Sedated patient

Sedation Dentistry

If you avoid dentistry because of fear or anxiety, minor oral health concerns can worsen and eventually require extensive dental work.

Don't let fear keep you from the dentist. Sedation dentistry can help you relax while receiving the treatment you need.

At Advanced Dental Care in Valdosta, GA, we offer two forms of conscious sedation. Which will be the best choice for you?

Your Sedation Options At Our Practice in Valdosta

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Woman undergoing nitrous oxide sedation

Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," has been used in medicine and dentistry for more than a century. It is a clear, odorless gas that patients inhale through a mask placed over the nose. It will almost immediately begin to dull your senses.

When you breathe in nitrous oxide, you feel calm and relaxed but remain conscious and communicative. A benefit of nitrous oxide is that our dentists can adjust the dosage during your treatment, so you will continue to feel comfortable for the duration of your appointment.

The effects of nitrous oxide wear off rapidly after the mask is removed, so you should have no problem driving yourself home after your visit to either of our Valdosta offices.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Woman taking a pill

Oral sedation involves the use of sedatives in pill form. When you choose oral sedation, your dentist will write you a prescription for Ativan®. You will then take the recommended dosage before your dental appointment. When it's time for your procedure, you should feel calm and relaxed.

Like nitrous oxide, oral sedation doesn’t make you completely unconscious. You will remain alert and responsive, but all feelings of anxiety and nervousness should disappear. This is a stronger form of sedation than nitrous oxide. In fact, many patients who choose oral sedation have little to no recollection of their dental procedure.

Oral sedatives can make you feel drowsy for several hours, so you will need to arrange for a friend or family member to transport you to and from your appointment.

Who Can Benefit From Sedation?

Nervous Patients

At Advanced Dental Care in Valdosta, GA, we understand that many patients struggle with some degree of dental anxiety or dental phobia. If you have a fear of dentists, you shouldn't feel embarrassed. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome your misgivings and experience the health and cosmetic benefits of professional dentistry. 

Patients Who Have Trouble Sitting Still

Some patients find it difficult to sit still in a dental chair, especially patients with ADHD, arthritis, or special needs. Dental sedation can help these patients feel comfortable for the duration of their treatment.

Patients With a Sensitive Gag Reflex

Some patients naturally have a more sensitive gag reflex, which can make it difficult to endure any kind of dental procedure. The sedation methods available at our Valdosta practice can dull your gag reflex, enabling our dentists to complete treatment as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Patients Sitting Through Long Procedures

We can make sedation available during any procedure, but it's most often utilized during more involved treatments like dental implant surgery. Nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation can help you sit calmly through longer procedures, which in turn helps our dentists perform the best work possible.

Ask Us About Sedation Dentistry Contact Advanced Dental Care Today

The dentists of Advanced Dental Care in Valdosta, GA, have been voted "Best Dentist in South Georgia" for 11 years in a row.  We do it all at our two convenient locations, from basic cleanings and exams to cosmetic dentistry, dentures, and dental implants. Patient comfort is always our number-one priority, which is why we're happy to offer sedation dentistry to patients of all ages.

If you think sedation dentistry could be a game-changer for yourself or a family member, we encourage you to request a consultation at one of our offices today. During a consultation, we can explain your sedation options and review your medical and dental histories to determine if you are a strong candidate for this form of dentistry.

Advanced Dental Care team

You can request a consultation right now by contacting​ us online or by calling your preferred location.

Valdosta Office — (229) 335-8042

Greystone Office — (229) 206-9174

"What an incredible experience." 5-Star Reviews From Our Patients

1

Dave & Kathy Olson

2021

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What an incredible experience, office staff were polite, courteous and professional. I was seen within minutes of my scheduled appointment time. Lauren Conine was my hygienist, she explained in detail and in laymen terms the exams and procedures she would be doing. What a wonderful and personable young woman (with a wicked sense of humor). She made me feel at ease as soon as I sat down and her main concern was limiting any discomfort. Advanced Dental is so fortunate to have her. Dr. Woodward is the epitome of professionalism, he also explained in detail a comprehensive treatment plan, options and costs and was interested in my comments and concerns. Would recommend Advanced Dental without reservation.

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1

Amy Balch

2022

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There are not enough words or praises I can express on how much I LOVE this work family! The entire staff is so kind and caring. Always smiling, always happy to see you, and will go out of their way to accommodate me and my family. Dr Ashley Moorman is amazing and very good at his craft. He recently worked me in for an emergency, and will always make sure you are happy and pain free with procedures. If after you leave, it still doesn’t feel “right”, they will get you back in and fix it. They never make me feel like I am troubling them. Not many people love going to the dentist, but with this group, I DO.

