2678 Kinjac Drive Marietta, GA 30066
(770) 971-0239

ADA PATIENT EDUCATION

The ADA Patient Education Library provides the most popular topics in dentistry that will help you better maintain your dental health.

Oral Sedation

Do you experience high levels of anxiety when visiting the dentist? You may be a candidate for Sedation Dentistry. Dr. DeShetler is Board Certified to administer (oral conscious) sedation, commonly referred to as “Sleep Dentistry.”

Sedation Dentistry

Advantages to patients include:

  • Treatment is completed when you are in a more relaxed mood.
  • You will have less difficulty sitting through a lengthy procedure.
  • Multiple treatments and full mouth restorations can occur at during the same visit.
  • Less discomfort after treatment.

Anti-Anxiety Pills

The most commonly prescribed dental related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan. These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.

There are two different types of Benzodiazepines:

  • Sedative-Hypnotics: These drugs induce calm, including drowsiness and even sleep. This sleep state is actually a form of hypnosis which is a form of physiological sleep.
  • Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are drugs which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation.

While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain which focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain. In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while in lower doses, they reduce anxiety without sedation.

Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol. Its important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.

Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disorientated.

When not to take Benzodiazepines:

Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist. You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply: known allergy to the drug, narrow-angle glaucoma, pregnancy, severe respiratory disease (COPD), congestive heart failure (CHF), impaired kidney or liver function, depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses, chronic bronchitis and some other conditions. It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.

we take care of our patients

01.

Friendly & Comfortable

Our courteous and caring staff will ensure all your dental needs are taken care of.

02.

Advanced Technology

We offer modern dental technology and equipment to provide advanced comfort.

03.

Personalized Care

We take pride in offering our patients a personalized dental experience.

Kyle S.

Dr. DeShetler does a really good job. My visits have been easy, comfortable, and informative. He doesn’t recommend any unnecessary work which I’ve experienced with other dentists. I’ve had 2 fillings and I was surprised how painless the procedure was.

Richard W.

Extremely friendly staff, most helpful. Very professional and thorough, explains options in layman’s terms. Non pressure caring environment. Hadn’t been to a Dentist in 5 years, but will definitely be back every 6 months just because I feel a general concern for the health of my mouth and my overall well being.

Delores S.

I found my dental experience as pleasant as can be expected with having the amount of work I had done. Dr DeShetler is very up to the latest in knowledge and equipment. His staff are a cheerful, friendly group, who enjoy their jobs. This makes the experience a good one.

Valerie R.

His office staff is always friendly and courteous. Like Dr. DeShetler himself, they take pride in their work and make your dental health their #1 priority. I give Dr. DeShetler and his office staff my highest recommendation.

Lifetime Patient

The entire team at doctor DeShetlers as well as doctor DeShetler himself is remarkable, very professional and well-informed and has made me feel very comfortable and as if I was part of the family, I wouldn’t go anyplace else. There are just not enough kind words in our dictionary to express my devotion to doctor

Mattie C.

Every time I visit the office for my dental work. I leave feeling valued as a patient. The entire staff are excellent at what they do. They help me to relax, because I am mess with nerves when I sit in the chair. AWESOME! So, if you are looking for a staff that knows how

Virginia L.

I always have a good experience coming to the office. Have new products and always accommodate patient with their schedule whenever possible. Office staff are always friendly and welcoming.

Have a question?

We’re here to help! If you have any questions, please contact us and we’ll be in touch shortly!