Sedation Dentistry
Peachtree Corners, GA
Sedation Dentistry provided by Dr. Clint Baugham
in Peachtree Corners, GA at Southern Family Dental Care
Is oral discomfort or pain something you are living with right now? Perhaps you think something is bothering you somewhere in your mouth, but you have never had it checked due to dental anxiety.
If this is you, then please visit us at Southern Family Dental Care in Peachtree Corners, GA to allow us to diagnose the problem and find a solution for you.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety
A significant number of Americans hesitate to schedule an oral checkup for a variety of reasons, from neglect to anxiety. Neglecting to have a routine oral checkup can lead to major consequences in the future, or it can make your existing problems and discomfort worse.
For those who hesitate to seek out an oral expert due to anxiety, we have a solution called sedation dentistry. This sedation may be suitable for you in that it will help ease you into a checkup and remain relaxed.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
First and foremost, you may be wondering, what is sedation dentistry? Many patients often mistake sedation dentistry as a method to induce sleep, but that is not entirely accurate.
The process involves sedatives that will typically allow the patient to remain awake throughout the procedure, with sleepiness being a side effect of some of the medications.
Commonly used medications such as nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas”), oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation are quite effective in keeping you calm throughout your treatment at our office.
Furthermore, most sedatives can be taken orally and do not require an injection, which can help you avoid facing any risk of anxiety or pain.
The benefits of sedation dentistry are that anxiety is relieved, meaning more can be accomplished during the oral checkup or procedure while taking significantly less time. It is safe and has few side effects, making it an effective solution for anyone struggling with dental anxiety.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can be beneficial for many different people for different reasons. All of the following people and situations have benefited from the use of sedatives during dental treatment | • |
Patients with dental anxiety,
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a highly responsive sensitive gag reflex
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the underlying fear of needles (aichmophobia)
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particularly sensitive teeth
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feelings of claustrophobia while sitting in the dental chair
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special needs (whether physical, cognitive, or behavioral) |
Sedation Dentistry Procedures
Which sedation dentistry procedures we may use will vary per individual, as there are different levels of sedation medication.
Dr. Clinton Baugham and our dental team factor in things like your personal level of anxiety, how long we expect the procedure to take, and your medical history and personal preferences.
For most patients, the most common sedation dentistry procedures are nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. IV sedation and general anesthesia are also available options.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is commonly referred to as “laughing gas.”
Using a mask or nosepiece, you will inhale the nitrous oxide, which will begin relieving your anxiety within about five minutes.
The dosage and amount of sedatives used will be determined by the expert overseeing your case, and they will adjust the dosage throughout the procedure accordingly.
Once we finalize your treatment, we will then provide you with oxygen to clear any remaining nitrous oxide from your system. In turn, this will help allow you to leave our office without any lingering side effects.
Oral Conscious Sedation
With oral conscious sedation, you will be given an oral sedative (a pill) about an hour before your checkup is scheduled to begin. The most commonly used sedatives are triazolam and diazepam, but you may also receive zaleplon and lorazepam.
At pediatric offices, it is common to treat children with liquid sedatives, such as midazolam oral syrup, instead of oral pills.
Although oral sedation does often lead to sleepiness in patients, you are unlikely to fall asleep and will still be able to communicate during the procedure when necessary.
The only shortcoming is that oral sedation temporarily affects your memory and motor skills, making it dangerous to leave after the procedure without a friend or family member to drive you home and care for you.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Compared to the other methods, IV sedation offers the deepest form of conscious sedation that is currently available. The medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through an IV line, and in many cases, patients fall asleep during the procedure and wake up with little-to-no memory of anything that occurred while they were sedated.
Throughout the procedure, we will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. Our team of professionals will adjust the dosage accordingly, or use reversal medications should they become necessary.
IV sedation is best for patients with severe dental anxiety or patients who are about to undergo a lengthy procedure.
General Anesthesia
In some cases, general anesthesia may be used to treat children, adults with special needs, or anyone who suffers from severe dental anxiety. This method is not as common because it leaves patients completely unconscious during the procedure, and it must also be administered by an anesthesiologist.
Are There Any Risks In Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a safe practice that is highly unlikely to result in any complications when administered by a licensed expert. However, some short-term complications can occur, such as lingering drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, headaches, and bruising from the IV line.
Additionally, it can be difficult to predict the effects of oral sedation medications, and in rare cases, patients may have an allergic reaction. However, any side effects that do happen are temporary and will cease on their own after a day or two.
Additionally, children may experience some short-term bouts of irritability, snoring, and fever in addition to the typical risks. If your child does experience any of these symptoms or is slow to wake after the sedation, which is rare, they will be monitored until they are ready to return home.
Sedation Dentistry Is Effective
Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your anxiety and undergo any dental procedure without any problems. Although there is a small risk of side effects, any that do occur are temporary. There are several different methods depending on your personal needs and preferences.
Schedule With Your Dentist in Peachtree Corners, GA Today!
If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to us at 470-410-9774. Our team at Southern Family Dental Care will answer any questions you may have concerning sedation dentistry and are also available to book your appointment over the phone. |
