Sedation Dentistry in Alpharetta

Dental anxiety and dental fear are extremely common. It has been estimated that between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental anxiety and nervousness.

That is about 30 million to 40 million people. This estimate is of people who have such an extreme fear of the dentist, that they will not go at all. This can increase your risk of developing other health complications.

Furthermore, 5-8% of Americans avoid dental appointments because of dental fear (source: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/features/dont-fear-the-dentist#1).

This estimate is of people who have such an extreme fear of the dentist, that they will not go at all. This can increase your risk of developing other health complications.

Many patients are uneasy about going into a dentist’s office. For every three people who say they have dental anxiety, two attribute it to a painful experience at the dental office. The procedure that caused pain was either done incorrectly or has a new advanced technique that is more comfortable.

Other reasons that you may have dental phobia or dental anxiety include:

• feeling embarrassed or overly self-conscious of your dental health.
• feeling a loss of personal space since the dentist and hygienist are close to your face.
• fear of pain.
• fear of needles or injections that may be used during your appointment.

The good news is that you can choose safe and comfort dentistry for your next appointment to ease your apprehension, anxiety or fear.

You may hear people use the terms “dental fear” or “dental phobia” interchangeably with “dental anxiety,” but they are not the same. Dental fears and dental phobias are different than dental anxiety.

Dental phobia is actually a much more serious condition when compared to dental anxiety. People who experience dental phobia usually avoid going to the dentist until the pain is unbearable.

You may have dental phobia if you:

• feel heightened nervousness or anxiety while in the waiting room at your dentist’s office.
• become physically ill just thinking about your dental appointment.
• cry just thinking about your dental appointment.
• have trouble sleeping prior to your dental appointment.
• feel extreme uneasiness when dental instruments are used in your mouth (or if you think about this situation without it actually happening)
• feel like it’s difficult to breathe when dental instruments are used in your mouth during the appointment.

Our dentists create an environment where individualized care is prioritized.

Comfort sedation dentistry is the best way for fearful or highly anxious patients to receive necessary dental care. Sedation also allows our dentists to perform several dental services during one long appointment rather than multiple appointments.

Intravenous (IV) or conscious sedation is an anti-anxiety technique that allows our dentists to provide a deeper level of sedation.

Although you will still be awake, you will be significantly less aware, more relaxed, and often have no recollection of the appointment. The process requires recovery time after you leave the office

If you have a sensitive gag reflex, sedation is sometimes needed during your appointments. All in all, many patients greatly benefit from sedation dentistry.

Patients can request to be sedated during their dental procedures at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA.

We offer three levels of sedation:

1) Nitrous Oxide (also called “laughing gas”): this is a mild sedation to reduce anxiety or fear. This is a great option if you need a quick recovery after your appointment. The effects can be reversed within minutes.

2) Oral Sedation: you will swallow a safe, tiny pill that will calm your nerves and anxiety, allowing our dentists to perform multiple procedures during one appointment. You won’t have much memory of the appointment, but you’ll receive the dental work you need and deserve.

3) IV Sedation (also called “conscious sedation” or “twilight sedation”): with this fact-acting, safe form of sedation, you are awake during your appointment, but you won’t feel anxiety, fear or pain…plus you’ll barely remember anything while at the dental office.

With IV sedation, you’ll be completely relaxed, feeling at ease during your appointment, plus you’ll have a quick recovery from the sedation. That means your 1.5-hour appointment may only seem like 25 minutes!

IV sedation is oftentimes the best sedation method for dental phobic patients.

If you’re interested, call our office in Alpharetta, GA and let us know you’d like sedation dentistry for your next appointment.

At Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, comfort combined with modern technology will enhance your experience. What else can you do about dental anxiety or dental fears?

• Our team suggests identifying the cause of your fear. Confide in our dentists or any team member so they can customize their approach in a manner that addresses your concern.
• When you call to schedule your appointment, please let us know you’re interested in sedation dentistry.
• Speak with our team about your anxiety before a procedure. Communication is important. Personalized care plans from our dentists allow us to administer the correct dose of anesthesia according to your particular pain tolerance.
• If sounds at the dentist office bother you or seem to heighten your anxiety, let us know. Wearing headphones during your appointment is an option to help block out the sounds.
• If lack of control heightens your anxiety, please let us know. We will take extra time during your appointment to tell you what we’ll do step by step. If you need breaks, we can make accommodations, as well.
• We provide patients with the option of a longer dental appointment for a more relaxed visit. Every private room includes headphones, televisions, music and more to help you feel comfortable.

Our dentists’ compassionate and understanding nature will help calm any uneasiness you might be feeling.

We are offering sedation dentistry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our office applies strict protocols for patient safety and cleanliness, especially during the pandemic.

You can read more about our COVID-19 guidelines and protocols for patients and staff here.

The team at Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Alpharetta, GA wants you to feel safe, anxiety free, and as comfortable as possible while receiving dental care at our office.

In addition to sedation dentistry options, we offer the following comfort amenities to our patients:

• A blanket for warmth
• Supportive pillows for your neck, back and legs
• Warm comfort pillow
• Aromatherapy comfort wrap
• Soothing hot/cold gel eye pillow
• Light blocking eye mask
• Calming music
• Moisturizer for your lips
• Tooth pillow – allows your jaw to rest

Refreshment bar – including water, juice, coffee, tea, and hot cocoa