What is Sedation Dentistry?

By Dr. Anita Mathew of TLC Dental Spa

It’s Thursday afternoon, and our assistants are preparing the treatment suite for the next day’s morning patient. As they prepare, the assistants have their heads lifted high with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Why, you ask? You see, this patient hasn’t been to the dentist in decades, due to dental anxiety from past traumatic experiences. So tomorrow, we are going to address decades of neglect dental issues and give her back her oral health and confidence. She no longer has to hide her smile. We know we can help her, as Dr. Mathew is one of the very few dentists certified in conscious sedation in Northeast Georgia.

The patient had a pre-op appointment earlier today, and we checked her vitals, went over the process, explained how the next day would go, dispensed the required medication, and gave all necessary instructions, including not eating after midnight. On the day of the procedure, it is crucial to have a responsible adult accompany the patient to and from the dental office, as the effects of the sedation may linger even after the procedure.

Friday morning, the patient is welcomed by our rock star team and is promptly taken to the surgical suite. The suite ambiance is set to a calm and quiet pace, with relaxing music, dim lights, plush blankets, and massage chairs. Once the patient is sedated, the doctor and her assistants work in tandem like a beautifully choreographed dance team. The patient’s vitals are closely monitored throughout the procedure to ensure their safety. In some cases, the patient may be given additional sedation if needed, though the dosage is carefully regulated to avoid any risks.

Throughout the visit, the patient is able to respond to the doctor's instructions, although the patient is in a twilight zone and will have little to no memory of the procedure. After the procedure is complete, the assistants wheel the patient to their car. The patient will continue to feel drowsy for the rest of the day and is strictly instructed not to drive or operate any machinery. Additional instructions are given for post-op care.

What the patient thought would be impossible for her, all these decades, has become possible today!!!

Have you been putting off going to the dentist because you are afraid or too busy?

Here is what Conscious sedation can do:

●      Anxiety and Fear Management: Conscious sedation helps achieve a deeper state of relaxation and comfort. You will have little to no memory of your dental visit.

●      Increased Pain Tolerance: Sedation can raise a patient's pain threshold, reducing the discomfort experienced during certain dental procedures.

●      Time Efficiency: With improved patient cooperation, dental treatments can often be completed in fewer appointments; imagine having years of needed dental care in just one or two appointments while you rest comfortably through your visit.

●      Before you know it, you will have a beautiful, healthy smile.

Dr. Mathew at TLC Dental Spa is one of the very few dentists in the region who are certified to provide dental treatment under conscious sedation. When administered by certified, trained professionals, it is a safe and effective solution for patients who find dental visits stressful.

We have patients who travel from near and far to experience Dentistry Differently.