Sedation Dentistry in St. Augustine, FL

Dental anxiety prevents thousands of people from receiving critical oral care each year, but it doesn’t have to stand between you and your dental health. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we provide advanced sedation dentistry options that transform potentially stressful procedures into comfortable, relaxing experiences. Our sedation methods are designed to ease anxiety while ensuring you receive the highest quality care possible.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD, leads our team with more than 25 years of specialized experience as a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Our state-of-the-art facility in St. Augustine combines comprehensive surgical expertise with compassionate care, creating an environment where even the most anxious patients can receive necessary treatments without fear or discomfort.

Understanding Dental Anxiety and How Sedation Helps

Dental anxiety affects people of all ages, often stemming from past negative experiences, fear of pain, or concerns about loss of control during procedures. This anxiety can range from mild nervousness to severe dental phobia that prevents necessary treatment. Sedation dentistry addresses these concerns by creating a relaxed state of mind and body, allowing patients to receive care comfortably.

The benefits of sedation dentistry extend beyond just anxiety relief. Many patients appreciate reduced awareness of the sights, sounds, and sensations that trigger their dental fears. Additionally, sedation enables dentists to complete multiple or complex procedures in fewer visits, as patients remain comfortable for longer periods. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, we understand these challenges and provide personalized sedation solutions for each patient’s unique needs.

Types of Sedation Available in Our St. Augustine Practice

Different levels of sedation are appropriate depending on your anxiety level and the complexity of your dental procedure. Our practice offers several effective options to ensure your comfort.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, provides minimal sedation that takes effect quickly and wears off rapidly after treatment. This makes it ideal for shorter procedures and allows patients to drive themselves home afterward. The gentle, euphoric feeling helps reduce anxiety while maintaining full consciousness.

For patients with moderate anxiety or longer procedures, oral conscious sedation offers a deeper relaxation experience. This involves taking prescribed medication before your appointment, resulting in a drowsy but conscious state during treatment. While you’ll remain awake enough to respond to instructions, you’ll likely remember little of the procedure afterward.

IV Sedation for Maximum Comfort

IV sedation represents our most profound sedation option, perfect for patients with severe dental phobia or those undergoing extensive surgical procedures. Dr. Johnson administers medication directly into the bloodstream, allowing for precise control over sedation levels throughout your treatment.

This approach produces a deeply relaxed state where patients remain technically conscious but experience an amnesia-like effect, with little to no memory of the procedure. The ability to adjust medication levels in real-time ensures optimal comfort while maintaining safety. Our team continuously monitors vital signs throughout treatment, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate.

With Dr. Johnson’s extensive training and board certification, you can trust that your IV sedation is administered with the highest safety standards and protocols. This option is particularly valuable for wisdom tooth extractions, multiple dental implant placements, or other complex oral surgeries.

Dr. Douglas L. Johnson, DMD

With over 25 years of specialized experience, Dr. Johnson provides exceptional care using the latest techniques and technology.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon who completed his education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine and advanced training through fellowships at prestigious institutions. His extensive training and experience allow him to perform complex procedures with precision and care.

At our state-of-the-art facility, we prioritize your comfort and results. Dr. Johnson and his specially trained staff are committed to providing you with the highest standard of care in a welcoming environment.

Choosing the Right Sedation Option for Your Needs

Finding the appropriate sedation level depends on several factors, including your anxiety level, medical history, and the complexity of your dental procedure. During your consultation at St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Johnson will thoroughly evaluate these factors to recommend the most suitable sedation strategy.

We consider your personal comfort preferences alongside medical necessities. Some patients prefer to remain more alert with minimal sedation, while others benefit from deeper sedation that essentially allows them to “sleep” through their procedure. Our goal is to create a personalized experience that addresses your specific concerns while ensuring safety and effectiveness.

For especially anxious patients, we may recommend starting with a simple consultation appointment that includes no treatment—just a conversation to build comfort with our team and facility. This gradual approach helps many patients feel more at ease when returning for their actual procedure.

Our Reviews

Experience Anxiety-Free Dental Care Today

Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from maintaining your oral health and achieving your best smile. At St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center, Dr. Douglas Johnson combines over 25 years of specialized surgical expertise with compassionate care designed for even the most anxious patients. Our state-of-the-art facility offers the full spectrum of sedation options to ensure your comfort during any procedure.

Take the first step toward stress-free dental visits by contacting our St. Augustine office today. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized sedation plan that addresses your specific concerns and helps you receive the care you need without fear or discomfort. Call us at (904) 460-0505 to schedule your consultation and discover how comfortable dental care can truly be.

Visit Us in St. Augustine

St. Augustine Oral & Facial Surgical Center is ideally situated at 1301 Plantation Island Dr. Suite #101, St. Augustine, FL 32080, making us easily accessible for patients throughout St. Augustine and surrounding communities.