At McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants, we understand that dental anxiety can be a major barrier to getting the care you need.
Whether you’ve had a bad experience in the past or you feel nervous about your dental appointments, you have options.
Our sedation dentistry methods can help you feel calm, comfortable, and safe throughout your dental procedure. From mild sedation for routine cleanings to deeper sedation for complex surgeries, we tailor your care to your level of anxiety and health needs.
We offer sedation dentistry at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Sedation dentistry helps patients relax during dental treatments using safe and effective medication.
Sedation is ideal for patients with dental anxiety, a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, or those needing multiple or complex procedures. It’s also a trusted method for helping patients who have had unpleasant experiences feel more at ease during treatment.
Sedation can transform the way you experience dental care. It can reduce your anxiety and improve treatment outcomes by allowing your provider to work more efficiently.
Some key benefits of sedation dentistry include:
We provide a variety of sedation methods to match your level of anxiety, health background, and treatment needs. Each method is chosen with your safety and comfort in mind.
This mild sedative, known as “laughing gas,” is inhaled through a small nasal mask.
It produces a calming effect within minutes and wears off quickly after the mask is removed. You will be able to drive yourself home after your procedure.
Oral sedation uses medication to reduce anxiety and create a calm, relaxed state before your dental procedure.
Typically taken about an hour before treatment, this form of conscious sedation involves a prescription medication from the benzodiazepine family (typically Halcyon). It helps ease nerves while keeping you awake and responsive. You will feel more relaxed, and in many cases, remember little about the procedure afterward.
IV sedation involves administering medication into a vein, allowing for fast, carefully controlled relaxation. You remain conscious but deeply at ease.
IV sedation helps you stay in a calm, sleep-like state without being fully unconscious. General anesthetic puts you into a deep, fully unconscious state, so you are completely unaware of the procedure.
IV sedation is not general anesthesia which puts you completely asleep. We only use conscious sedation which makes you sleepy and you usually don’t remember the procedure and is very safe.
To make IV sedation more comfortable, we use the VeinViewer system.
VeinViewer technology allows us to illuminate veins in real time to guide precise IV placement.
The device helps us avoid multiple needle attempts. It is especially beneficial for patients with a fear of needles or veins that are difficult to locate.
Each sedation method has its own preparation and recovery guidelines, which we review with you in advance.
Before your appointment, we will:
During the procedure, you will feel calm and relaxed. Many patients describe the experience as dreamlike. You may not remember much afterward, particularly if you received oral or IV sedation. We will monitor you closely throughout the process for your safety and comfort.
If you choose oral or IV sedation, you will need a driver to get you home after your appointment. Most patients feel back to normal and can resume regular activities the following day. You will not need a driver after Nitrous oxide gas sedation.
Sedation dentistry can make dental care more manageable and accessible for many patients. If you have ever put off treatment due to fear, discomfort, or difficulty sitting through appointments, you may benefit from sedation.
You may be a candidate for sedation dentistry if you:
We will carefully review your medical history, discuss your concerns, and determine the safest, most effective sedation option.
“I have an extreme fear of the dentist, but McCawley Laser Periodontics made me feel completely at ease from start to finish. The entire team was incredibly kind, patient, and professional, taking the time to explain every step and offering sedation options that helped me feel comfortable. The care was unbelievably gentle, and I never once felt rushed or anxious—they truly prioritize their patients’ well-being.”
With over 50 years of experience in Fort Lauderdale, we understand how to make even the most nervous patient feel at ease. Whether you’ve avoided care for years or simply want a more relaxed experience, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
We commonly use medications like Versed and Fentanyl. They are fast-acting and ideal for managing patient anxiety and promoting comfort during dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide is made of nitrogen and oxygen. When mixed and inhaled, it produces a calming, euphoric effect that’s quickly reversed when the flow stops.
Yes, nitrous oxide is considered one of the safest forms of sedation in dentistry. It’s easily controlled, wears off quickly, and doesn’t require a recovery period.
Recovery time depends on the type of sedation. Nitrous oxide will wear off within minutes, while IV and oral sedation can take several hours. Most patients resume normal activities by the next day.
Some dental insurance plans partially cover sedation, typically for surgical or medically necessary procedures. Our team can help you review your benefits and submit claims on your behalf.
You deserve a dental experience that feels supportive, not stressful.
With the help of advanced sedation techniques, we make it easier to prioritize your oral health, no matter your level of anxiety. At the McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics & Implants in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Tom McCawley and Dr. Mark McCawley offer sedation dentistry designed around your comfort and safety.
To book an appointment at our periodontal office in Fort Lauderdale, FL, call (954) 807-4829 or visit us at 800 East Broward Blvd #706, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
