Dental Sedation

Dental Sedation is completely safe and effective. It makes time pass by quickly, and it also helps your dentist perform work without interruption. Dr. Whatley can complete a series of procedures in one visit with sedation dentistry in Mobile, AL. This means less time spent at our office, and more time spent doing the things you love.

Do You Need Oral Sedation?

​

Anyone who is scared of the dentist can benefit from oral sedation. Ask about this technique if you:

● Are afraid of dental procedures
● Have a hard time sitting still in the dentist’s chair
● Have a bad gag reflex
● Have difficulty opening and closing your mouth
● Have difficulty getting numb
● Are in need of extensive or lengthy dental work
● Simply want a pain­free, completely comfortable experience at the dentist

Sedation Dentistry at Alabama Family Dental

At the office of Dr. James Whatley, D.M.D. we are equipped to help ease your anxiety with sedation dentistry in Mobile, AL. Sedation dentistry is the use of sedatives to calm anxious or fearful patients during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry can benefit anyone who wants a pleasant experience. You may be a candidate for sedation if you have a bad gag reflex, TMJ or joint problems, a hard time getting numb with anesthetic, or difficulty sitting still.

Inhaled Sedation

Inhaled sedation, or laughing gas, is commonly used in dental clinics. The gas is administered through a mask over your nose. The effect is almost immediate; you will feel a bit groggy, and you will have limited awareness of what is happening around you. You may feel sleepy, but you are fully conscious. You are also able to respond to instructions from Dr. Whatley. After treatment, the effects of laughing gas disappear almost as soon as the gas is turned off.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is a step up from the level of sedation provided by laughing gas. The pill is taken an hour prior to your procedure and will put you in a state of relaxation that will make time pass so quickly you may not even recall sitting in the dentist’s chair! This higher level of sedation still allows for Dr. Whatley to communicate with you but has an increased anesthetic effect.

Oral sedation is safe and is an excellent option of sedation dentistry for those needing a more complicated procedure like dental implant surgery or who have very high levels of anxiety and fear. Oral sedation also takes a while to wear off, so we will require that you bring a friend or family member who will be able to drive you home after your appointment.