Atlanta Dentist Answer Questions – Sedation Dentistry
In our last post we discussed how licensed doctors of conscious sedation are helping patients suffering from dental fear and anxiety receive the care they need in a secure, comfortable environment. By ingesting a dose of anti-anxiety medication an hour before their appointment, fearful patients can feel relaxed and detached during their treatment. When administered and monitored by a certified professional, patients of all ages can feel safe while under oral sedation. Today, Dr. David Zelby, an experienced Atlanta dentist and doctor of conscious sedation, answers a few more frequently asked questions about oral sedation.
Does Oral Sedation Put You to Sleep?
No, oral sedation does not put you to sleep in the same sense that general anesthesia puts you to sleep. Instead, oral sedation medications put you in a state of profound relaxation. A patient under oral sedation may look like they’re asleep, but they can still respond to the dentist’s questions. This near-sleep state allows for optimal patient comfort and safety and lets your dentist monitor your progress more accurately. Furthermore, the level of relaxation produced by oral sedation medications causes an amnesic effect, meaning that most patients do not have any memory of their procedure.
How Will I Feel After Oral Sedation?
After your procedure, you will continue to feel dreamy and “out of it” for several hours. For this reason, you will need to have a trusted caregiver, usually a friend or family member, escort you home after your procedure and stay with you for a few hours. Most patients report that after returning home, they fall asleep for a few hours and wake up ready for a snack or small meal. Dr. Zelby encourages his patients to take advantage of this time to relax. Rent a new movie or download a new novel on your e-book reader. Have some soft, mildly flavored foods, such as frozen yogurt or broth-based soup, on hand for when you feel ready to eat. While some exceptions have occurred, the effects of the medication will have completely dissipated by the following morning.
What Procedures Can I Have Done While Under Oral Sedation?
Oral sedation can be dosed to accommodate any length procedure. It really depends on what your treatment plan includes. Your dentist will explain in detail your treatment, what is involved, the outcome of your treatment and your aftercare requirements. Many patients experience anxiety at the thought of having their teeth cleaned, so even routine checkups and cleanings need to be performed under oral sedation. Whatever your level of fear or anxiety, the important part is that you seek regular dental care to help keep your mouth in optimal health and greatly reduce your chances of developing a serious problem. Your dentist wants what’s best for you. All you need to do is be willing to communicate.
Oral Sedation Dentistry in Atlanta
If you have avoided visiting the dentist because of dental fear or anxiety, call Dr. David Zelby at (770) 955-0550. Dr. Zelby and the expert team at Aesthetic & Implant Dentistry of Atlanta can help you feel at ease while we return your smile to optimal health, function, and beauty. Our Atlanta dentist office proudly serves patients in Marietta, Smyrna, East Cobb, Buckhead, Vinings, and Metro Atlanta.
