Comfortable, Stress-Free Dental Care in Jacksonville, FL
Dental anxiety is real, and it is far more common than most people realize. Fear of needles, fear of pain, a bad experience in the past: whatever the reason, avoiding the dentist because of anxiety leads to compounding oral health problems that become harder and more expensive to address over time. The good news is that modern sedation options make it possible for virtually any patient to get the care they need comfortably, without dread, and without white-knuckling their way through every appointment.
At Patriot Family Dental in Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Kevin Wiman offers sedation dentistry as part of our commitment to making quality dental care accessible to every patient, regardless of where their anxiety level falls. As part of our general dentistry services, our sedation options are designed to meet patients where they are and remove the barriers that have kept them from getting the care they need.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm, relaxed, and comfortable during dental procedures. It is not the same as general anesthesia, and patients are not unconscious. Instead, sedation creates a state of deep relaxation that reduces awareness of the procedure, minimizes discomfort, and makes the appointment feel far shorter and more manageable than it might otherwise. Sedation can be used for routine cleanings, restorative procedures, implant placement, or any appointment where anxiety would otherwise be a barrier.
A 2022 study published through the National Institutes of Health found dental anxiety is so common the American Dental Association estimates up to 22% of Americans avoid the dentist because of fear, with sedation dentistry consistently shown to improve treatment acceptance and patient outcomes across all age groups.
Sedation dentistry is not just for patients who have an extreme phobia. It is appropriate for a wide range of situations and patient experiences. Patients who experience significant anxiety at the thought of a dental appointment, those who have had a traumatic dental experience in the past, patients with a strong gag reflex, those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and patients who simply want a more comfortable experience during a longer or more complex procedure are all good candidates.
During your consultation, Dr. Wiman will review your medical history, discuss your anxiety triggers, and recommend the sedation approach best suited to your needs and the procedure being performed.
We offer two primary sedation options at Patriot Family Dental, selected based on the patient’s level of anxiety, the nature of the procedure, and their overall health profile.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is the lightest sedation option we offer. It is delivered through a small mask placed over the nose and produces a mild, pleasant sense of relaxation without putting the patient to sleep. It takes effect quickly, usually within a few minutes, and wears off just as fast once the mask is removed. Because nitrous oxide clears the system so rapidly, most patients can drive themselves home after their appointment. This makes it an excellent choice for patients with mild to moderate anxiety or those undergoing shorter procedures.
Oral conscious sedation produces a deeper state of relaxation; most patients remain conscious but feel drowsy, calm, and largely unaware of the procedure as it is happening. Oral conscious sedation is administered as a pill or liquid taken before the appointment, allowing the medication to take effect before you arrive at the office. This option is well-suited for patients with moderate to severe anxiety, those undergoing longer or more involved procedures, or patients who want minimal awareness of what is happening during their visit.
Before your sedation appointment, our team will walk you through the medication being used, the dosage, and any pre-appointment instructions. For oral conscious sedation, you will need to arrange a driver to take you home after the appointment, as the medication will still be in your system for several hours following the procedure. You will want to plan for a relaxed remainder of the day.
On the day of your appointment, our team will make sure you are comfortable and answer any last questions before beginning. Most patients report feeling calm almost immediately and have little to no memory of the procedure by the time they leave.
Dr. Kevin Wiman has built a practice where compassion and clinical precision go hand in hand. Dr. Wiman is a West Point graduate, U.S. Army veteran, and U.S. Navy retiree who brings the same steady, disciplined approach to anxious patients as he does to complex clinical cases. We want every patient to feel coming to the dentist is something they can manage, and sedation dentistry is one of the most direct ways we make that possible.
We accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing options through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry to make comfortable dental care accessible for every budget. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward dental care that works for you in Jacksonville, FL.
Here are answers to the most common questions patients ask before their first sedation dentistry appointment at Patriot Family Dental.
No. Conscious sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable but awake. You remain able to breathe on your own and respond to Dr. Wiman if needed. Nitrous oxide produces a mild sense of calm while leaving you fully conscious. Oral conscious sedation creates a deeper state of relaxation where most patients feel drowsy and have little to no memory of the procedure, but they are not unconscious. General anesthesia, which renders patients fully unconscious, is not offered at Patriot Family Dental.
Yes, when administered by a trained provider and preceded by a thorough health evaluation, sedation dentistry is safe for most patients. Before recommending any sedation, Dr. Wiman reviews your complete medical history, current medications, and overall health to confirm which option is appropriate for your situation. Your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure. Patients with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications may not be candidates for oral conscious sedation, which is why the consultation step is always completed first.
Nitrous oxide is a light sedation delivered through a small mask placed over the nose. It takes effect within minutes, produces a pleasant sense of calm, and wears off quickly so most patients can drive themselves home afterward. Oral conscious sedation is a pill or liquid taken 30 to 60 minutes before your appointment. It produces a deeper level of relaxation, and most patients have little or no memory of the procedure. Because it stays in your system longer, you will need a trusted adult to drive you home and plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
It depends on the type of sedation. For nitrous oxide, there are generally no strict fasting requirements, though a light meal beforehand is often recommended. For oral conscious sedation, you will typically be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before your appointment. Our team will give you specific pre-appointment instructions when your sedation appointment is scheduled so you know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
Coverage varies by plan. Some insurance plans include partial coverage for sedation when it is deemed medically necessary, such as for patients with documented dental phobia or certain medical conditions that make standard treatment difficult. In many cases, sedation is considered an elective service and is not covered. Patriot Family Dental accepts most major insurance plans, including TRICARE and VA benefits. For patients who need help managing out-of-pocket costs, we offer flexible financing through CareCredit, Alphaeon, and Cherry.
Yes. Sedation dentistry is appropriate for any appointment where anxiety or discomfort is a barrier to care, including routine cleanings and exams. Many of our patients who have avoided the dentist for years are able to get back on track with regular preventive care by using nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. There is no minimum procedure threshold. If sedation helps you receive the care you need comfortably and consistently, it is a valid option at Patriot Family Dental.
Mon - Thurs: 8AM to 4PM Fri: By Appointment Only Sat - Sun: Closed
