1066 Bermuda Run Rd, Statesboro, GA 30458
If dental anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or fear of treatment has kept you from visiting the dentist, sedation dentistry may help you feel more comfortable and relaxed.
At Lane Dentistry, we offer several sedation options based on your individual needs, treatment, medical history, and level of anxiety. From light relaxation with nitrous oxide to deeper relaxation with IV moderate sedation, Dr. Lane can help determine which option is appropriate for you.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment. Depending on the type of sedation, you may remain fully awake and able to communicate with our team, while feeling significantly more relaxed.
Sedation can be especially helpful for patients who experience:
Dental anxiety or fear
A strong gag reflex
Difficulty sitting still for treatment
Sensitivity to dental procedures
A fear of needles or dental instruments
Anxiety about longer or more complex procedures
Difficulty getting numb or staying comfortable
Sedation is different from general anesthesia. With the sedation options offered at Lane Dentistry, the goal is generally to help you relax while maintaining the ability to respond to the dental team.
Gentle Relaxation During Your Appointment
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
✔ Fast-acting
✔ Adjustable during treatment
✔ Helps reduce anxiety
✔ You remain conscious and responsive
✔ Effects wear off quickly after treatment
✔ Often allows you to return to normal activities shortly afterward
Best for: Patients with mild dental anxiety or those who want a little extra relaxation during treatment.
Relax More Deeply With Medication
Benefits of Oral Sedation
✔ Helps reduce dental anxiety
✔ No needles required to administer the medication
✔ Can help you feel deeply relaxed
✔ May make longer appointments easier to tolerate
✔ Can be helpful for patients with significant dental fear
Best for: Patients who experience moderate dental anxiety or have difficulty getting through dental procedures comfortably.
Deeper Relaxation With Medication Delivered Through an IV
Benefits of IV Moderate Sedation
✔ Rapid onset
✔ Sedation level can be adjusted during treatment
✔ Helps patients with significant anxiety
✔ Can make longer or more involved procedures more comfortable
✔ Many patients have limited memory of treatment
Best for: Patients with significant dental anxiety or those undergoing procedures where a deeper level of relaxation may be beneficial.
Depending on your individual treatment plan, sedation may be used alongside procedures such as:
Dental fillings
Root canals
Extractions
Periodontal treatment
Cosmetic dental procedures
Crowns
Dental Implants
Wisdom tooth removal
Full mouth restoration
Sedation dentistry is considered safe when the appropriate method is selected for the patient and administered with proper monitoring and precautions.
Before sedation, Dr. Lane will review your medical history, medications, allergies, and other factors that could affect your care.
Your safety comes first.
We'll discuss your concerns, medical history, medications, and treatment needs.
Dr. Lane will determine which sedation option is appropriate for you.
You'll receive specific instructions about eating, drinking, and medications, when applicable.
Our team will monitor you throughout your appointment and provide your planned dental treatment.
You'll receive post-treatment instructions and guidance on when you can safely resume normal activities.
You Don’t Have to Avoid the Dentist Because You’re Anxious.
Dental anxiety is common, and you don’t have to feel embarrassed about it.
Whether you’ve had a difficult dental experience in the past or simply don’t like the idea of dental treatment, sedation may help you feel more comfortable.
Our goal isn’t simply to complete your treatment it’s to create an experience that helps you feel safe, heard, and cared for.
We use state-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and comfortable care.
Your comfort is our priority. We make every visit relaxing and stress-free.
Dr Ricky Lane and our team are committed to providing exceptional care.
We treat you like family and tailor care to your unique needs.
Enjoy a warm, welcoming environment designed with your comfort in mind.
No. The sedation options described on this page are intended to help you relax rather than put you under general anesthesia. With moderate sedation, you remain responsive and able to communicate, although you may feel very drowsy.
The sedation itself is generally comfortable. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a small mask, oral sedation is taken as medication, and IV sedation involves placement of an IV. Your dental treatment may still involve local anesthesia to keep the treatment area numb.
It depends on the type of sedation and how you respond to it. Nitrous oxide typically does not cause significant memory loss, while oral and IV sedation may result in reduced or limited memory of the procedure.
Sedation may be appropriate for some children, but the safest option depends on their age, health, treatment needs, and level of anxiety. Dr. Lane will determine whether sedation is appropriate.
For oral sedation and IV moderate sedation, you should plan to have a responsible adult drive you home and follow the specific post-treatment instructions provided by our team. Requirements for nitrous oxide are generally different because its effects wear off quickly.
Coverage varies by insurance plan and may depend on the reason sedation is medically necessary and the type of procedure being performed. Our team can help you understand your estimated benefits and out-of-pocket costs.
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