If you are worried or anxious about dental care, Sandy Springs Dentistry offers nitrous oxide to help you relax as we complete your treatments. Our dentist and team care about your peace of mind and will help ensure your visit is comfortable. Dr. Maria Benefield provides sedation dentistry in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA.
Sedation gives patients a comfortable and pain-free experience. Dental sedation is part of our general dentistry services. With sedation, Dr. Benefield can help patients get the dental care they need.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
For patients with dental anxiety, it can seem frustrating or even embarrassing. However, dental anxiety is a common condition that has a variety of causes, including:
- Past Traumatic Experiences: If you’ve had bad experiences at the dentist, especially when you were a child, those memories can stick with you. Painful visits or negative experiences can lead to anxiety about going to the dentist later in life. Dr. Benefield and her team are dedicated to making you feel comfortable and listened to during your visit.
- Loss of Control: Being in a dental chair while someone works in your mouth can make you feel like you have no control over the situation. This feeling can cause anxiety for many people.
- Fear of Judgement: Some people worry that the dentist or staff will judge them for the condition of their teeth. This fear can make going to the dentist even more stressful. We are a judgment-free dental office; our goal is to improve your oral health and help you feel comfortable.
- Negative Media Portrayals: Movies and TV often show dental visits as painful or scary. These portrayals can make existing fears worse or create new ones for those who are already anxious. We’re here to change that by providing compassionate care to show you that dental visits don’t have to be frightening.
- Lack of Understanding: Not knowing what will happen during your dental visit or how a procedure works can cause anxiety. We encourage you to ask questions about your dental care. Our team wants to help you feel informed and at ease.
What Are the Levels of Sedation?
Dental sedation can have many levels, which include:
- Minimal Sedation: This is the lightest level of sedation. Patients are awake and aware of what’s happening, but they feel more relaxed. They might feel a little sleepy, but they can still respond to the dentist’s questions and instructions. This level is often achieved with nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
- Moderate Sedation: With this sedation, patients are more relaxed and may not remember much about the procedure afterward. They can still respond to the dentist, but they might feel a little drowsy. This level can be achieved with oral medications or higher doses of nitrous oxide.
- Deep Sedation: In deep sedation, patients are very relaxed and may not be aware of their surroundings. They might be able to respond to some commands, but they are mostly in a state between being awake and asleep. This level of sedation is usually administered through an IV (intravenous) line.
- General Anesthesia: This is the strongest level of sedation. Patients are completely asleep and will not remember anything about the procedure. General anesthesia is typically used for more complex procedures or for patients who are very anxious. It requires careful monitoring by an anesthesiologist or a trained dental professional.
Nitrous Oxide: Sedation Dentistry in Atlanta, GA
Do you ever feel nervous about dental visits? Does your upcoming treatment make you feel anxious? If so, you may benefit from nitrous oxide (N2O) sedation at our office. Also known as laughing gas, you inhale this nitrogen-oxygen mixture through a nose mask during your treatment. You will experience a relaxed or even euphoric sensation as you breathe in the nitrous oxide.
Nitrous oxide can help you feel calm and at ease throughout your treatment. This sedation is very safe: the effects will wear off within just a few minutes after we remove your nose mask. You can legally and safely drive yourself home after your appointment.
When to Use Dental Sedation
Laughing gas is a great option for patients who feel nervous about going to the dentist. If you’re anxious because you’re getting a treatment you’ve never had before, or if you don’t like the sounds and sights of the dental office, we might suggest using nitrous oxide. It can help you feel more relaxed.
Some people have a sensitive gag reflex, making dental procedures uncomfortable. Nitrous oxide can help ease that gag reflex, making the treatment easier for both you and the dentist. For more complicated procedures, like root canals, sedation may be needed to help keep you relaxed and calm.
Patients who find it hard to sit still for a long time, such as children or those with certain medical issues, may also benefit from sedation. It can help them stay calm and still during treatment. Please make sure to discuss any concerns with our dentist and team before your appointment. This will help us make you feel more comfortable during your visit and ensure you have a positive experience at our office.
What are the Effects of Nitrous Oxide?
Because nitrous oxide takes effect and wears off quickly, it does not have many lasting effects. However, under this sedation and after your procedure, you may feel:
- Relaxation: One of the main effects of nitrous oxide is that it helps people feel calm and relaxed. Many patients feel less anxious when they breathe in the gas, making their dental visits easier. Some people experience a feeling of happiness or lightness, often called euphoria. This can make the dental procedure feel less stressful.
- Pain Relief: Nitrous oxide can help dull pain, which means patients may feel less discomfort during their dental work. However, it doesn’t completely numb the area. We still use local anesthesia for that.
- Short-Term Memory Loss: With sedation, some patients might not remember everything that happened during the procedure. This is normal and can help reduce anxiety about the experience. If you do experience short-term memory loss, it’s important to know that it doesn’t mean anything went wrong. It simply means the sedation was doing its job in helping you stay calm
- Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Some patients may feel dizzy or lightheaded after inhaling nitrous oxide. This feeling is usually mild. It will fade after your treatment.
- Nausea: In some cases, nitrous oxide can cause nausea or an upset stomach. If you feel this way, let our dentist know so she can help. She might stop the nitrous oxide or adjust the amount to help you feel better.
Get Comfortable Dental Treatment
Do you have dental anxiety? Ask us about sedation dentistry in our Atlanta, GA, dental office. Request an appointment with Dr. Benefield or call us today at 404-252-1216. Let us know if you have questions about your dental care. We will be happy to help.