Dental Sedation Services
Dr. Gary Bartholomew practices dental oral conscious sedation services in our McDonough dental office.
Using this approach, patients are sedated with an oral sedative medication that places the body in a deep state of relaxation. Unlike general anesthesia, they are able to breathe on their own and respond to verbal instruction.
Your Comfort is Our Priority
Some patients are apprehensive or phobic about dental procedures, especially if they have experienced oral pain or trauma, or have had extensive dental work done in the past. Oral conscious sedation offers solutions to help patients ease dental fears and make them comfortable during dental treatment.
Oral conscious sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as “comfortable” or “relaxation” dentistry. These are the terms many patients use to describe the feelings they experience during dental oral conscious sedation.
Conscious Oral Sedation Dentistry… How it Works
Before your appointment
We will give you a prescription for a sedative to take the night before.
Arriving for treatment
Your companion will bring you to our office and assist you with check-in. We will make you comfortable with a cozy pillow and blanket in our treatment area.
During your appointment
Dr. Bartholomew will monitor you throughout your entire visit. We will complete your dental treatment while you are sedated; you will be able to respond to Dr. Bartholomew as necessary.
After your appointment
Your companion will take you home and stay with you until you have fully recovered from your sedation medication.
The next day
Other than normal post-operative healing from dental treatment, most patients do not experience discomfort or residual effects from oral conscious dental sedation. Often, oral sedation medications have an amnesic effect - patients remember they went to the dentist, but not much about the dentistry itself.
Should I consider Sedation Dentistry?
If you experience a high level of fear when visiting the dentist, you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry. We have also seen positive results with patients with other dental challenges:
- Previous traumatic dental experiences
- Difficulty getting numb, or become very frightened about needles and shots
- Severe gag reflex
- Extremely sensitive teeth
- Extensive restorative needs and limited time for multiple appointments
- Chronic or acute jaw soreness
- Physical limitations such as back and neck problems
Nitrous Oxide Sedation (Laughing Gas)
Our dental treatment areas are also equipped with Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). Nitrous oxide is combined with oxygen and breathed through a nose mask to help patients relax during treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide sedation are mildly sedative; the patient is awake during treatment. For most patients, the effects of nitrous oxide sedation wear off shortly after the nose mask is removed.
Both Dr. Gary Bartholomew and Dr. Alex Bartholomew provide nitrous oxide sedation for adult and pediatric dental procedures, if needed.
Are you phobic about dental treatment?
If you experience a high level of anxiety about dental treatment or have extensive treatment needs, our dentists may recommend that you consider dental sedation.
Please Contact Bartholomew Comprehensive Dental Care to learn more about Sedation Dentistry options available in our McDonough dental office.
“Have received dental services from cleanings, crowns and root canals to Invisalign for 20+ years. Dr. B, Dr. A, the Assistants, the Hygienists, and Office Staff are all top-notch in knowledge, effectiveness, and efficiency, as well as, making you feel comfortable & valued.”
— Tracey P.