What Marietta Patients Need to Know Before Their Appointment

For many patients in Marietta, GA and the surrounding areas, going to the dentist can bring on anxiety, fear, or discomfort. At Hart Family Dentistry, we understand these concerns and offer sedation dentistry as a safe and effective solution. If you’ve been putting off dental care because of anxiety or fear, sedation dentistry might be the option that makes your next visit more comfortable.

In this guide, we’ll explore the types of dental sedation, how safe they are, and what you should know before your appointment at our Marietta dental office.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. It’s commonly used for patients who:

• Experience dental anxiety or phobia
• Have sensitive teeth or a strong gag reflex
• Are undergoing long or complex procedures
• Have difficulty sitting still in the dental chair

Our team at Hart Family Dentistry will help you determine the right level of sedation based on your comfort, medical history, and the treatment being performed.

Types of Sedation in Dentistry

There are several types of sedation used in dental offices, each with varying degrees of relaxation:

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

• • Inhaled through a small mask
  • Induces mild relaxation while keeping you fully awake
  • Effects wear off quickly—you can usually drive yourself home

2. Oral Sedation

• • Involves taking a pill like Halcion or Valium before the procedure
  • Provides moderate sedation—you remain conscious but deeply relaxed
  • You’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment

3. IV Sedation

• • Delivered through a vein for faster, deeper sedation
  • You’re awake but likely won’t remember the procedure
  • Requires monitoring of your vital signs throughout treatment

4. General Anesthesia

• • Reserved for extensive dental surgery or severe phobia cases
  • You are completely unconscious and monitored in a controlled medical setting
  • Performed by highly trained professionals only

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Yes—sedation dentistry is safe when administered by trained professionals, like those at Hart Family Dentistry. Your dental and medical history will be reviewed thoroughly before any sedative is administered. Safety precautions include:

• Close monitoring of your heart rate and oxygen levels
• Adjusting the sedation based on age, weight, and health status
• A personalized approach to minimize risks

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry in Marietta, GA

Choosing sedation for your next dental visit can offer several advantages:

1. Reduced anxiety during visits
2. Greater comfort during procedures
3. Fewer appointments—complete more work in a single visit
4. Better experience for patients with special needs or phobias
5. Improved outcomes for complex or lengthy dental treatments

Potential Risks of Sedation Dentistry

While uncommon, potential side effects may include:

1. Mild drowsiness or disorientation after your appointment
2. Nausea, especially with stronger sedatives
3. Allergic reactions (rare, and we screen for these in advance)
4. The need for someone to accompany and drive you home

Discussing these risks with Dr. Hart ensures a safe and tailored experience.

Who Should Consider Sedation Dentistry?

You may be a great candidate for sedation if you:

• Avoid dental visits due to fear or anxiety
• Have had traumatic dental experiences in the past
• Require complex or multiple procedures in one visit
• Have trouble getting numb with local anesthesia
• Have a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth

If this sounds like you, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team in Marietta, GA will guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Relax in the Dentist’s Chair?

Don’t let anxiety or discomfort keep you from the dental care you need. At Hart Family Dentistry, your comfort and safety are our top priorities. We proudly serve patients across Marietta and surrounding communities with expert sedation options designed to make your visit stress-free. Call us at 770.230.1167 or Book an Appointment Online!