Have you ever avoided the dentist office because of fear of pain or extended recovery time? If so, you’re not alone and there are options available to you so you can still get the treatment you need. Esthetic Dental Solutions in Alpharetta, GA offers sedation dentistry for patients who need routine, restorative, or cosmetic dental care in a more calm and relaxed setting. Learn more about sedation dentistry below and contact us if you believe you would benefit.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you avoid dental visits due to anxiety. Often times, that anxiety can be attributed to:
- Negative past experiences
- Fear of pain or gagging/choking
- Extreme discomfort with the sounds and smells of dental office
- Not wanting to feel numb
- The feeling of losing control
Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:
- Aren’t able to sit still in a dentist chair
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Have a low pain threshold or sensitive gag reflex
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is an effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep. You will still be able to carry on a conversation with the dentist, but it does help you feel more calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation relaxes you and reduces your sense of pain. You are aware of your surroundings and can carry on a conversation, but you’ll be less responsive to what is happening. You will probably also feel drowsy and might feel like taking a nap during the procedure.
The pill that is used most often is Halcion, which is a member of the same drug family as Valium, and it’s usually taken about an hour before the procedure. Find a friend or family member to drive you home if you have taken oral sedation.
Wand Anesthesia
The Wand anesthesia system is electronically administered and is the size of a ballpoint pen, with a very small needle at the tip. This device delivers a controlled amount of anesthetic that numbs the area before the needle is inserted. We also use traditional local anesthetic for many of our procedures so all of our patients feel as little discomfort as possible.
Sedation Dentistry with Dr. Hedlund
We strive to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable at Esthetic Dental Solutions in Alpharetta. Our relaxing atmosphere combined with our professional and friendly staff, have helped hundreds of patients feel more comfortable at the dentist. But if you’re still not convinced, sedation dentistry might be for you! Contact our office online or call us at 678-228-8589 for more details and to schedule your appointment.