Is sedation dentistry safe?

Quite. Unlike General Anesthesia, IV Sedation uses medications that can be instantly reversed to wake you back up in case there was any concern. Unlike General Anesthesia, patients are breathing on their own and can actually let us know if they are waking up or are uncomfortable, although they typically have no memory of doing so.

Will I be awake during the procedure with sedation?

No. Typically there are very few (and usually zero) moments that patients remember. Once the IV is started, we ease you into a relaxed, sleepy state prior to completing any treatment. Occasionally we will intentionally wake you up for a moment so you can help us do things like look into the camera when we are taking photos for the dental lab to make your beautiful smile, or you might need to help us by showing us how your jaw can move or how you bite together. We only wake you up for moments that are non-invasive, so there is no discomfort or anything unpleasant during those instances. Once we have captured the helpful data we need, we give you a little more medication to put you back to sleep while we finish. Even in long procedures, patients typically report not being aware of anything shortly after the IV was started.

How long does it take for dental sedation to wear off?

Most people go home and take a 2-3 hour nap and wake up feeling lucid and normal. However, you should plan on taking the rest of the day off from driving, caring for infants, operating machinery, making business decisions, etc. because everyone metabolizes the medications at different paces. By the next morning you’re totally back to normal and can resume your regular routine.

Do you feel any pain with dental sedation?

Typically the only moment of any discomfort is the quick, momentary pinch of the IV getting started. Once that happens, it’s comfortable and forgettable for the rest of the procedure.

Who is a candidate for sedation dentistry?

Almost everyone. Sedation can actually make the procedure safer for patients with cardiac conditions or a history of cardiac events such as a heart attack or stroke.

Can I drive home after sedation dentistry?

No, it is important to have a ride home with someone you know. You should plan on not driving for the rest of the day, but by the following morning the medications are out of your system and you’re safe to drive again.

How does sedation dentistry help with dental phobia?

Dentistry is one of the most common phobias, so thank goodness sedation dentistry exists! When sedating patients for dentistry, a combination of medications is used that make the patient relax, become sleepy, feel little to no discomfort, lose awareness of time, and it interrupts some short term memory formation. Basically, your anxiety goes away, it feels a bit like time travel, and you typically fade out at the beginning of the procedure and fade back in after it’s done. It makes a two hour appointment feel like 10 minutes, and you skip experiencing all of the tedious, uncomfortable parts that can come with a dental procedure.

What should I expect before, during, and after sedation?

Before: Avoid eating or drinking anything for 8 hours prior to your procedure, but discuss with your provider if you take daily medications. Certain medications such as blood pressure medications should still be taken with a small sip of water, and some diabetic medications may be taken in a slightly modified dosage. Most other meds will be skipped until after your appointment. Show up in something comfy - it's naptime, after all! During: The best dental appointment of your life! First time sedation patients routinely profess their new found love of sedation dentistry, as it can be a wonderful thing for patients who struggle with dental visits for whatever the reason. Most patients remember almost nothing of their time in the chair once the IV has been started, and that usually is a very quick, very tolerable pinch in the elbow area of the arm. We hate hand IVs too, so don’t worry, they’re our last choice! After the procedure is completed, you gradually wake up and hang out for a little while to make sure you’re lucid and feeling good. After: Once you leave, most patients go home and take a 2-3 hour nap. People LOVE the afternoon nap after sedation! Most of the sedation grogginess goes away during your nap, but we recommend having a lazy, easy evening at your house. Soft, medium temperature food is recommended in the first few hours after the sedation in case there is still some numbness; we don’t want you to bite or burn yourself with your first meal. Typically by bedtime you feel totally normal again, and you go back to normal life the next morning.

Are there any side effects of dental sedation?

The main side effects are good ones - you don’t remember your visit, you have far less discomfort after surgery, and morale is usually very high! The side effects that most people are concerned about, such as nausea or headaches, are typically more associated with General Anesthesia, which is not what we’re providing. Nausea is very, very rare in IV sedation, and it is often self-induced by taking medications on an empty stomach, so make sure you have a snack before taking any medications after your visit. Headaches almost never happen - much of what you get in the IV is what they would give you for a migraine at the ER, so no fear there! You may be a little unsteady on your feet in the first few hours afterwards, so we recommend having someone help you walk up stairs and avoid doing anything that requires a lot of coordination. All of it is short lived, and most people feel totally normal within a few hours of waking up.

