Dentists use sedation to relieve pain and stress during a variety of procedures. There are three types of sedation dentistry: laughing gas, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation. There is a place for all three methods in sedation dentistry. A number of factors, including your medical history, will determine which treatment is best for you.

It is safe for children and adults to use laughing gas (also known as nitrous oxide). This is because you are awake and aware during the procedure. Your dentist may recommend laughing gas if you have a dental phobia. Our team will gently place a mask over your nose and ask you to breathe deeply. Laughing gas starts working within a few minutes. In contrast to other types of sedation dentistry, laughing gas wears off quickly.

As a result, you will be able to drive yourself home or return to work. After having laughing gas, your child can return to school. In comparison to other methods of sedation, laughing gas carries the least risk. Once the mask is removed, any side effects will cease. Everything from teeth cleanings to root canals can be performed with laughing gas. You will need more than laughing gas to prevent pain during intensive procedures. In order to numb a tooth that needs a filling, you will need a local anesthetic.

We also recommend that you have someone drive you to and from the office since oral sedation makes you drowsy. Safety is always our top priority. We provide you with detailed directions, so you know what to expect. You may need to fast several hours before your appointment, for example. It is for this reason that many patients schedule appointments for the morning. In some cases, oral sedation may make you drowsy enough to fall asleep. If we need you to cooperate with the dentist, we can easily wake you up. You will need to keep your child home after their appointment if they are given oral sedation. Until the medication wears off, you should supervise your child.

IV sedation dentistry involves inserting an IV line into a vein in the crook of your arm. A steady flow of medication is provided by the IV line. As a result, you will be unconscious throughout the entire procedure. When you sit in the dentist’s chair, you’ll feel comfortable and secure, knowing that you’re receiving high-quality dental care without stress or pain. Through an oxygen mask, we monitor your vital signs and make sure you are breathing properly.

You may receive specific instructions from your dentist based on your unique situation. If you have any questions about your upcoming dental sedation appointment, please feel free to contact us.

Typically, you may have to abstain from food or drink beginning midnight the night before your appointment. Even water is included. Please take medications as usual with a small sip of water to wash them down. Your dental sedation appointment may need to be rescheduled if you do not follow these instructions exactly. Safety comes first. Make sure you remove your contact lenses before visiting the dentist. Any dentures, including partial plates or removable bridgework, should be removed before leaving home for your appointment. Please bring along a container to store your dentures in if it isn’t practical to leave them at home.

What to expect following sedation dentistry will vary depending on the type of sedative used and the procedure performed. A responsible adult must drive you to and from your appointment. It is not safe to operate a vehicle after dental sedation.

Numbness in the affected area may persist if a local anesthetic is used. And certain sedatives may impact the remainder of your day forcing you or your child to stay home from work or school. Comprehensive instructions will be provided by Modern Family Dentistry ahead of the appointment. We serve patients from Newnan GA, White Oak GA, Raymond GA, Arnco Mills GA, Madras GA, Sargent GA, and Yates GA.