Is dental fear or anxiety keeping you away from the dentist? Sedation dentistry in our Charlotte, NC dental office is a simple way to have a pain-free and stress-free visit to the dentist. We can address minor to complex dental concerns using dental sedation options.
All types of patients can benefit from dental sedation. This option makes dental visits pain-free and pleasant for those with dental fear or anxiety. But what are the other benefits of sedation dentistry, and what sedation options do patients have? Here, we will answer these questions and more so that you are fully aware about your treatment options at our dental practice.
Sedation Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Sedation dentistry is becoming increasingly popular due to the many benefits it offers. Sedation dentistry can help people who are anxious about visiting the dentist, have a fear of needles, or have difficulty sitting still during dental procedures. There are many other benefits of dental sedation that help both patients and dentists. Some of the benefits of using dental sedation include:
- Can provide a pain-free dental care experience.
- It can provide anxiety-relief for the patient while at the dentist.
- It also allows the dentist to complete more complex procedures in a shorter amount of time, and with fewer visits to the dentist.
- It reduces the gag reflex so that it does not cause issues.
- Can cause anterograde amnesia (the patient doesn’t remember the surgery).
Dental sedation can be a great option for patients who:
- Suffer from dental fear or anxiety
- Have sensitive teeth
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need many surgery treatments in one visit
- Have a past traumatic experience at the dentist
- Have a movement disorder that makes it hard to sit still for long periods of time
- Patients with a low tolerance for pain
- Patients with disabilities
- Special-needs patients
- Those who have a phobia of needles, blood, or loud noises
Dental Sedation Options
We offer three methods of sedation to help patients get the treatments that they need. Before treatment, we will discuss your options with you so that you can choose which one will work best for your particular needs. Our dentist will also take your budget, goals, and overall oral health into consideration before deciding on a sedation option.
Sedation dentistry often uses nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation to keep patients calm and stress-free during procedures. Nitrous oxide is a great option for patients who are afraid of needles. A nasal mask administers nitrous oxide during treatment. Once we remove it, the effect of the “laughing gas” diminishes.
Oral sedation, administered in pill form, keeps patients relaxed but aware throughout their dental treatment. Patients will need someone to transport them to and from the office when selecting this method.
Nitrous Oxide
You may know nitrous oxide by the popular term “laughing gas”. With this form of sedation, the patient wears a nasal mask throughout the procedure. This option takes effect quickly and allows patients to remain fully conscious during their dental procedure. This will keep the patient calm, but still alert. The patient will be able to answer questions if they need to, but will be relaxed enough to allow the treatment to take place. We can also use nitrous oxide in conjunction with other types of sedation.
IV Conscious Sedation
Your dentist administers this type of sedation by IV, directly into the bloodstream. Patients will feel so relaxed that they may even fall asleep. However, most patients remain conscious during treatment and will most likely not remember the procedure. If you choose this form of sedation, you will need a driver to take you to and from your appointment.
General Anesthesia
Using general anesthesia for sedation means that you’ll be completely under and asleep throughout your procedure. Patients won’t remember anything that happens when they are unconscious under general anesthesia. This form of sedation will also require a driver to take you to and from your dental visit.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Want to know more about dental sedation services? Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about sedation dentistry.
Is dental sedation safe?
Dental sedation poses no harm to patients, and is a safe and effective way to help patients relax during dental procedures. It has been used by dentists for decades and can be used on both adults and children. While there are risks associated with any type of sedation, the benefits of dental sedation outweigh the risks when administered correctly. Prior to sedation, Dr. Reece will conduct a thorough dental exam to make sure you’re physically and medically fit to receive sedation options.
How long do the effects of oral sedation last?
Oral sedation should last patients from two to eight hours. You’ll need a ride to and from the appointment to ensure your safety. It’s key that you follow all instructions, and take the oral sedation pill prior to your visit so that it has time to kick in.
What does oral sedation feel like?
You will experience a calming effect and may feel drowsiness or tingling sensations. Oral sedation is painless because of the chemical compounds that react with your body. While oral sedation doesn’t completely put you to sleep, you might relax enough to fall asleep.
Oral sedation sometimes produces an amnestic effect as well. There may be portions of the procedure that you don’t remember, or you may not be able to recall any of it.
Is sedation safe for children?
A dentist may use dental sedation on children only when necessary. As with adult patients, the dentist will need to conduct a full exam to ensure sedation won’t interfere with the health of the child. Another option is to use general anesthesia. This will put the child to sleep during the procedure.
Schedule a Dental Exam with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Do dental procedures make you nervous? Combat your dental anxiety once and for all and smile in comfort and relaxation! Call Dentistry of the Queen City’s Charlotte, NC office at 704-486-8911. You can also request a consultation online. Our friendly staff will be happy to help you find a method of dental sedation that you are comfortable with. We aim to create a friendly and relaxing environment, and we hope that our patients feel comfortable in our Charlotte sedation dentistry.