How long do the effects of sedation last?

Typically the groggy feeling of sedation goes away after 2-3 hours. Patients always tell us how it’s the greatest afternoon nap of their lives and they wake up feeling excellent. We still want to use caution and be safe, so plan on taking the rest of the day off from driving and major activities so you can relax safely at home until the medications are cleared from your system. By the next morning, you can go back to your daily routine.

Can I be awake and experiencing the procedure without being able to tell you?

No. The "locked in syndrome" that is often portrayed in TV and movies is only a thing for General Anesthesia (which we do not use), and it is exceptionally rare anyway. But no, if feeling discomfort or if the medications are wearing off, you can tell us, although you almost certainly will have no memory of doing so.

How common is sedation dentistry?

You’re lucky you found us! Fewer than 4% of Georgia dentists hold sedation permits, and we are proud to have certified sedation dentists at all of our locations (some offices even have more than one!). Sedation dentistry has been around for decades, but it is still quite a rare thing to be offered, as there is intensive additional training required after dental school to earn the certification that most dentists never achieve.

Sedation Dentistry in Atlanta | Atlanta Dental Spa

Did you know that nearly half of the adult population in the US has true dental fear or dental phobia? Most commonly the result of very bad past experience(s), dental phobia ranks in the top 3 phobias in adults. Other contributing factors to dental anxieties are feelings of loss of control, embarrassment, needles, the drill, and dental smells. The Atlanta Dental Spa team understands these fears and anxieties which is why we created our practices in a way that gets rid of many of these “old school” practices.

When you walk through our doors, you will not even feel like you’re at the dentist. Dental anxiety is an all-too-real problem for many and our aim is to make your visit as comfortable and stress-free as possible. We have a full range of sedation options, including oral pills, IV sedation, and nitrous oxide. You’re sure to find a solution that works best for your needs.

After 15 years of putting it off, I overcame my fear. And the first time they did sedate me, I was scared out of my mind. But once I came out of it, I realized that honestly it was probably safer that way than just being awake and it definitely kept my nerves down.

Cynthia

More Stories

The sedation was the key, that I was going to be totally comfortable. I didn't feel any pain. Being sedated and then having the staff work with me and guide me verbally through the process was very comforting and it actually helped.

David

More Stories

"Don't be that person that just gets blinded to not take care of your body because it's not just the teeth. Everything's interconnected and you've got your heart and it's all together. And at my age, what kind of quality of life do you want to have?"

Linda

More Stories

Conscious sedation is a safe, controlled, and reversible option for the reduction of anxiety, memory, and time perception during a procedure. It can be administered orally or intravenously and produces a shallow state of sedation which allows the patient to maintain control of safety, reflexive functions, and cognitive response.

This method was originally intended for use by cardiac patients with a history of heart disease in order to provide the most secure possible treatment for at-risk patients. At Atlanta Dental Spa, each of our patients receives the safest and most gentle sedation treatment options available.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

A lot of people think IV sedation may not be safe for them. Dental anxiety is actually why IV sedation was introduced into dentistry. Being scared, nervous, and having extra anxiety can trigger cardiac events. When you’re under IV sedation you’re very calm, mild manner, nothing is upsetting, and your anxiety level is so low that your procedure can be done in a much safer health environment.

Also, if you have a high blood pressure episode, we have direct access to give you medications to keep you at a very safe, controlled level. That can’t be done if you aren’t on an IV. But IV sedation isn’t just for folks who have medical conditions. Pure anxiety is reason enough.

The first thing we’ll do is meet you and find out about you, understand what you’re scared about, and what your medical history is. This will allow us to treat you safely and predictably, and understand what it is that we need to do and how we can maximize your dental appointment.

We’ll determine if IV sedation is a good option for you when you come in for your consultation. During the procedure, we’ll give you a combination of medications that minimize how much you remember. Your 2-hour appointment may only seem like it takes 20 minutes! We will make you totally comfortable, and we will minimize swelling and discomfort post-procedure.

