Do you experience dental anxiety in Alpharetta just by thinking about the dental chair?
At Esthetic Dental Solutions, we know some people don’t feel comfortable visiting the dentist. That’s why we focus on making every visit as relaxing as possible. If you struggle with dental anxiety, we offer safe and effective sedation options to help make your visit easier. These options are available for any of our cosmetic, restorative, and general dental services.
We also work hard to create a calm and welcoming space, so you can feel more at ease from the moment you walk in. By listening to your concerns, we’ll build a plan that helps manage both anxiety and discomfort during your appointment. Dr. Angie Hedlund is here to help you feel safe and comfortable every step of the way.
Comfortable Dental Visits with Sedation Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA
As your trusted dental team in Alpharetta, we want to help you stay on top of your oral health without fear getting in the way. Skipping appointments because of anxiety can allow small issues to grow into bigger ones. By coming in for routine care, you can often avoid the kind of treatment that causes stress in the first place.
At Esthetic Dental Solutions, we offer the following sedation dentistry options:
- Local Anesthetic: We use local anesthetic to temporarily numb areas of your mouth during treatment. Dr. Hedlund can combine this with another type of oral sedation or nitrous oxide to make sure you’re completely relaxed. You may feel numb for a few hours following your procedure, but it will eventually wear off.
- The Wand® Anesthesia: The Wand anesthesia system is the size of a ball point pen, with a very small needle at the tip. This device delivers a controlled amount of anesthetic that numbs the area before the dentist inserts the needle. You won’t feel anything.
- Oral Sedation: Oral sedation is a pill-form sedative that you can take before your appointment. While this pill doesn’t put you to sleep, you will feel drowsy and calm. The sedative will wear off a few hours after the appointment. You won’t remember much of the visit afterward.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is inhaled through a small mask and helps you feel relaxed within minutes. Patients begin to feel relaxed and comfortable within five minutes of breathing in laughing gas. The effects wear off quickly once we remove the mask.
Read on to find answers to some common questions we get asked regarding our sedation dentistry services.
Patient Review
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Yes. We only use sedation methods that are safe and backed by research. Dr. Hedlund will carefully check your dental and overall health before recommending any type of sedation.
What Does Oral Sedation Feel Like?
With oral sedation, you’ll feel sleepy or “out of it.” A few patients doze off completely, while others stay awake but don’t remember much. You won’t feel pain or anxiety during the procedure. You will need a reliable ride to and from your visit because it won’t be safe to drive yourself.
Afterward, you’ll need some time to rest. Most patients feel normal again within 6 to 8 hours, though it’s best to take it easy for a full day.
How Should I Get Ready for Sedation?
Before your visit, stay hydrated and drink plenty of water the day before. You’ll also need to avoid eating for 12 hours before your appointment to keep your stomach empty. Your dentist will explain everything you need to do to prepare for whatever specific sedation you choose.
With sedation, you won’t feel pain during your procedure. We may also use a local anesthetic along with sedation to keep you completely comfortable.
Who Benefits Most from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a great option for anyone with dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, sensitive teeth, or difficulty sitting still. It also helps make longer or more complex procedures feel shorter and easier to handle.
At Esthetic Dental Solutions, our goal is to help you feel confident and relaxed during every visit so you can keep your smile healthy without stress. If you’re interested in sedation dentistry, call us at 678-352-1333 or schedule an appointment online today.