Sedation Dentistry

Dentistry Without Fear or Discomfort

Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people avoid getting the care they need — and it's one of the most treatable. At Lifestream Dental & Wellness, Dr. Alex Planes is certified in conscious sedation (Augusta University) and offers multiple levels of sedation to ensure that every patient, regardless of their anxiety level, can receive comfortable, stress-free dental care.

Whether you experience mild nervousness or severe dental phobia, have a sensitive gag reflex, need extensive work completed, or simply want a more relaxed experience, sedation dentistry can make your treatment feel effortless. Many patients are amazed to find that what they thought would be an ordeal was actually completely comfortable — and that they remember very little of the procedure at all.

Sedation Options at Lifestream

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Inhaled through a small, comfortable mask placed over your nose, nitrous oxide produces a pleasant feeling of relaxation and mild euphoria within minutes. You remain fully conscious and able to communicate with Dr. Planes, but feel calm and comfortable throughout your procedure. The gas clears your system quickly after the mask is removed — most patients can drive themselves home. This is ideal for mild anxiety or routine procedures.

Oral Sedation
A prescription anti-anxiety medication is taken by mouth approximately one hour before your appointment. Oral sedation produces moderate sedation — you'll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy, though you remain conscious and responsive. Most patients have little to no memory of their procedure. Because the effects last several hours, you'll need a trusted adult to drive you to and from your appointment. Oral sedation is ideal for moderate anxiety and longer procedures.

IV Sedation
For severe dental anxiety, complex multi-procedure appointments, or patients with a strong gag reflex, IV sedation delivers sedative medication directly into your bloodstream via a small IV. The effects are felt almost immediately and are precisely controlled by Dr. Planes throughout your appointment. You will be in a deep state of relaxation — aware enough to respond to simple questions but with little to no memory of the procedure. IV sedation requires a driver and a responsible adult to stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

• Patients with dental anxiety or phobia of any level
• Those who have avoided dental care for an extended period
• Patients with a strong or sensitive gag reflex
• Individuals requiring complex, lengthy, or multiple procedures in one sitting
• Those with difficulty getting numb from local anesthetic alone
• Patients with physical conditions that make it difficult to sit comfortably for long periods

Your Safety Is Our Priority

Dr. Planes' certification in conscious sedation from Augusta University means your care is in the hands of a fully trained and qualified provider. Your vital signs are monitored continuously throughout any sedation procedure. We review your complete health history and medication list before recommending any sedation option to ensure it is safe and appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions