Please Read: Update Regarding ● COVID-19 ●
Skip to main content
1165 Mitchell Bridge Rd, Suite A, Athens, GA 30606
Call 706.607.9772 Text 706.707.3088 Map & Directions
Call 706.607.9772
Reserve an Appointment
relax at the dentist

Oral Conscious Sedation
Magnolia Dental Spa of Athens Sedation Options for Your Comfort

Afraid of the dentist? You are not alone.

Many adults have a high level of anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. It is not uncommon to meet a patient that has avoided the dentist for many years because of a bad dental experience as a child or due to an unexplained fear (sometimes called ‘white coat syndrome’).

We know that dental fear is quite real, and it is certainly nothing to be embarrassed about.

For many, sedation dentistry offers a stress-free approach to dental treatment. Athens dentist Dr. Lane Barker has completed advanced training in oral conscious sedation techniques for dental patients.

Oral conscious sedation is accomplished using a combination of oral medications that are taken before dental treatment to maintain the patient in a fully relaxed state throughout the procedure.

Your Initial Consultation in our Athens Dental Office

During your exam and consultation appointment with Dr. Barker, he will make recommendations for any treatment that may be needed to restore health to your smile. An important part of this visit includes talking with you at length about your dental history and learning about your comfort level with dental procedures.

If you have a history of extreme dental fear, or have dental surgery or major restorative dentistry needs, Dr. Barker may offer you the option of having treatment completed with oral conscious sedation.

Oral Conscious Sedation - What to Expect

To prepare for your treatment with dental sedation, schedule to take the day of your appointment off from work or school. Ask a friend to drive you to your dental appointment and plan to stay with you after treatment until you are fully awake.

Prior to your appointment, you will take oral medications as prescribed by Dr. Barker. These medications are mild sedatives that will help you feel fully relaxed during treatment.

Oral conscious sedation does not require intravenous needles and is not like general anesthesia, you will be able to walk and function normally while sedated. During your treatment you will be awake and able to respond to questions and basic instructions. Dr. Barker and his dental assistants will monitor you closely to make sure you are completely comfortable.

Following your appointment, your companion will drive you home; plan to rest for the remainder of the day. After the sedation wears off, you will remember that you went to the dentist, but probably won't recall much about the treatment itself.

Are you a candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

If you need dental treatment but have a high level of fear about going to the dentist, oral conscious sedation may be an option to consider.

Sedation dentistry can also be an alternative approach for patients with extensive treatment needs that would like to complete their dentistry in a few, longer appointments rather than making multiple trips to the dentist.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as ‘laughing gas’ is a sedative that is inhaled through a nose mask along with oxygen during dental treatment. The effects of nitrous oxide make the patient feel mildly relaxed and wear off shortly after the nose mask is removed.

Nitrous oxide sedation is a popular option for short dental procedures and for children during routine filling or extraction procedures.

Dr. Lane Barker and the Magnolia Dental Spa Team are highly dedicated to the comfort and well being of the patients under our care. If you would like to learn more about our sedation dentistry, please Contact Our Athens Dental Team. We will be glad to answer your questions and schedule you for a consultation to understand your individual needs.