Most people can manage dental treatment with little more than some slight anxiety. For some people however, going to the dentist is a lot more difficult. Whether it was a bad experience as a child or some other issues, the fear makes it very difficult for some people to take care of themselves.
Click here to see What our patients say about their experience with sedation dentistry
We know that people who avoid dental treatment due to excessive fear and anxiety don’t get the care they know they want and need. They don’t have a nice smile and their dental problems continue to get worse. This causes them even more worry.
“Chill with the Pill”
At Suwanee Dental Care ,we understand that these fears are real and that dealing with people’s concerns is just as important as fixing their cavities. That is why we offer “sedation dentistry”.
“Sedation Dentistry” is done by taking a sedative tranquilizer medicine and may be supplemented by medicated air to breathe containing nitrous oxide. Instructions must be carefully followed for “sedation dentistry” procedures because, although it is very safe, you will definitely be sedated.
Be sure someone can pick you up, drive you to the office and hold your arm as you walk into the office. You will be awake but very relaxed, you might be woozy and disoriented, so you cannot walk alone.
After your visit, you will find that you won’t remember very much, even though you’ll feel fine. You must be accompanied by a responsible adult who can also take you home and keep an eye on you for the next few hours. Even though you may think you feel okay, you could lose your balance and slip and fall, so be sure to take it easy for the rest of the day.
At Suwanee Dental Care, we want to do everything we can to make your visits as pleasant as possible. Let us know any way we can help.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. Bill Williams And Staff
Dr. Williams is a member of the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation
- How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
- Facts About Sedation Dentistry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Who Is A Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. Will I be unconscious?
A. No, you are in a state of light sleep. However, you are responsive. - Q. Will I be monitored?
A. Yes, one of our team is always with you. Your vital signs are monitored during the entire visit. You are never alone. - Q. How long will I be sedated?
A. Depending on your needs, but usually ranges from two to six hours. - Q. Will someone need to accompany me?
A. Yes, due to the sedative effects of the medication, you must have someone drive you to and from this office.
Facts About Sedation Dentistry
- It Really Works! You really can relax through your dental appointment.
- You take a small pill prior to treatment, with no intra-venous tubes or needles.
- You will have little or no memory of the experience. You won’t remember any sounds or smells.
- You can be sedated for up to five to six hours after taking the pill. The time you are sedated will vary depending on your needed treatment.
- Complex dental treatments that often require six to eight appointments can be done in as little as one! All while you are sedated.
- People who have difficulty getting numb usually have no problem when relaxed and sedated.
- Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce the fatigue of extended dental treatment requiring long visits.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
- You are given a small pill to take an hour prior to your dental appointment. Your companion will accompany you to the office. By the time you arrive you will be drowsy.
- When you arrive in our office, you will be escorted into the treatment room, covered with a warm blanket and placed on a monitor to watch your vital signs. After you are comfortable, the team at Suwanee Dental Care will take care of your dental needs.
- When your treatment is completed your companion should take you home to rest and recover.
Who Is a Candidate For Sedation Dentistry?
People who have…
- High Fear
- Had traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb
- A bad gag reflex
- Very sensitive teeth
- Limited time to complete their dental care
- Complex dental problems
People who…
- Hate needles and shots!
- Hate the noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care
- Are afraid or embarrassed about their teeth
- Have disabilities that preclude them from receiving traditional dental services
Patient Instructions
Sedation dentistry is a way for patients to have the dental work they want and need, even if they are especially anxious of having dental work performed.
Sedation Dentistry allows the patient to relax safely through the procedure and have very little memory after. The procedures are very safe and we monitor your heart and blood pressure throughout the procedures.
In order to get a good result, you must follow these directions completely.
You will need to be accompanied to and from the office by a responsible adult who will be able to help you walk and assist you in and out of your home, the office and your automobile.
They do not have to remain in the office for the whole procedure. They can go and run some errands and call in around the time we are expected to finish so they will be back in time to pick you up.
In addition, they will need to stay with you for several hours at home because even though you will leave the office awake and alert, you will still be sedated and will need assistance to move about. If you were left alone, you could fall and injure yourself.
It is imperative that you do not take any additional medications or drugs, prescription or otherwise, because there could be a serious reaction between your drugs and the medicines we give you.
Additional directions to insure a good result. You will feel fine after the appointment, but for your well being we require that you follow these specific directions:
- No sedatives of any kind, including alcohol, 24 hours before or after the appointment.
- No stimulants, including caffeine and nicotine, 24 hours before or after the appointment.
- No chance of being pregnant. No nursing a baby for 24 hours after the appointment.
- No driving a car or operating hazardous devices for 24 hours after the appointment.
- No walking stairs, exercising, or heavy lifting for 24 hours after the appointment.
- No important decisions (work) for 24 hours after the appointment.
- Start the night before by having nothing to eat or drink after midnight. In the morning have nothing to eat or drink and take one of the Triazolam pills with a little bit of water one hour before your appointment time.
Select clothing that is loose and comfortable for your dental visit. By the time you get to the office you will probably feel a little drowsy.
When you get to the office you will take a second pill as we prepare you for your dental care. Additional medication will be provided as needed during the treatment.
After your visit, you will remember very little. Expect to go home and enjoy a good nights sleep. If you have any questions or concerns, call the office 770-614-7300.
Additional unanticipated treatment might be needed during the procedure. Dental problems may show up that were not noticed or diagnosed before, such as a tooth that might be very decayed and need a crown or root canal.
We will be very careful to try to prevent this from happening by thorough diagnosis. At the same time, we also try to be conservative and do the least that is needed. If this occurs you will be too sedated for us to ask you what you wanted us to do. We will always respect your desires, so please let us know in advance if you want us to:
1. Stick to the plan regardless of what we find, or
2. Make the best decision on you behalf.
(Please circle and initial one of the above)
I have read these instructions and I state that all of the information I have given on my medical and personal history forms is true and complete and agree that I will follow these and any other instructions that I have been given.
Patient’s x________________________ Witness x________________________ Date _________
Suwanee Dental Care voted Best of Gwinnett eight years in a row!