Sedation Dentistry in Sarasota Designed for Your Comfort
Dr. Bowles and Dr. Karow help patients with dental anxiety feel comfortable through safe sedation options and a supportive, judgment-free experience.
If Dental Visits Make You Nervous, You’re Not Alone
Many of the patients we see at SRQ Smiles feel anxious about going to the dentist. Maybe this sounds like you:
- You feel nervous or uneasy leading up to an appointment
- You’ve put off dental care longer than you’d like
- You worry about pain or feeling out of control
- You’ve had a difficult or uncomfortable dental experience in the past
At SRQ Smiles, we work with patients who feel this way every day. Dr. Bowles and Dr. Karow understand these concerns and offer sedation options to help you get the care you need.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses safe, carefully controlled medication to help you feel calm and at ease during your dental visit.
There are different levels of sedation, ranging from mild sedation to moderate conscious sedation, where you reach a deeper state of relaxation.
At your new patient visit, you’ll work with Dr. Bowles and Dr. Karow to pick an option that suits your dental needs and level of anxiety.
Types of Sedation We Offer
We offer three types of sedation, each one deeper than the last.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
A mild form of sedation delivered through a small mask. You remain awake and aware, and the effects wear off quickly so you can return to your day as normal.
Oral Sedation
Taken as a pill, oral sedation helps you reach a deeper level of relaxation. You may notice some drowsiness during your visit, and you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
IV Sedation
We give IV sedation through a small IV. It's the deepest level of sedation we offer, and our team monitors you closely while you stay deeply relaxed.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by licensed professionals and tailored to your needs.
Personalized for Your Needs
At SRQ Smiles, we review your medical history, understand your concerns, and choose the right form of sedation for your treatment needs.
Focused on Your Safety
Dr. Karow oversees every IV sedation visit. During any type of sedation, we monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen levels (pulse oximetry), heart rhythm (3-lead EKG), and breathing (end-tidal CO2).
Trusted Sedation Dentistry Care
Dr. Bowles and Dr. Karow bring decades of experience helping patients feel comfortable in the dental chair. For patients considering sedation dentistry, that experience matters.
Dr. Karow is licensed to provide IV sedation dentistry for all patients, and both doctors offer oral sedation and nitrous oxide when appropriate. Together, our team ensures every patient receives thoughtful, comfortable support from start to finish.
30+ years
Combined Experience
1000+
Stress-Free Visits
Am I a Good Candidate?
Sedation dentistry can be a great option for many patients, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- Dental anxiety or phobia that keeps you from scheduling appointments
- Low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth that make treatment uncomfortable
- Strong gag reflex that makes dental procedures challenging
- Traumatic dental experiences that left you hesitant to return
- Difficulty sitting still during longer appointments
- Multiple treatments needed in fewer visits
Our team is here to talk through these challenges and help you decide if sedation is right for you.
Sedation isn’t an option during pregnancy or for children under 12, and certain severe respiratory conditions or medication interactions can rule it out. We’ll review your health history to make sure it’s safe for you.
What to Expect with Sedation Dentistry
Your New Patient Visit
During this visit, we’ll talk through your concerns, review any medical conditions, and help you decide which type of dental sedation is the best fit for your needs.
Before Your Procedure
You’ll receive instructions ahead of time so you know what to expect before, during, and after your appointment. Depending on the type of sedation, this may include preparing in advance or arranging for someone to drive you to and from your visit.
During Your Procedure
We’ll start your chosen sedation and stay with you the entire time. We’ll keep you comfortable, talk you through each step, and answer any questions.
After Your Procedure
After your visit, you may feel some drowsiness, depending on the type of sedation. We’ll go over what to expect and what to do once you’re home.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Reduced Anxiety
You feel calmer during your visit, even if dental appointments have made you nervous in the past.
Greater Comfort
You notice less discomfort during treatment, so you can settle in while we work.
Fewer Appointments
You can finish more treatment in fewer visits, since staying relaxed makes longer procedures like dental implants easier.
Shorter-Feeling Visits
You may feel like your visit goes by quickly, even during longer treatments.
Easier Treatment
You can get care more comfortably if you have a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth.
A More Positive Experience
You leave with a better dental experience and more confidence about coming back.
"I was very apprehensive about going to the dentist..."
“I typically have a lot of anxiety and fear and in turn procrastinate to enter a dentist office. Doctor Bowles was recommended by a colleague so I thought I would give him a try. His entire staff made me feel very safe and well taken care of. I am returning for some much needed dental work next week, and I feel comfortable. They’re going to take care of me. I still have a ton of anxiety and nervousness but I believe I’m in good hands. Thank you!”
—Timothy R.
Why Patients Choose SRQ Smiles For Sedation Dentistry
- Family-Owned Approach: Care from doctors who focus on relationships, not corporate sales goals.
- No Middleman for Your Sedation: We provide sedation ourselves, so your treatment runs more efficiently, the sedation and the dental work stay coordinated, and scheduling is easier.
- Judgment-Free Environment: Come in as you are, no matter how long it's been since your last visit.
- Honest Recommendations: Receive straightforward guidance based on your needs, not quotas or pressure.
- We Take Our Time: You’ll never feel rushed. We make time to answer your questions and ensure you feel at ease.
Transparent Pricing
How Much Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?
The cost of sedation dentistry depends on the type of sedation and the length of your procedure. Typical costs are about $100 to $125 for nitrous oxide, $200 to $250 for oral sedation, and $300 to $600 for intravenous (IV) sedation.
We’ll walk you through all costs ahead of time and review options to help make your treatment as manageable as possible.
Is Sedation Covered by Insurance?
Some dental plans may provide coverage depending on the type of treatment and sedation used.
Our team can help review your benefits and explain what may apply so you have a clear understanding before moving forward.
Sedation FAQs
Will I Be Asleep during Sedation Dentistry?
Most forms of sedation help you feel deeply relaxed, but you’ll remain awake and able to respond. With deeper sedation, you may feel very drowsy and remember little of the visit afterward.
How Long Does Sedation Last?
The effects depend on the type of sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while oral or IV sedation may cause drowsiness for a few hours after your visit.
Can I Drive Myself Home?
If you receive nitrous oxide, you can usually drive yourself home. For oral or IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Most patients tolerate sedation well, with minimal side effects. You may feel drowsy or slightly groggy afterward, depending on the type of sedation used.
Can I Have Sedation for a Teeth Cleaning?
Yes. If a cleaning makes you anxious, we can use sedation. Most patients do well with nitrous oxide, and we can use oral sedation if you need more. IV sedation is rarely needed for a cleaning.
How Is Sedation Different from General Anesthesia and Local Anesthetic?
Sedation helps you relax during your visit, while local anesthetic numbs the area being treated. General anesthesia is a deeper level that puts you fully asleep and is typically used in hospital settings.
Our Sarasota Dental Office
Our dental office is conveniently located in the heart of Sarasota, just minutes from downtown and the Gulf beaches. We’re a short drive for patients in Gulf Gate Estates, South Gate Ridge, Bee Ridge, Palmer Ranch, and surrounding Sarasota communities. Patients throughout the Sarasota area choose SRQ Smiles for comfortable, high-quality dental care close to home.
Address:
5677 S. Beneva Rd
Sarasota, FL 34233
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Hours:
Monday – Friday: 8am-5pm
