Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety

Patient with dental anxiety receiving nitrous oxide to relieve fear of dentist

Brushing and flossing are two very important dental habits. These habits help you to prevent serious issues such as cavities and gum disease. In addition to your daily oral care routine, it is also important that you have your mouth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year. However, if the idea of going to the dentist makes you feel anxious, you may avoid going. Avoiding dental care can have serious effects on your oral health and the appearance of your smile. At North Atlanta Family Dentistry, we can help to make getting dental treatment easier with sedation dentistry.

Effects of Avoiding Dental Care

When the thought of going to the dentist fills you with anxiety, you might do everything you can to avoid going. Even if you think your mouth is healthy, issues can still be developing. The problem, however, is that many issues do not exhibit any symptoms in their earliest stages. By the time you experience symptoms, the issue has worsened. This is why routine dental visits are so important. Even if you can get into the chair, you might find it difficult to sit still or cooperate. This can affect our abilities to provide you with safe, effective care.

Types of Sedation

Sedation is a treatment we can provide that will help you to relax and feel comfortable while you receive dental care. There are a few different types of sedation available, depending upon your specific needs. Types of sedation include:

•	Nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is more commonly known as laughing gas. This is the mildest form of sedation. It involves the use of nitrous oxide gas that is inhaled through a mask worn over your nose. It takes effect quickly, helping to take the edge off. It also raises your pain tolerance and reduces your gag reflex. The effects wear off very quickly, too.
•	Oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a form of moderate sedation that involves taking the sedative by mouth. It takes about 30 minutes to take effect and causes you to feel drowsy. You are still completely conscious. The effects of oral conscious sedation can linger for several hours.
•	IV sedation. IV sedation involves administering the sedative through a needle in your arm or the back of your hand. The medication goes directly into our bloodstream and takes effect almost immediately. IV sedation can be used for moderate sedation, deep sedation, or general anesthesia. The effects of this sedation also last several hours.

Benefits of Sedation

Sedation provides several benefits. These include:

•	Helping you to feel more at ease and relaxed.
•	Allowing you to sit still, which helps us to provide you with safe, effective care.
•	Prevents gagging or choking.
•	Prevents panic attacks.
•	Allows you to get the dental care you need when you need it.

Is Sedation Safe?

Sedation is incredibly safe. We choose the best type of sedation to meet your specific needs. During your treatment, you are monitored the entire time. We can make adjustments as needed to ensure the best results. If you are receiving oral sedation or IV sedation, we do recommend having a driver to take you home and that you take the rest of the day to relax while the sedative wears off.

With sedation, we can help you to feel relaxed and comfortable in the dental chair, allowing you to get the care you need when you need it. Call North Atlanta Family Dentistry today at (470) 387-0500 for more information and to find out if sedation is right for you.

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Monday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

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North Atlanta Family Dentistry | www.smilegeorgia.com | (470) 387-0500
5805 State Bridge Rd Ste L, Johns Creek, GA 30097
208 Pirkle Ferry Rd A Cumming, GA 30040