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Estero Bay Dental offers nitrous oxide sedation to help patients in Estero and Bonita Springs relax during dental care, with Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our team walking you through what to expect before your visit begins.
Sedation has changed the way many patients feel about the dentist. People who once avoided even routine visits because of nerves can now relax and get the care they need. Sedation is typically used for healthy individuals who want help relaxing or managing anxiety, whether because of a long procedure, a dental phobia, or a difficult experience in the past.
At Estero Bay Dental, Dr. Ivan Vigoa and our Estero, FL team offer nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, for patients who would like extra comfort during their appointment. We do not offer IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide is a gas you breathe in through a small mask that fits over your nose. It offers a relaxed, euphoric feeling that makes dental treatment more pleasant, and you stay awake and able to respond to us throughout your visit. The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy site offers a patient-friendly overview of nitrous oxide if you would like to read more before your appointment.
Patients choose sedation for many different reasons. Some feel anxious the moment they sit in the dental chair, while others simply find long visits tiring. If any of the situations below sound familiar, let our team know when you schedule so we can plan your visit with you.
| Situation | How Sedation May Help |
|---|---|
| Dental Anxiety or Phobia | Nitrous oxide can help you feel calmer so you can focus on getting care. |
| Past Negative Experiences | A relaxed state can make it easier to return to the dentist with confidence. |
| Longer Procedures | Staying relaxed can make a lengthy appointment feel more manageable. |
| Sensitive Gag Reflex | Feeling relaxed may make some procedures easier to tolerate. |
| Multiple Treatments in One Visit | Comfort throughout a visit can help patients get more done in fewer appointments. |
Only you and your dentist can decide whether sedation is right for you. Your eligibility depends on your age, your health, and any medications you take, so please share your full health history with us.
Because nitrous oxide is inhaled, the process is straightforward. The steps below show how a typical visit with sedation unfolds at our Estero office.
If you choose nitrous oxide, you will be instructed to inhale the gas at the beginning of your appointment. Our team will go over any instructions for after your visit, so you know exactly what to expect before you leave.
Sedation is not a treatment by itself. It is a way to make the care you need feel easier, whether that is a routine exam and cleaning, a filling, a root canal, or an extraction. We offer family dentistry for ages 7 and up, and we encourage patients with dental anxiety to tell us about their worries so we can slow down and explain each step.
| Question | Our Answer |
|---|---|
| Which sedation do you offer? | Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. |
| Do you offer IV sedation? | No, we do not offer IV sedation. |
| Will I be awake? | Yes, you stay awake and relaxed during treatment. |
| How do I know if it is right for me? | Your dentist reviews your age, health, and medications with you. |
We accept many PPO plans, and our team will review your benefits with you, so you can read more on our insurance page. Patients without insurance can ask about our Smile Program, a discount program. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time.
Our Estero office on South Tamiami Trail welcomes patients from Estero, Bonita Springs, and nearby neighborhoods such as Pelican Landing, Pelican Sound, and Coconut Point. We are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 1 pm, and our team speaks both English and Spanish.
Here are answers to questions we hear often about sedation at our practice.
We offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, at our Estero, FL office. We do not offer IV sedation.
Nitrous oxide offers a relaxed, euphoric feeling that makes dental treatment more pleasant. You stay awake during your visit, and our team checks in with you throughout.
No. With nitrous oxide you remain awake while feeling calm and comfortable. We explain each step as we go so you always know what is happening.
You inhale the gas at the beginning of your appointment, and additional nitrous can be given throughout the procedure to keep you comfortable. At the end of treatment, you receive oxygen to help bring you back to your usual state.
Eligibility depends on your age, your health, and any medications you are taking. Dr. Vigoa and our team will review this with you at Estero Bay Dental before recommending it.
Common reasons include dental anxiety, fear from past experiences, and longer procedures. If any of these apply to you, we encourage you to tell our Estero team when you schedule.
Sedation can be discussed for many types of dental visits. Let our team know your concerns when you schedule, and we will talk through what makes sense for you.
Yes. We accept CareCredit and work with several financing partners, including Cherry Financing, to provide flexible options for paying the cost of treatment over time. We also accept many PPO plans and can review your benefits with you.
If nerves have kept you from the dentist, our Estero, FL team is ready to help you take the first step at your own pace. We proudly serve patients throughout Estero, Bonita Springs, and the surrounding Southwest Florida communities. We invite you to contact our office or request an appointment today.
