Sedation Dental Clinic in Miami With Dr. William P. Lamas

If the thought of having dental work performed causes anxiety, sedation dentistry at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami may be right for you. Dr. William P. Lamas offers his patients the option of sedation during their dental procedures because he wants them to feel comfortable.

What is Sedation?

In dentistry, sedation is the general term used to describe medications that create a relaxing, calming, or drowsy effect. While these services may also be referred to as sleep dentistry, this is a misnomer because most patients receive the kind of sedation in which they remain capable of moving and answering questions throughout their dental procedure. However, that said, should a patient need more advanced relaxation, Dr. William P. Lamas does offer general sedation as well. Under general sedation, patients will fall asleep; therefore, they will not be coherent during the procedure.

There are 4 levels of sedation dentistry:

  • Minimal
    – patients remain awake but are relaxed.
  • Moderate
    – previously referred to as ‘conscious sedation,’ patients may slur their words while speaking and will not remember very much of the procedure itself.
  • Deep
    – patients sit on the edge of consciousness but can still be easily awakened.
  • General anesthesia
    – as the deepest form of anesthesia available, patients remain completely unconscious until the procedure is complete.

Types of Sedation Available at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

At our sedation dental clinic in Miami, patients can choose from three sedation options: oral sedation with medication, nitrous oxide, and IV sedation. During the initial consultation, Dr. William P. Lamas will evaluate the patient’s needs and recommend the sedation option that is most appropriate for their treatment and comfort.

Administration of Anesthesia at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

Computer-Generated Anesthesia (a Method for Administering Local Anesthesia)

When Dr. Lamas uses computer-generated anesthesia, he uses a very fine needle to deliver the anesthetic to targeted locations. This method is nearly painless for the patient. As the anesthetic is injected, the computer tracks the flow to ensure the correct amount of medication is delivered. Dr. Lamas’ goal is to provide the patient with enough anesthetic to be effective and comfortable while allowing for easy adjustment. Only highly skilled dental professionals can use this computer-generated method to provide their patients with a dose precise enough to numb a single tooth, or to anesthetize broader, larger areas of the patient’s mouth. Computer-generated anesthesia ensures the patient remains fully conscious, yet pain-free throughout the dental procedure. Depending on the treatment, the effects of this type of anesthesia can remain for a few minutes or several hours.

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation

Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation is an inhalation conscious sedation that is frequently referred to as laughing gas. This type of anesthesia is the method used most frequently in the dental office. Patients receive this form of anesthesia while wearing a small breathing mask. This mask is gently placed directly over the nose. Initially, the patient inhales pure oxygen; however, Dr. Lamas will slowly incorporate Nitrous Oxide gas into the oxygen, increasing the amount of gas until the optimal sedation level is reached. The relaxation effects provided by Nitrous Oxide can be felt quickly. When Dr. William P. Lamas uses this method, the patient can breathe independently and retain normal bodily functions throughout the entire dental procedure.

The effects a patient experiences during a sedation dentistry procedure using Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation include feeling:

  • a tingling sensation in the arms and legs;
  • heaviness in the extremities;
  • warm;
  • giddy;
  • euphoric; and
  • calm.

It is the euphoria and giddiness that have given Nitrous Oxide sedation its nickname of ‘laughing gas.’

Some of the main benefits of sedation with Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation are that it has very few side effects, is easy to administer, and is quickly eliminated from the body (with a half-life of just 5 minutes). There is no need for the body to metabolize Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation; therefore, it is excreted from the lungs unchanged. Due to its quick elimination from the body, this type of sedation dentistry is the only form in which a patient may be permitted to drive himself or herself home after the dental procedure. When Nitrous Oxide/Oxygen Sedation is used, the patient does remain awake, and there is no memory loss; therefore, this form of anesthesia is best for patients who only experience mild anxiety during dental treatment.

Orally-Administered Sedation/Pill Sedation

Due to its ease of use, this method of sedation dentistry is relied on heavily by dental professionals who have limited training in relation to sedation dentistry techniques; however, it is not reliable in and of itself because it will not result in full amnesia. In addition, results attained can vary from one patient to the next, which makes it hard to gauge the effects this medication will have on each patient.

Orally administered sedation dentistry is usually taken approximately an hour before the dental procedure is scheduled to begin. Since this medication will cause the patient to feel drowsy, he or she will need to be driven to the office and then home following the dental procedure.

The dose of medication the patient takes determines whether he or she is minimally or moderately sedated. Some patients will fall asleep during their procedure; however, they can easily be awakened with just a gentle shake.

These pills contain many of the same medications used in IV sedation; however, they take longer to absorb, which can lead to long delays if the patient needs more medication. Dentists generally recommend this type of sedation for individuals who experience high levels of anxiety before and during dental treatments. Although Dr. Lamas can use this type of sedation, it is typically not his first choice.

Relax and Feel at Ease with IV Sedation Dentistry in Miami 

At our sedation dental clinic in Miami, IV Conscious Sedation Dentistry is used to administer medication directly into the patient’s bloodstream. Since Intravenous Sedation requires specialized training and is overseen by the Florida Board of Dentistry, our Miami office is among the very few dental offices nationwide that routinely use IV Conscious Sedation (fewer than 10 percent). Using this form of sedation dentistry, if necessary, Dr. Lamas can instantly administer additional medication.

The Benefits of IV Sedation Dentistry at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami include:

  • Dr. Lamas can easily adjust the sedation level;
  • the patient remains conscious, but does not remember the dental procedure;
  • providing the patient with maximum anxiety relief;
  • being a safe and effective sedation technique;
  • taking effect quickly; and
  • offering patients a quick recovery once the procedure is complete

Deep Sedation/General Anesthesia

Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia are designed to put the patient into a deep sleep during the dental procedure. When a patient is placed under deep sedation, he or she cannot be easily awakened until the anesthesia wears off or the medication is reversed.

Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry a patient receives, local anesthetic (a numbing medication) will also be used at the site where Dr. William P. Lamas is working. This form of anesthesia is used to relieve pain in the event that the patient feels any discomfort during the procedure.

Who is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry in Miami?

Sedation dentistry is ideal for individuals who are anxious about visiting the dentist, especially those who avoid seeking dental care. In addition, individuals who are having major dental work performed (i.e., dental implant surgery) are ideal candidates for sedation during treatment.

Is Visiting a Sedation Dental Clinic in Miami Right for You? 

  • have difficulty sitting still while in the dentist chair;
  • become anxious due to the smells, noises, and tastes associated with dental treatments;
  • have extremely sensitive teeth;
  • are embarrassed by their teeth
  • have sensitive gums;
  • are afraid of needles;
  • have suffered traumatic dental experiences;
  • need a substantial amount of dental work performed;
  • are resistant to local anesthesia, causing them to have trouble getting numb;
  • experience moderate to severe anxiety during dental treatments and procedures;
  • have a low pain tolerance; and/or
  • have a strong gag reflex.

Individuals who have responded well to anesthesia or pain medication during other medical procedures tend to do well with all forms of sedation dentistry in Miami.

Is There Anything a Patient Needs to Do Before Undergoing a Procedure with Sedation Dentistry?

The type of sedation dentistry Dr. Lamas decides to use will determine if pre-treatment preparation is required. In some cases, patients will need to fast (no food or water) on the day of their dental procedure.

Patients will need to ask someone they trust to drive them to their appointment and then home. A driver is required following anesthesia (except Nitrous oxide) because patients are usually somewhat groggy after their procedure. During the initial consultation, Dr. William P. Lamas will discuss whether there are pre-treatment and/or post-treatment restrictions that need to be adhered to.

Are There Any Side Effects of Sedation?

Although most of the side effects patients experience are either desirable (no memory of the dental procedure) or residual (continued grogginess following the procedure), certain medications will interact with those used for sedation dentistry; for this reason, patients must be candid with Dr. Lamas and his staff about their medications, herbal supplements, and lifestyle choices (i.e., alcoholic beverage consumption, recreational drug use, etc.).

Recovering After Sedation Dentistry in Miami

Following sedation dentistry, Dr. William P. Lamas typically recommends that patients spend the remainder of their day resting; however, as each case is unique, the length of time he recommends for rest and recovery may increase based on the method of sedation used as well as the procedure performed.

After sedation or anesthesia, patients should avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing activities that require full alertness for at least 24 hours, or as directed by their dental provider. Staying well hydrated is also an important part of recovery. Drinking plenty of water supports the body’s natural healing process and helps patients maintain proper hydration following a dental or surgical procedure. 

Is Sedation Dentistry in Miami Safe?

Whenever an individual receives anesthesia, there is a risk; however, when administered by an experienced dentist, sedation dentistry is usually a safe option for patients. That said, individuals who have sleep apnea or who are substantially overweight should speak with their physician before they are sedated.

At our sedation dental clinic in Miami, the most important factor while performing any dental procedure is the safety of our patients; therefore, we carefully monitor our patients during their dental procedures and directly thereafter. By closely monitoring our patients, we can make sure that the anesthesia wears off promptly.

Sedation Dentistry Regulations in the State of Florida

In the state of Florida, there are regulations placed on sedation dentistry. Florida’s Board of Dentistry requires that dentists complete an Intravenous (IV) Sedation Course as well as administer sedation medications to 20 patients in a clinical setting and obtain their permit before they can provide IV Conscious Sedation or Oral Conscious Sedation to their patients. Renewal requirements for this permit include four hours of continuing education every two years.

Also, it is important to note that, for the safety of all patients, Florida requires that all dental offices within the state obtain an automated external defibrillator (AED) and that the entire staff receives instructions on how to use the AED in the event of an emergency.

An Initial Consultation for Sedation Dentistry at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami

Patients who are in need of dental treatment but experience anxiety and/or who require lengthy dental procedures (e.g., dental implants, extractions, etc.) should consider scheduling an initial consultation with Dr. Lamas at Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami.

During this consultation, Dr. William P. Lamas will ask questions about the patient’s:

  • medical history;
  • medication and/or latex allergies;
  • current medication, herbal supplement, and vitamin use;
  • lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking or chewing tobacco, drinking alcohol and/or recreational drug use);
  • ongoing health conditions (e.g., heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, etc.); as well as
  • previous surgical procedures.

In addition, Dr. Lamas will want to know if the patient has ever had a negative reaction to anesthesia.

It is during this consultation that Dr. William P. Lamas determines which type of sedation dentistry will provide the patient with optimal results; therefore, he requests that patients be candid with him concerning the level of anxiety they experience while receiving professional dental care.

Explore Advanced Dental Procedures in Miami 

Whether you need to have your wisdom teeth removed, dental implants placed, or a gum treatment, Lamas Dental Specialists in Miami offers the most innovative techniques available for removing and restoring missing teeth as well as treating issues related to the gums. Furthermore, dental cleanings and regenerative treatments are also available. Each of these procedures can be performed while taking advantage of the benefits of sedation dentistry; therefore, you no longer have to live with painful gums, missing teeth, and/or the threat of tooth loss due to skipped professional cleanings and checkups.

If you avoid seeking dental care due to the anxiety you feel while you are receiving treatment, Dr. William P. Lamas can ease your concerns by using sedation dentistry techniques throughout your dental procedures. Contact his office today at 305-440-4114 to make an appointment for your initial consultation. The address of Lamas Dental Specialists is 2645 Southwest 37th Avenue, Suite 304, in Miami.