Sedation Dentistry Near You
If visiting the dentist causes you anxiety, you’re not alone—and help is available. At our dental office in Gainesville, we offer sedation dentistry to help you feel calm and comfortable during your visit. Sedation is especially beneficial for patients who experience dental anxiety, have a strong gag reflex, or need lengthy or complex procedures. It can also assist children and individuals with special needs who may find it challenging to remain still or relaxed during treatment.
Our team is committed to providing compassionate care, ensuring you receive the necessary dental treatments without stress or fear.
Different Types of Sedation
There are different types of sedation available, depending on your needs and preferences. Your dentist will work with you to determine which sedation option is right for you. Whether you choose minimal sedation or deep sedation, sedation can help you feel more comfortable and relaxed during your dental visit, so you can get the care you need without feeling anxious or overwhelmed.
Nitrous oxide – This is also called “laughing gas”. Even though it doesn’t make you laugh out loud, it does leave you feeling a bit elated and calm. You’ll be fully conscious while your dentist works away.
Oral sedation – The medication is administered via a pill that you will either take the night before your treatment or the morning of. You won’t be fully asleep either, but you will feel very groggy.
IV sedation – This is typically the strongest form of sedation used in dental appointments. The medication is given to you through an IV line, allowing it to enter your bloodstream immediately. Most recipients of this tend to fall asleep and are still quite woozy once they wake so be sure to have someone to take you home.
General anesthesia – This medication is primarily delivered to patients when they’re having surgery in a hospital, but it can be administered in a dental office too. You will be completely unconscious for the entirety of the appointment. In order to provide this to patients, dentists need to undergo specific training; or an anesthesiologist can be brought in to assist.
If you have questions or concerns about sedation dentistry near you, do not be scared to reach out to your dentist.
Contact us now and get gentle dental care for happy and healthy smiles
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe for everyone?
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients, but not children. At Georgia Smile Team, we take a careful review of your medical history and customize sedation choices to keep you safe and comfortable. We monitor you closely during the procedure for a relaxing and safe experience.
What types of sedation options are available at your clinic?
Georgia Smile Team also provides several other options for sedation that are right for you:
- Nitrous Oxide: A mild sedative, also called laughing gas, which relaxes you lightly without making you unconscious.
- Oral Sedation: A prescribed pill taken before the appointment to induce a deeper relaxation.
- IV Sedation: Administered intravenously for a more profound relaxation, patients become drowsy and may not remember the procedure.
- General Anesthesia: For longer appointments, making you fully asleep; given under strict medical care.
Our staff will assist in deciding what is best for your comfort and the needs of treatment.
How do I prepare for sedation dentistry?
Preparation is different depending on the type of sedation:
- Fasting: Do not eat or have a drink at least six hours prior to your appointment, unless otherwise specified.
- Medications: Tell us about all of the medications and supplements you are currently taking, as some can be modified.
- Transportation: Have your driver bring you home, particularly if you are receiving oral or IV sedation or general anesthesia.
We will inform you of proper directions concerning your sedation plan.
Will I feel pain during the procedure with sedation?
Sedation dentistry is designed to reduce pain and anxiety when you get dental treatment. Sedation relaxes you, and local anesthesia numbs the tissue that is going to be treated, so you won’t feel any pain. The majority of patients have minimal or no memory of the procedure and report a pleasant overall experience.