Existing patients.Call (727) 761-7359
SEDATION DENTISTRY IN ST. PETERSBURG
Talk with Dr. Powless about dental fear, a sensitive gag reflex or a more involved procedure.
A request is not an appointment confirmation.
The right option depends on your health history, the care you need, and the level of support that would make treatment manageable.
Often called laughing gas, nitrous oxide provides light sedation during your visit and wears off quickly.
Oral sedation uses medication taken before your visit to help you feel calm and at ease.
IV sedation is an option for deeper relaxation during more involved dental treatment.
General anesthesia, sometimes called sleep dentistry, is provided in a hospital setting when Dr. Powless determines it is appropriate.
Dr. R. Andrew Powless completed an oral and maxillofacial surgery externship at Jackson Memorial Hospital and an oral and maxillofacial surgery internship at Louisiana State University. He serves as Vice Chief of Dental and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at Tampa General Hospital.
For more than 20 years, Dr. Powless has also cared for children and adults with mental, physical, and developmental challenges. That experience matters when fear, health needs, or difficulty receiving care in a traditional setting are part of the conversation.
Meet Dr. Powless
Begin with the care you need, rather than trying to solve every decision before you call. The practice has two surgical operatories designed for sedation dentistry and more involved care, and the same team can coordinate your examination, treatment planning, sedation discussion, and follow-up dental care.
Your health history, comfort needs, and planned treatment guide the discussion. Sedation is recommended only after the dentist reviews what is appropriate for you.
These Google reviews describe visits at St. Pete Family & Cosmetic Dentistry: comfort, clear explanations, and returning to care. They are not reviews of sedation treatment.
I had a great experience for the first time. Haven’t been to the dentist in about 10 years. Loved Dr. Matos and his assistant was lovely.
I found my new dentist since moving to FL❣️ Private dentist not a "drive thru"! Great experience for a cracked tooth. Dr. Matos was gentle & sweet! Kim was awesome explaining every step of the way (because I asked).
My visit was fantastic. Staff was great to deal with from check-in, to X-rays, Exam, cleaning, and checkout. X-rays were quick and efficient. Cleaning was great. Dr. Rushmore was excellent, explaining my X-rays to me and proving a unique insight.
I have been a patient of Dr Powless for many years. I have referred many of my family and friends. Recently I found I needed a little more than just my normal teeth cleaning. Which by the way Whitney is gentle and will go the extra mile...
St. Pete offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and hospital-based general anesthesia when needed. The appropriate option depends on your health history, comfort level, and the treatment being considered.
Before treatment, we review your health history and monitor you during the procedure. The dentist recommends sedation only when it is appropriate for you.
Dr. R. Andrew Powless is the doctor who provides sedation dentistry. His background includes hospital-based oral and maxillofacial surgery training, and he serves as Vice Chief of Dental and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery at Tampa General Hospital.
You do not need to choose before contacting us. The dentist will review your health history, the care you need, and the concerns that make treatment difficult before recommending an option to consider.
Yes. Tell us what has made care hard, whether that is fear, a sensitive gag reflex, a past experience, or concern about a longer procedure. We can arrange a conversation with the team to review your options. Eligibility for sedation is determined after doctor review.
General anesthesia, sometimes called sleep dentistry, is provided in a hospital setting when Dr. Powless determines it is appropriate.
Dr. R. Andrew Powless evaluates you and provides sedation dentistry. St. Pete offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and hospital-based general anesthesia when he determines it is appropriate. He reviews your health history, your comfort, and the treatment being considered before recommending an option. Hospital-based general anesthesia takes place in a hospital setting. The same practice also provides surgical, restorative, implant, emergency, and ongoing dental care.
Coverage depends on your dental plan, the treatment needed, and the reason sedation is recommended. We can review your insurance information and explain estimated benefits before treatment begins, but your insurer makes the final coverage decision.
Costs depend on the type of sedation, the treatment being planned, and your individual needs. We will explain fees, estimated insurance benefits when applicable, and payment options before treatment begins. CareCredit monthly payment options may be available, subject to credit approval and the lender’s terms.
You do not have to explain everything perfectly before you reach out. Tell us whether you are avoiding a visit because of fear, have a specific procedure in mind, or simply want to understand your options. We will help arrange the right conversation.
Submitting a request does not confirm an appointment. A team member will call within two business days to confirm the appropriate next step. Please do not send sensitive medical or personal information through the online request form.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
Use these details to plan your visit. New-patient requests are handled separately from existing-patient office assistance.
LOCATION
1747 16th St N
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Free parking is available at the office.
OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday
8 am – 5 pm
Friday
8 am – 1 pm
Saturday and Sunday
Closed
WHO SHOULD YOU CONTACT?
New Patients
Request a visit. The team reviews each request and confirms the appropriate next step.
Existing Patients
Current patients should call the office for help with an appointment or another patient need.
Urgent Concerns
Call us about the tooth that's troubling you. Our team can check the next available appointment. An online request does not reserve urgent care.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Your first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation, digital photos and X-rays, so you can understand what needs attention.
Patients with a specific problem can request a focused examination for that concern.
INSURANCE INFORMATION
If you plan to use dental insurance, have the name of your plan available. The team can review your coverage before treatment begins. We accept most major PPO dental plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Delta, MetLife and others.
For privacy and security, please do not send your insurance card by text. Call the office instead.
APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION
Submitting a request does not instantly confirm the visit. The office will review your information and confirm the appointment details.
If you believe you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, call 911.