Dental anxiety is a common issue for many of our patients. Sadly, this fear can keep them from getting the care they need for a healthy mouth. To help, we offer sedation dentistry options in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA. We don’t want anxiety to stand in the way of your oral health, so we will make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed during your dental visits.
Sedation options are available as a general dental service. With our gentle care and expert approach, you can enjoy stress-free dentistry and get a healthy smile without worry. Dr. Flax and our team will support you every step of the way. Your smile and peace of mind are our top priorities at our Atlanta dental office.
How Dental Anxiety Impacts Your Oral Health
Feeling anxious about visiting the dentist is more common than you might think, but dental anxiety can have serious consequences for your oral health. When fear keeps you from scheduling dental appointments, it can allow small problems to grow into larger, more costly issues. By understanding how dental anxiety impacts your health, you can take steps to manage your fear and protect your smile.
Higher Risk of Gum Disease and Cavities
Skipping regular dental cleanings and check-ups because of anxiety can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth. Over time, this buildup can cause gum disease and cavities. Without quick treatment, you might need more extensive treatments later on.
Tooth Loss
When gum disease worsens or untreated cavities get larger, the damage can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth not only affect how you chew and speak but can also lower your self-confidence. Replacing lost teeth with dentures, implants, or bridges can be more challenging than preventing the problem in the first place.
Worsening Oral Health Problems
If you delay dental care, small problems like cavities or gum disease can get worse over time. What could have been easily treated with a simple filling or a cleaning might eventually require more complicated procedures. Also, untreated gum disease can cause damage to your gums and teeth, possibly leading to tooth extractions.
Impact on Your Overall Health
Poor oral health doesn’t just affect your mouth; it can impact your entire body. Gum disease can contribute to serious health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Taking care of your teeth and gums helps protect your overall health.
Who Is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a great option for people who experience:
- Fear or Anxiety Around Dental Visits: Dental sedation can help you relax and feel more at ease during your appointment.
- Sensitive Gag Reflex: Sedation can calm a strong gag reflex to make dental treatment comfortable.
- Low Pain Tolerance: If you are sensitive to pain, sedation dentistry can help make the procedure pain-free.
- Need for Lengthy Procedures: Dental sedation can help you stay relaxed and comfortable throughout long treatments or complex procedures.
Sedation Dentistry in Sandy Springs, GA
Our office uses safe sedatives to help patients relax during dental procedures. At Flax Dental, we offer two main types: nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is a mild sedative inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you feel calm and relaxed during your treatment. One of the benefits of laughing gas is that its effects wear off almost immediately after we remove the mask. This means you can drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.
Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill you take before your appointment. This medication helps you achieve a state of deep relaxation while staying awake and responsive throughout your procedure.
The sedative makes it easier for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety to get necessary treatments. Our dentist will provide specific instructions about when to take the medication and how to prepare for your appointment. Because it may leave you feeling tired, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your visit.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn more about sedation dentistry in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, with answers to these common questions:
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, undergoing sedation is safe when performed by a trained dentist. Dr. Flax takes extra steps to ensure your treatment is as safe and comfortable as possible. During your procedure, he will carefully monitor your breathing, heart rate, and oxygen levels.
He will also choose the right type and amount of sedation based on your health, age, and the treatment you need. He’ll review your medical history and ask about any medications you take to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
With nitrous oxide, you will stay awake and able to talk to the dental team. Oral conscious sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state, but you will still be awake and able to follow instructions. While you won’t be asleep, you’ll feel deeply relaxed. You shouldn’t feel any pain during the treatment.
How long will the effects of sedation last?
The length of time sedation lasts depends on the type of sedation. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off quickly. Once the dentist removes the mask, you will begin to feel normal again within minutes. This means you can drive yourself home and return to your usual activities right after your appointment.
If you get oral conscious sedation, the effects may last a bit longer. You might feel sleepy for a few hours after your treatment. Because of this, you need to have someone drive you home after your appointment to make sure you get there safely.
Get Comfortable Treatment
Do you have dental anxiety? Are you looking for a comfortable way to get the dental care you need? Call Flax Dental for sedation dentistry in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, at 470-635-3604. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Flax on our website.
If you have dental fear or anxiety and have more questions about your care, please let us know. We will be happy to help.