Dental visits shouldn’t be stressful. At Lifetime Dental of Gainesville, we combine compassionate care with advanced sedation options so you can get the treatment you need comfortably and confidently, without letting fear hold you back.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Feeling anxious about dental visits is more common than you might think. This fear can arise from previous unpleasant experiences, fear of pain, or an aversion to the sounds and smells of a dental office. Our team at Lifetime Dental of Gainesville is dedicated to providing a calming environment where your comfort is prioritized from the moment you step through our doors.
Our Approach to Dental Anxiety
- Compassionate Care: Our team led by Dr. Shue Her is trained to handle dental anxiety with understanding and patience, treating each patient with respect and care.
- Sedation Dentistry: We offer various sedation options, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral conscious sedation and IV sedation to help you relax during your treatment. These methods ensure that you remain comfortable and peaceful throughout your visit. Keep in mind that regardless of the type of sedation you receive, you’ll still be awake to let Dr. Her know about your current comfort levels.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Administered through a soft nose mask, this mild sedative helps you relax while still being completely aware of your surroundings. It’s fast-acting and wears off quickly, meaning you can drive home afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you suffer from moderate to severe levels of dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation might be the right approach for you. This prescription sedative is taken before your appointment to help you feel more at ease. You’ll remain awake but relaxed, making your dental visit feel like a breeze. However, because the effects take time to wear off, we request that you have a friend or family member drive you to and from our Gainesville office.
IV Sedation
For some patients, gentle options like nitrous oxide or oral sedation still aren’t enough to quiet their fears. That’s why Dr. Shue Her has gone above and beyond, completing extensive training to become certified in IV sedation through the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation (DOCS). This advanced, safe method makes it possible for even the most anxious patients to finally relax and receive the care they need. With IV sedation, you can move past fear and focus on what matters most: a healthy smile and the confidence that comes with it.
We Believe You Deserve a Stress-Free Dental Experience
Our office is designed to be a serene environment that emphasizes patient comfort and care. We use state-of-the-art technology and a gentle approach, assuring you that fear does not have to be a barrier to maintaining your oral health. The majority of patients are considered good candidates for sedation dentistry, but to ensure it’s a good choice for you, we’ll thoroughly review your medical history beforehand.
Hear From Our Patients
“I dreaded dental appointments for years, but Lifetime Dental completely changed that for me. The sedation options available made all the difference, and now I can attend my appointments without worry.”
– Lisa M.
A Calmer Way to a Healthier Smile
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe and effective when administered by trained professionals. Dr. Shue Her is experienced in sedation techniques and will discuss any health considerations with you beforehand to ensure safety.
With nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, you remain awake but relaxed and may feel sleepy. IV sedation can make you less aware of the procedure, though you’ll likely be semi-conscious or deeply relaxed.
Prior to your appointment, we will provide instructions which may include dietary guidelines depending on the sedation method chosen. For oral and IV sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward.
Absolutely. Sedation dentistry is tailored to help patients with varying levels of anxiety, making dental visits manageable even for those with severe fear.
How you’ll feel after your visit depends on the type of sedation you choose. With nitrous oxide, the effects fade quickly, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home and get right back to your normal routine. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, however, linger for several hours. It’s normal to feel sleepy or groggy, which is why we recommend taking the rest of the day to rest and recover. For your safety, you’ll also need a trusted friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment.
Nitrous oxide may give you a minor amnesia effect, where your memories of your appointment will be fuzzy or dreamlike. Oral conscious sedation and IV sedation offer moderate amnesia, and many patients remember little to nothing of their appointment afterwards. As a dentist in Gainesville, we’ve found this to be very helpful because it eliminates memories that could otherwise lead to further anxiety in the future.
Take Action Against Dental Anxiety
You deserve dental care that prioritizes your peace of mind. Call Lifetime Dental of Gainesville at (770) 536-6688 or visit our office at 1419 Pearce Cir, Gainesville, GA, to learn more about how we can make your next dental visit relaxed and anxiety-free.