Buckhead Cosmetic & Family Dentistry
Atlanta Sedation Dentistry
In the dental world and all around the city, sedation dentistry in Atlanta has been trending for the last decade. While it is also referred to as sleep dentistry, that may not be the most accurate description of sedation dentistry.
Encompassing different levels of sedation, there are options for sedation dentistry in Atlanta that allow you to be fully alert and awake, while other methods work to leave you unconscious during your procedure.
What is Atlanta Sedation Dentistry?
Atlanta Sedation Dental Care uses medication to sedate you throughout the process of your dental treatment. There are several types of Atlanta sedation dentistry including inhalation of nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen or general anesthesia. While inhalation sedation leaves you on the edge of consciousness, you may not retain a full or clear memory of your treatment. With general anesthesia, you are completely unconscious and will have no memory of the procedure.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry Atlanta GA?
If you suffer from severe anxiety or phobias about visiting dentists and receiving dental treatments, then you should consider Atlanta Sedation Dentistry. While this is a common concern that affects a significant portion of people, if you undergo sedation, it will help to eliminate the stress and recollection of your procedure so that you can receive the treatment you need with ease.
Inhalation Sedation For Dental Treatment Atlanta
Atlanta Inhalation sedation occurs when your sedation dentist in Atlanta gives you nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this is the most common and minimally invasive of the sedation types. With this method, you are given a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is administered using a face mask that is placed over your nose. Once inhaled, this gas provides you with a relaxed sensation to calm your anxiety during your procedure. Once the mask is removed, the effects of the gas wear off within ten minutes so that you can drive yourself home after your Atlanta sedation dentistry treatment.
Oral Sedation Treatment Atlanta
Also known as conscious sedation, oral sedation involves taking medication prior to your dental procedure. The most common medications used to produce conscious sedation are Valium (diazepam) and Halcion (triazolam). Usually taken an hour before your dental appointment, depending on the dosage of the medication you are likely to feel drowsy or groggy and may even fall asleep during your treatment. However, you can easily be woken by a light tap or shake after your procedure is over.
With oral sedation, your Atlanta sedation dentist gives you a prescription at your consultation. Afterward, you fulfill the prescription and take the medication as recommended by your dentist before your appointment. By the time you are in the dental chair, you will be relaxed and ready for your treatment.
IV Sedation
With intravenous sedation, drugs are administered to you using an IV so that the medication can easily distribute throughout your body. Once you receive the medication, you will be unconscious throughout your procedure. During this process, your Atlanta Sedation Dental Care in Atlanta or the administering anesthesia team will control and adjust the level of sedation throughout the procedure based on your needs to ensure you will not wake up during your Atlanta Sedation Dental Care.
Preparing For Sedation Dental Care Atlanta
If you are interested in sedation dentistry, you will need to schedule a consultation with a sedation dentist in Atlanta. During this appointment, you will discuss the type of procedure you need, and which sedation method will work best for you. If you are receiving oral or IV sedation, you will not be able to operate a vehicle and will need to arrange a ride home from your appointment. With IV sedation, your dentist will recommend that you abstain from eating twelve hours before your treatment unless you are on medication that must be taken with food. Your sedation dentist in Atlanta will also advise you on any other preparatory steps that must be taken before receiving sedation for your procedure.
If you believe Atlanta sedation dentistry may be the right option for you, contact Buckhead Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today. We are happy to explain the process of sedation dentistry to get you on the path to receiving the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect a full recovery from sedation dentistry in Atlanta a full day (24 hours) after the initial application. This is why we insist you make arrangements to come with a companion, avoid driving or physically demanding tasks, and get proper rest from work or school.
No. The whole purpose of our Atlanta sedation dentistry treatment is to eliminate any sensation of pain during the procedure and ensure the patient is comfortable while we work on solving everything they need.
The best Atlanta sedation dental care available to you will rely on the experience and knowledge of the professionals to ensure the procedure is as safe as possible for all patients; however, there is always a risk when getting anesthesia, and other factors, such as obesity or respiratory complications might increase any existing risks. Make sure you answer all of your dentist’s questions and clear any of your own doubts.
People who are very anxious, have a bad case of their gag reflex, or are especially sensitive to pain, will all benefit from sedation dentistry in Atlanta. Similarly, patients who have to undergo long procedures will also benefit from sedation dentistry.
When you consider Atlanta Sedation Dentistry, we talk about three main types of sedation. Inhalation sedation uses nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, which is the most simple type. Oral sedation involves taking medication, such as Valium or Halcion, before your appointment. Finally, IV sedation is some drugs that we administer directly into the patient’s bloodstream using an IV.
This can vary considerably depending on the type of sedation used and how long it’s required. Some averages range between $500 to $1,000 per hour, but you should always consult with your dentist.
Fortunately, there aren’t many side effects to Atlanta sedation dental care. You might experience drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, and loss of memory. You should only experience them for a few hours, and the benefits usually far outweigh the side effects.