Atlanta Dental Spa provides safe and simple solutions to your dental anxiety. We take our patients through a consultation that covers medical history, anxiety history, and a discussion of concerns and fears.

We manage anxiety using three methods including conscious sedation, pre-op preparation, and nitrous oxide. To encourage relaxation and provide a comfortable, relaxing environment, we provide noise-canceling headphones, shaded eyewear, and HD TVs.

Nitrous Oxide

Also commonly referred to as laughing gas, this method is ideal for those requiring quick recovery following a procedure. Nitrous oxide can be administered and quickly flushed out by oxygen within minutes.

Following a nitrous oxide treatment, the patient will leave Atlanta Dental Spa as alert and bright-eyed as upon arrival.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation dentistry comprises a tiny pill, which is safe and will allow you to undergo multiple procedures at once, and you won’t even know you went to the dentist! This tiny pill calms all nerves and takes you into a twilight sedated state.

While you’re sedated, our team of dentists performs your procedures. When you “wake up” you’re back home and comfortable. It’s that simple!

IV Sedation

The most comprehensive – and safest – sedation procedure. By having direct access to your circulatory system, we can take you to a deeper level of sedation by using modern sedation medications, such as Versed, Fentanyl, and Toradol, etc.

Your blood pressure, heart rate, and the amount of oxygen in your blood are continuously monitored by the Atlanta Dental Spa team.

At Atlanta Dental Spa, we know your time is valuable, and we want to make your dental visits as smooth and efficient as possible. That's where IV sedation comes in. Not only does it help ease anxiety and make you more comfortable, but it can also save you a lot of time. Instead of needing multiple visits to complete your treatments, IV sedation allows us to get more done in a single appointment. This means fewer trips to the dentist.

If you need work in different areas of your mouth, sedation lets us handle it all at once without the usual stress. You get to relax while we get to work. Plus, as the year wraps up, a lot of patients are looking to make the most of their dental insurance benefits. With sedation dentistry, we can combine multiple treatments into one longer appointment, so you don’t miss out on those benefits before they expire.

Choosing IV sedation is about comfort and making the most of your time. Instead of spending hours in the dental chair spread over several visits, you get to get back to your life quicker. If this sounds like something you're interested in, give us a call! We would love to chat with you about how sedation can make your dental experience easier and more convenient.

"I just completely stayed out of pain the whole process so I'm smiling more. I think they have a patient for life!"

Miss Lopez

More Stories

Highest Quality End ProsthesisTraditionally

“All-on-4” hybrid dentures were made of standard denture materials -- acrylic teeth and gums. These are much softer than natural teeth, so the teeth will predictably wear down over time. Luckily for all of us, dental materials continue to improve, and there are far stronger, more lifelike options now. At Atlanta Dental Spa, we pride ourselves on striving to provide the best, not the easiest or the cheapest. We want our patients to be thrilled with their results, and we want those beautiful results to be able to hold up for a very long time.

3D Surgical Design

Merging the latest CAD / CAM Implant Design & Planning software AND our detailed 3-D images of your bone from our Cone Beam CT - we are able to precisely plan your surgery down to the millimeter. From this, 3-D Surgical guides are printed to ensure the implants go EXACTLY where we intended to go. This increases safety, minimizes post-operative pain, and increases long-term stability overall.

We are the Cosmetic Dental Experts

We are known in Atlanta for expert cosmetic dentistry. Having a team of doctors that are experts in Smile Design allows us to create some of the most beautiful Implant Supported Hybrid Bridges in the world. Not only are the finals hand-crafted by a master ceramist and artist, but they are customized (just like veneer case would be) to fit YOUR facial features. This is not a situation where “one size fits all.”

Highest Quality Implants vs Bargain

Not all implants are created equally. We make sure to use the best products available that are backed by years of research and provide excellent warranties and guarantees. We utilize the most cutting-edge designs and materials with the finest ceramics, titanium, and zirconia available. This allows us to provide beautiful esthetics without the common bulky, weaker, problematic designs that so many other offices seem comfortable providing.