questions.
What makes us different
IV Sedation
IV sedation — also called intravenous sedation — is administered directly into your bloodstream, producing a deeply relaxed state within seconds. Most patients either sleep through the entire procedure or have little to no memory of it afterward due to the amnesia effect. Throughout treatment, a trained team member monitors your vitals continuously. You’ll remain responsive if needed but won’t feel discomfort or anxiety. IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe dental phobia, long procedures like dental implants, or those undergoing multiple treatments in one visit. You will need a driver to take you home afterward.
Oral Conscious
Oral conscious sedation uses a prescribed sedative medication — typically a pill or liquid — taken 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment. By the time you arrive, you’ll feel deeply calm and drowsy. Most patients remain awake but have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. Because oral sedation takes time to wear off, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office. This form of sedation is a popular middle ground — stronger than nitrous oxide but less involved than IV sedation — and is well-suited for patients with moderate to high dental anxiety.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide — also known as laughing gas — is the mildest form of sedation available and the only type that allows you to drive yourself home afterward. Delivered through a small mask placed gently over your nose, nitrous oxide produces a relaxed, euphoric sensation within minutes. You remain fully conscious and able to communicate throughout the procedure. Because nitrous oxide has a half-life of just five minutes and is exhaled quickly from the lungs, its effects wear off almost immediately once the mask is removed — making it perfect for patients who need a light edge taken off their anxiety without deep sedation.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It ranges from minimal sedation, where you remain awake but calm, to oral sedation and IV sedation, where most patients feel deeply drowsy and have little to no memory of the procedure. Sedation is appropriate for patients with dental anxiety or dental phobia, a sensitive gag reflex, low pain tolerance, difficulty sitting still, or those undergoing lengthy or complex procedures like dental implants or multiple extractions.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
Most healthy adults with dental anxiety are good candidates. You may especially benefit if you have a history of traumatic dental experiences, extreme sensitivity to pain, a strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb from local anesthesia, or if you need a complex procedure completed in one visit. Dr. Baghaei will review your medical history, current medications, and health conditions at your consultation to determine which sedation method is most appropriate for you.
What does sedation dentistry feel like?
The experience depends on the method. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) creates a warm, euphoric feeling while you remain fully awake and aware. Oral conscious sedation produces deeper drowsiness and most patients have limited memory of the appointment. IV sedation works almost immediately and produces a strong amnesia effect — most patients have no recollection of the procedure at all. In all cases, you remain breathing independently and can respond to the dental team if needed.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a trained dental team and tailored to your individual health profile. At Smile Design Holistic, Dr. Baghaei reviews your complete medical history before recommending any sedation option. Your vital signs are monitored throughout treatment, and all standard safety protocols are followed. Patients receive detailed pre- and post-procedure instructions to ensure a safe, comfortable recovery.
Can I drive home after sedation dentistry?
It depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide is the only form that allows you to drive yourself home — its effects wear off within minutes of removing the mask. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you will need a trusted adult to drive you to and from the appointment. These medications can affect your coordination and reaction time for several hours after the procedure. Please arrange your transportation in advance when booking a sedation appointment.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Sedation is typically considered elective and is not covered by standard dental insurance plans. However, coverage may apply in some cases where sedation is medically necessary, such as for patients with severe anxiety disorders or complex surgical procedures. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your appointment to confirm your benefits. For patients without coverage, we accept CareCredit, Cherry, and Lending Club financing with flexible payment options.
How should I prepare for a sedation dentistry appointment?
Preparation depends on the sedation type chosen. For oral sedation and IV sedation, you will typically be asked to fast for several hours before your appointment. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior, and arrange a driver in advance. Provide Dr. Baghaei with a complete list of all medications and supplements you take. Full preparation instructions will be given at your consultation. Visit our contact page to schedule your free consultation.