91 W Wieuca Rd NE #4000
Atlanta, GA 30342
Atlanta, GA 30342
(404) 266-9424
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We understand that some people feel anxious about dental visits, so our team will do whatever we can to ensure your comfort. Dr. Pate will review the suggested treatment plan and answer your questions to alleviate any lingering apprehension you might have. By listening to your concerns and developing strong patient relationships, we have helped many people overcome their fear of dentistry and achieve their smile goals. Our comfort measures include TVs in the treatment rooms, headphones, pillows, and blankets.
For patients who feel particularly nervous at the dentist, we may recommend sedation dentistry. Depending on your goals, concerns, and medical history, Dr. Pate will suggest the right method of sedation for you. Our sedation dentistry options include:
Nitrous oxide is a mild form of dental sedation that has been used for decades. If you’re wondering why you haven’t heard of it before, you might know it by its nickname: laughing gas. If you are interested in learning more about it, including how it works and if you’re a good candidate, simply read on or give our Atlanta dental team a call!
Typically, nitrous oxide is recommended for patients who:
With all of that said, there are some patients who are not candidates. For example, this form of dental sedation is not recommended for those who have a breathing condition, like asthma. It’s also not suitable for patients who are pregnant or allergic. Rest assured, we will review your medical and dental history with you at your visit to determine if you’re a candidate and, if you’re not, we’ll find another way to provide you with the positive, relaxing experience you deserve.
After you get settled comfortably into the treatment chair, a member of our team will position the nasal mask over your nose and begin the flow of nitrous oxide. Since it’s a colorless, odorless gas, you won’t notice anything until the effects begin to set in, which only takes a few minutes. Patients often describe it as feeling euphoric, anxiety-free, and completely relaxed. In fact, while nitrous oxide won’t put you to sleep, you may doze off because you’re so calm!
Throughout your appointment, we’ll continue to check-in with you and adjust the flow of nitrous as needed. Once we’re done, we will let you know and remove the nasal mask. Within a matter of minutes, the effects will completely dissipate. As a result, you can drive yourself home and resume your usual routine! Just make sure to abide by any aftercare instructions we provided regarding the care you received, like rinsing with warm saltwater periodically or using a cold compress for 10 minutes at a time.
Oral conscious sedation can be an excellent way for many people with intense dental anxiety to receive the care they need to keep their teeth healthy and prevent nasty infections. This treatment will leave the patient awake and able to respond to questions and instructions, but their ability to feel stress will be significantly reduced. Here’s a quick look at how the team at Dentistry in Buckhead can help you enjoy a pleasant dental appointment despite phobia or anxiety, but please contact us if you’d like to know more.
Oral conscious sedation involves a member of our dental team prescribing an appropriate sedative, usually Ativan, Valium, or Halcion, to be taken briefly before an upcoming dental appointment, and the treatment involves no needles or face mask. This method is typically recommended for adults who are anxious or fearful about dental care, those with strong gag reflexes, and other individuals who have trouble sitting stilly and calmly through a dental visit. The effects of the sedative will begin after about fifteen minutes or so, and they can be expected to last for several hours after the procedure is over.
A patient receiving oral conscious sedation will need to arrange for a trusted individual to drive them to and from the dental office since the effects of the treatment will last for several hours and inhibit their ability to operate heavy machinery. Briefly after taking the sedative, you will feel a deep sense of calmness and relaxation, and you may have difficulty remembering the appointment afterward. While you are feeling the effects of the drug, the team at our Atlanta office will carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure your safety throughout the process.
Oral conscious sedation may be an excellent option for those who:
The first step to receiving oral conscious sedation is to have a consultation with Dr. Pate or Almquist at our Atlanta office. During this visit, our dentist will carefully evaluate your oral health and medical history to determine the best way to safely administer the dental care you need to stay healthy.
If you’re ready to enjoy anxiety-free dentistry, then Dr. Pate, our sedation dentist in Buckhead, is here to help! If you have specific questions on your mind you’d like answered before moving forward, don’t hesitate to contact our office so our knowledgeable team can provide you with immediate assistance. On the other hand, if you’d like to do a bit more research before giving us a call, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions (and their answers!) below.
Although sedation dentistry is most commonly known for its ability to help even the most nervous patients enjoy a stress-free experience, its calming effects are also beneficial for:
Both nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are powerful, anxiety-relieving options that allow patients to enter a deep state of relaxation during their appointment. The comfortable, pain-free environment allows our team to:
Decades of clinical research has found there is very low risk associated with sedation dentistry if it is administered by an experienced dental professional. Fortunately, Dr. Pate has over three full decades of experience in the field of dentistry. Plus, he is a graduate of the world-renowned L.D. Pankey Institute and is an active member of multiple notable organizations, including the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation. Not only will he check your medical history beforehand, but he will constantly monitor your vitals throughout your appointment as well. That way, you can safely get the dental work you need in an anxiety-free environment.
Since sedation dentistry is usually considered a “luxury” expense, it isn’t typically covered by dental insurance providers. However, there are a few cases where it may be considered necessary, such as:
Therefore, it is always a good idea to read the fine print on your dental plan to double-check whether it’s covered or not.