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Sedation Dentistry Helps Patients Achieve Gorgeous Smile Transformations

If you've neglected essential dental work out of fear and anxiety, you may have multiple dental concerns you'll want to fix. Rather than neglecting the look and health of your smile, consider the benefits of sedation. Sedation dentistry makes it possible for patients to tackle their dental concerns without worry. 
Before smile makeover
Before a Smile Makeover
After smile makeover
After a Smile Makeover
This patient underwent a smile makeover, which is a customized treatment plan that combines multiple forms of cosmetic dentistry, such as dental implants, dentures, teeth whitening, and more to achieve a custom smile that corrects your individual concerns. Thanks to sedation dentistry, we can give you results just like this without any of the anxiety you may have about receiving extensive dental care. 

Does Sedation Help With Pain Management?

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While sedation helps calm your mind and rid you of anxiety, it does not numb pain on its own. We'll use local anesthesia in combination your choice of sedation to numb the area and make your treatment virtually painless. Local anesthesia will have no effect on your mental state. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You? Request a Consultation to Find Out

If you have dental anxiety, you're not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10 to 20% of American adults feel some fear about visiting the dentist. Our dentists can help you find the sedation method that works best for you so you can calmly receive any restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatment you need. Contact us online or call our dental practice to request a consultation at your preferred location:

Valdosta, GA, Office — (229) 335-8042
Greystone, GA, Office — (229) 206-9174

"Super friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere." Patients Have Great Things to Say About Our Valdosta Practice

1

Shelly W.

2022

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There are two things I value above all, and that's my time, and efficiency. ADC not only got me in at the last minute, but my experience was quick, painless, and efficient. Super friendly staff, comfortable atmosphere. I highly recommend ADC!

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1

Shannon Kalle

2019

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Amazing staff and professionalism. Super general and caring. My daughter has severe anxiety and the staff has made her so comfortable she’s no longer afraid of the dentist. Thank you

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Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Is sedation dentistry safe?

When overseen by a trained dentist, sedation dentistry is completely safe. Our doctors will ensure that you receive the right amount of sedation, and they will monitor you closely throughout your dental appointment to make sure you don't experience any adverse effects.

Can I be sedated for any procedure?

Yes! While sedation is often recommended for more involved procedures, especially anxious patients can choose to be sedated for any kind of appointment, even a basic dental cleaning. We can offer sedation to patients visiting us for a denture fitting, cosmetic dentistry, and more.

How long do the effects of sedation last?

Nitrous oxide wears off quickly once the mask is removed, and most patients can drive themselves home. The effects of oral conscious sedation, however, can last for a few hours after the dental appointment is complete. That's why patients who choose oral sedatives need to arrange for someone else to drive them to and from their appointment.

We Offer a Comfortable Environment

Beyond the benefits sedation offers to help you relax during your appointment, we have also designed our offices to foster patient comfort and calm the nerves that can accompany a visit to the dentist. Our dental offices are full of large windows to let in natural light and remove you from that stuffy, clinical feel that dental offices so often have. 
Advanced Dental Care office interior
Our commitment to patient comfort goes beyond our use of sedation. Both of our Valdosta, GA, offices feature welcoming, non-intimidating atmospheres that put nervous patients at ease. Whether you visit us for cosmetic dentistry, dentures, dental implants, or any other service, you'll feel valued at Advanced Dental Care.

What Does Sedation Dentistry Cost?

Choosing sedation dentistry will usually add $80 to $150 to your overall treatment costs. Unfortunately, most dental insurance plans don't cover sedation-related expenses. If the cost of dentistry is a concern for your family, we can help with various forms of financing. CareCredit® financing can help you break the cost of your treatment into manageable monthly payments.

"Simply the best!" More 5-Star Reviews

1

C Rodriguez

2022

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Dr. Gray and the entire team are simply the best! You won't find a better dentist in the southeast!

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1

Felicia Davis

2022

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The facility is very clean and accommodating. I'm happy to allow them to care for my dental needs.

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Drs. W. Ashley Moorman, J. Barclay Woodward, and Hardy Gray

Advanced Dental Care

Drs. W. Ashley Moorman, J. Barclay Woodward, Rebekah Hancock and Hardy Gray have been voted the "Best Dentist" in South Georgia and are affiliated with many prestigious organizations, including: 

  • American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • American Dental Association
  • Academy of General Dentistry 

To learn more about our office, request a consultation online or call us at (229) 242-4441.

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