Enjoy Relaxing Dentistry with Sedation Dental Care
Your comfort is our #1 goal. Do you dread dental visits because of dental fear? Rediscover relaxing dental care with sedation dentistry in Augusta, Georgia at Westmoreland Family Dentistry. Dr. W. Palmer Westmoreland and his team are excited to offer oral conscious sedation, ensuring you receive your necessary dental treatment free of stress or anxiety. If you’ve been avoiding dental care due to fear, our sedation dentistry can make your next visit much more pleasant.
Why do I have dental anxiety?
No one is born with a fear of dental procedures. Dental anxiety is something we often acquire over time. If a dental visit makes you uneasy, these factors might be to blame:
- Past negative experiences at the dentist
- Hearing unsettling stories from others
- Fear of pain
- Sounds and smells associated with dental offices
- A general sense of loss of control
- Embarrassment with the state of your oral health
How can you tell you have dental anxiety?
If you feel nervous or restless before an appointment or have trouble sleeping the night before, you could have dental anxiety. The dental fear can sometimes be so overwhelming that you avoid dental visits altogether. The good news? Our dentist can help you enjoy dental care again!
What is oral conscious sedation?
Many patients avoid coming to the dentist because they are afraid. Maybe you have had a bad experience or are fearful because you don’t know what to expect. We love helping patients overcome their fears of the dentist. We will take it slow and explain everything we are doing. But for some, that is not enough. That is why we offer conscious sedation through oral medication.
For the procedure, we give a tablet (diazepam and or Triazolam) to take the night before to help with sleep and start the sedation. The next morning, the patient will take a tablet one hour before the appointment. If the patient is still uncomfortable at the appointment, we can adjust the dosage to maximize comfort.
What can I expect during oral conscious sedation?
The prescribed oral medication makes you feel deeply relaxed and calm—almost like the edge has been taken off your anxiety. You’ll still be awake and can respond to your dentist, but you’ll feel less aware of your surroundings and much more at ease throughout treatment. You may doze off, but a slight nudge can easily awaken you.
Many patients describe it as a dream-like state where time seems to pass quickly. One of the unique effects of oral conscious sedation is retrograde amnesia, which means you may remember very little (or nothing at all) about the sights, sounds, or details of your procedure. This is especially helpful if dental visits have been stressful in the past. Sedation is very safe. We will ensure your safety by monitoring your vitals throughout the procedure.
Because of the lingering sedation effects, you’ll need someone to accompany you from to our office. We also advise you to rest for the remainder of the day and avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for about 24 hours.
Am I the right candidate for sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry in Augusta, Georgia, is an excellent fit for anyone with:
- Mild to severe dental anxiety
- Strong gag reflex
- Inability to stay still in the dental chair
- Inability to numb with anesthetics
- Multiple appointments and wants everything done at once
Do you need sedation dentistry in Augusta, Georgia?
Take the stress out of your dental visits. At Westmoreland Family Dentistry, our gentle sedation options help you feel calm, comfortable, and in control. Call us at (706) 535-2300 to schedule your consultation. Discover how sedation dentistry can help you smile with confidence.
