Who is sedation dentistry right for?
Although dental procedures aren’t painful, there is a select category of people who feel abnormally high levels of stress (commonly known as dental anxiety) at the thought of being examined.
Many patients avoid getting the dental care they need due to fear and anxiety. In fact, dental anxiety is one of the top fears reported by Adult Americans. Fortunately, we now offer convenient in house sedation to ensure each patient gets the smile they deserve in maximum comfort.
Sedation Dentistry is available for routine dentistry such as cleanings, fillings and crowns, as well as surgical procedures like extractions, implants, and grafting. This service is also a great solution for patients with a severe gag reflex or certain systemic health issues. A thorough evaluation of your health and medical history will be taken at consult to ensure this treatment option is right for you.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry safely eases worries and discomfort so you can receive the dental care you need, anxiety-free. With your customized treatment plan, the level of sedation will be tailored to your personal needs.
Our sedation options include:
Nitrous Oxide: also known as ‘laughing gas,’ this is a fantastic way to help you relax during treatment while its effects wear off quickly enough so that you can drive yourself home. Nitrous is delivered through a comfortable nose mask throughout your procedure to keep you at ease.
Oral Sedation: prescribed medications are taken prior to the appointment that induce relaxation and a degree of forgetfulness. This is a wonderful option to take the edge off during your dental appointment and has great success with with patients who have a strong gag reflex. Due to the strength of sedation, you will need to arrange a driver or other transportation to take you to and from your appointment.
IV Conscious Sedation: medications are administered through an IV to induce a ‘twilight state’ so you will not feel or remember your dental appointment. This is ideal for patients with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, certain cardiac issues and longer procedures.
How does sedation dentistry work?
While it is sometimes referred to as ‘sleep dentistry,’ this is not entirely accurate. During conscious sedation, patients are awake enough to respond to verbal cues and breath independently but may not remember the appointment due to amnesia depending on the level of sedation chosen.
Medication dosage is custom tailored to maintain maximum comfort. In addition to sedatives, anti-inflammatory and antibiotic medications can be given to increase healing and minimize the medications taken at home.
book a sedation consult with dr levine
Dr. Levine is one of the few general dentists in Atlanta with advanced training in sedation dentistry. Curious if sedation dentistry is right for you? Schedule your complimentary sedation consult with Dentistry at East Piedmont today!
Dr. Levineluxury dental spa amenities
Total patient comfort is of the utmost importance at Dentistry at East Piedmont. At our office, Dr. Patel and the rest of the team strive to provide every patient with comfortable and efficient dental care.
Our goal is for every patient to have the most pleasant dental visit possible. Delivering a complete luxury dental spa experience, we offer a variety of patient amenities that might even make you forget you’re at the dentist.