Oral sedation is a calming medication you take by mouth before your dental visit, used for patients who feel nervous, scared, or simply want to feel more relaxed in the chair. At B-You! Dentistry in Suwanee, Dr. Tan Bui offers oral sedation alongside laughing gas so you can get the care you need, from a simple cleaning to restorative work, without the fear getting in the way.
How Oral Sedation Works
Before any sedation is discussed, Dr. Bui reviews your health history and talks with you about your anxiety or concerns. If oral sedation fits your needs, you take a prescribed pill before your appointment, usually timed so the calming effect has set in by the time you sit in the chair. You stay awake and can respond to the team, but you feel drowsy, relaxed, and far less aware of the sounds and sensations that usually cause worry.
Because the medication affects you for a few hours, you will need someone to drive you to and from your visit. The American Dental Association notes that sedation dentistry is used to help patients manage anxiety and discomfort during treatment, and that the right level of sedation depends on your health and the procedure planned (MouthHealthy, ADA).
Many patients who choose oral sedation are catching up on treatment they put off for years because of fear. Dr. Bui and the team watch you closely through the appointment and explain what is happening at each step, so you always know what to expect even while you feel relaxed.
Dr. Bui is extremely nice and explains everything very clearly. As someone with severe anxiety of the dentist he makes it very easy to be calm and relaxed...
Bobbie, Google review
As a person who suffers from anxiety and fear of dental services, I am so happy to have found Dr. Bui and his wonderful staff. He truly understands the problems that come with anxiety/fear of dentistry...
Madeline, Google review
Your Oral Sedation Visit, Step by Step
Step 1: Talk it through. Dr. Bui asks about your fears, your medical history, and any medications you take, so he can decide if oral sedation is a good fit for you.
Step 2: Exam and digital pictures. You get a full exam, digital X-rays, and intraoral camera photos shown right on the screen, so you can see exactly what Dr. Bui sees.
Step 3: Reviewing your options. Dr. Bui walks through every treatment choice in plain language, with no pressure to decide on the spot.
Step 4: Taking the medication. You take the prescribed pill at the time Dr. Bui tells you, with a ride arranged ahead of time since you cannot drive yourself home.
Step 5: Your treatment. You stay relaxed and comfortable while the planned work, whether it is a cleaning, a filling, or something more involved, is completed.
Step 6: Recovery and follow up. You rest for a short time before heading home, and the team schedules your next visit on the timeline Dr. Bui recommends for you.
Who Oral Sedation Helps
- Patients with real fear or anxiety about the dentist
- Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
- Patients who need several things done and want to feel calm through it
- Patients who have put off care for years because of past bad experiences
If your anxiety is mild, laughing gas may be enough on its own, and Dr. Bui will talk through both options with you.
Affordable Sedation Dentistry in Suwanee
Money should never be the reason you avoid the dentist. B-You! Dentistry is in network with 20+ PPO plans, plus Medicare plans through Aetna, UHC PPO, United Concordia, and Humana. Visit our dental insurance and financing page to see your plan listed and learn how Cherry and CareCredit let you spread out payments.
New patients can start with our $149 new patient exam and healthy mouth cleaning, and anyone thinking about a limited exam or implant consult can ask about our $99 limited exam or implant consult. Our front desk team speaks Vietnamese and Spanish, so you can ask questions in the language you are most comfortable with.
Why Suwanee Patients Choose Dr. Bui
- Every X-ray and option explained in plain language, with photos shown on screen
- Dr. Tan Bui, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, ADA and AGD member, with 100+ hours of continuing education
- Digital X-rays and intraoral cameras used at every visit
- A reception lounge with beverages, eyewear, chapstick, and goodie bags
- A team that speaks Vietnamese and Spanish
- Flexible financing through Cherry and CareCredit
You can also read what other patients say about their visits on our reviews page, or learn more about our office on the preventive care page.
Oral Sedation FAQs: Suwanee, GA
Is oral sedation safe?
Dr. Bui reviews your health history and current medications before recommending oral sedation, and the team watches you throughout your visit to help keep you comfortable and safe.
Will I be fully asleep?
No. You stay awake and can respond to the team, but you feel calm, relaxed, and much less aware of sounds or sensations that usually cause worry.
Can I drive myself home afterward?
No. The medication stays in your system for a few hours, so you will need a ride to and from your appointment.
What is the difference between oral sedation and laughing gas?
Laughing gas is breathed in through a small mask and wears off quickly once it is removed. Oral sedation is a pill taken before your visit that lasts longer and produces a deeper sense of calm. Dr. Bui can help you think about which fits you best.
Does insurance cover sedation?
Coverage depends on your plan and the procedure being done. Our team can go over your benefits with you and explains your options, including Cherry and CareCredit financing, before your visit.
Can oral sedation help with routine cleanings too?
Yes. Some patients use oral sedation for cleanings and exams as well as bigger procedures, so they can stay on the schedule Dr. Bui recommends without fear getting in the way.
If dental fear has kept you from the care you need, call Dr. Bui's office in Suwanee at (470) 866-5801 or start as a new patient today, and ask about oral sedation at your first visit.