If dental visits make you nervous, you're not alone, and you don't have to put off care because of it. At Atlantic Family Dentistry, we offer three levels of sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable from start to finish.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Oral conscious sedation
IV sedation
Call (386) 426-2191 to talk about which option is right for you.
Schedule AppointmentNumbing (local anesthesia) blocks pain in the treated area. It's used for fillings, root canals, and most procedures.
Sedation calms your mind and helps you relax. It's used alongside numbing when anxiety, fear, or a long procedure makes treatment hard.
With sedation, you get both: a numb mouth and a relaxed mind.
You breathe a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small nose mask. Within minutes, you feel light, calm, and relaxed, while staying awake and able to respond.
Best for: Mild to moderate anxiety, cleanings, and shorter procedures
Recovery: Wears off within minutes after the mask is removed
Driving: Most patients can drive themselves home
You take a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment. You'll feel drowsy and deeply relaxed but still conscious, and many patients remember little of the visit.
Best for: Moderate to high anxiety, or longer appointments
Recovery: Effects can last several hours, so plan to rest for the remainder of the day
Driving: You'll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your visit
Sedative medication is given through a small IV line in your arm or hand. This provides the deepest level of relaxation we offer, and it can be adjusted throughout your treatment. Your vital signs are monitored throughout.
Best for: Severe dental anxiety, complex procedures, or getting several treatments done in one visit
Recovery: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day
Driving: You'll need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you
Sedation may help if you:
Feel anxious or fearful about dental visits
Have put off care because of past bad experiences
Have a strong gag reflex
Have very sensitive teeth or find it hard to get numb
Need a long procedure or several treatments at once
Find it hard to sit still in the dental chair for long periods
Sedation isn't just for big procedures. Some patients use nitrous for routine cleanings.
We review your full medical history and current medications before recommending sedation
Your oxygen level and pulse are monitored during oral and IV sedation
Our team is trained to deliver and manage sedation safely
We adjust your sedation level to what you need, nothing more
Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, and any health conditions
Follow our eating and drinking instructions for oral or IV sedation
Arrange a ride if you're having oral or IV sedation
Wear comfortable clothes with sleeves that roll up easily
Skip alcohol before your appointment and for the rest of the day
Plan to rest for the remainder of the day after oral or IV sedation
Sedation can make many procedures easier, including:
Root canals
Tooth and wisdom tooth extractions
Dental implants
Deep cleanings
Multiple fillings or crowns in one visit
For nervous kids, we offer nitrous oxide. Learn more on our children's dentistry page.
Feeling safe starts with trusting who's treating you. Our dentists take anxiety seriously and never rush you.
Dr. Mitchell has made patient comfort a focus of his career since 1996.
Advanced training in dental sedation, Dr. Mitchell holds a Florida Moderate Sedation qualification
Member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Member of the Florida Dental Society of Anesthesiology
Uses sedation to help patients through root canals, extractions, and implant treatment
Continuing education through Spear Education
Dental degree from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Believes every patient deserves compassion, respect, and empathy
Takes time to listen to your fears and explain each step
A New Smyrna Beach local who wants every neighbor to feel at ease
Coverage for sedation varies by plan. Some plans cover it for certain procedures, while others treat it as optional. We'll check your benefits and explain what to expect before your visit.
We confirm your coverage for both treatment and sedation
We file claims electronically on your behalf
We accept assignment of benefits
Cash or check
Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express
CareCredit® financing for qualified applicants
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Visit www.carecredit.com for details.
Our office is at 611 S. Dixie Freeway in New Smyrna Beach. We help anxious patients from New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, and Port Orange get the care they need.
With nitrous and oral sedation, you stay conscious and can respond, just very relaxed. IV sedation provides deeper relaxation, and many patients remember little of their treatment.
Yes, when provided by a trained team with proper monitoring. We review your health history first and monitor you during oral and IV sedation.
Yes. Sedation helps you relax, and local anesthesia keeps the treatment area comfortable.
Usually yes, after nitrous oxide. After oral or IV sedation, you'll need someone to drive you home.
Sedation can help relax your gag reflex, making treatment easier and more comfortable.
Yes. Nitrous oxide is a popular choice for patients who feel anxious during routine cleanings.
It depends on your plan and procedure. We'll check your benefits before your appointment.
Contact Our Office To Schedule Your Appointment
Atlantic Family Dentistry
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Questions? Ask our team or call (386) 426-2191.