Care for anxious patients · Riverview, FL
Sedation Dentist in Riverview, FL
If nerves have kept you out of the dental chair, you're far from the only one. Omni Dental Studio in Riverview offers nitrous oxide to take the edge off anxiety, and Dr. Ariana Merchi is known for putting nervous patients at ease: she explains each step, checks in often, and lets you set the pace.
What Sedation Options Are Available?
Omni Dental Studio offers nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas, for patients who want help relaxing during treatment. For more significant anxiety or longer procedures, oral conscious sedation may be an option, and Dr. Merchi will talk it through with you at a consultation. Either way you stay awake; general anesthesia is not offered at the office.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
Breathed through a small mask over your nose, it helps you feel relaxed within minutes and wears off quickly once the mask comes off.
Oral conscious sedation
For more significant anxiety or longer procedures, an oral sedative medication may be an option. Whether it fits your situation is discussed at your consultation.
Comfort without medication
Every step explained before it happens, a stop signal you can use at any time, and appointments that are never rushed.
Can I Drive Myself Home After Sedation?
After nitrous oxide, usually yes. The gas clears quickly once the mask is removed, so most patients can drive themselves home after the effects have worn off. After oral conscious sedation, plan on having someone drive you.
Before any sedation, Dr. Merchi goes over your health history to choose the option that is safest for you, and you are monitored for the whole appointment. Let the team know about your medications and any medical conditions when you book.
Sedation also isn't the only way to make a visit easier. Many anxious patients find that the Guided Biofilm Therapy cleaning feels gentler than traditional scraping, because it relies on warm water and a fine powder spray. If impression trays make you gag, the office's iTero scanner takes a 3D digital model of your teeth instead.
I Haven't Seen a Dentist in Years. Where Do I Start?
Start with a conversation, not a procedure. Book a new-patient visit, tell the team you're nervous, and you'll get a no-pressure look at where things stand and a plan to catch up at a pace that feels manageable. There's no judgment about how long it has been.
New patients can start with a $99 exam that includes full-mouth X-rays; details are on the new patient page, and our guide to what to expect at a first dental visit takes the guesswork out of the day itself. The office opens at 7:30 AM on weekdays, and many nervous patients find an early appointment leaves less time to worry.
Dr. Merchi's philosophy is conservative dentistry: doing what's necessary, and nothing more. You can learn more about Dr. Merchi before you book. If you're in pain right now, see emergency dental care in Riverview.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Will I be asleep during sedation?
No. With nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation you stay awake and can respond to Dr. Merchi, though you'll feel much calmer and may feel drowsy. General anesthesia, where you are fully unconscious, is not offered at Omni Dental Studio.
Who is a good candidate for sedation dentistry?
People with dental anxiety or fear, a strong gag reflex, trouble getting numb, sensitivity to the sounds and smells of a dental office, or a long procedure ahead are common candidates. Dr. Merchi reviews your health history to decide which option, if any, is appropriate and safe for you.
Is nitrous oxide safe?
Nitrous oxide has a long track record in dentistry and is one of the mildest forms of sedation. Your health history is reviewed beforehand, and patients receiving sedation are monitored throughout the appointment.
Can children have nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide is commonly used to help children with dental anxiety. Whether it's appropriate for your child is something the team will discuss with you at the visit, along with a gentle, step-by-step approach that lets kids move at their own pace.
Does insurance cover sedation?
Some plans cover part of the cost of nitrous oxide, while oral sedation is generally not covered. The team checks your benefits and gives you a clear cost estimate before treatment. Most major PPO plans are accepted, and CareCredit, Cherry, Sunbit, and HFD financing are available.
I have a toothache but I'm too nervous to come in. What should I do?
Call anyway. Putting off a painful tooth usually means more involved treatment later, and sedation options are available for anxious patients who need urgent care. Tell the team you're nervous when you call so they can plan around it.
Comfort and sedation options are described on Omni Dental Studio's sedation dentistry page, the practice's official website.
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Omni Dental Studio is the Riverview, FL dental office at 10049 Leather Fern Lane, serving the 33578, 33569 and 33579 ZIP codes.
Omni Dental Studio · Riverview, FL
Dental Care at Your Pace
Tell us you're nervous when you book. We'll talk through your comfort options, including nitrous oxide, before any treatment begins.
- Address10049 Leather Fern Lane
Riverview, FL 33578 - Phone(813) 586-1990 (call)
(813) 851-2320 (text) - HoursMon–Fri 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Special appointments for emergencies