Is the thought of visiting the dentist daunting? Do you avoid the dentist because of dental fear or anxiety? Ask our dental office about sedation. Sedation dentistry can help patients in our Raleigh, NC, dental office receive preventative dental care like dental cleanings, dental extractions, and more. Sedation is part of the general dentistry services Dr. Cynthia Elderkin provides to new and existing patients.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a helpful choice for many people who feel nervous or scared about going to the dentist. It can make dental visits easier and less stressful. We use dental sedation for patients who have lengthy or more complex procedures. Sedation can also benefit patients with dental anxiety or fear of the dentist.
Many patients don’t like the sounds or sights of dental equipment, or they fear the needle used for anesthesia. Sedation helps them relax so they don’t have to focus on these fears. It makes it easier for them to get the dental care they need without feeling upset or scared.
Some patients feel anxious or worried just thinking about going to the dentist. Sedation can calm those nerves, making the whole experience more comfortable and less overwhelming.
If you or someone you know has dental anxiety, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We want to help! Dr. Elderkin creates a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you can feel at ease. We’ll work closely with you to make sure you feel comfortable, stay healthy, and receive the best care for your smile.
Types of Dental Sedation
Some people feel nervous or uncomfortable about going to the dentist. That’s okay! Dental sedation can help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit. The main types of sedation include:
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
This is one of the most common and gentle types of sedation. You breathe it in through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you feel calm and relaxed, but you stay awake during the whole procedure. Once the mask is removed, the effects wear off quickly. Most people can even drive themselves home afterward.
IV Sedation
IV (intravenous) sedation is given through a small needle in your arm or hand. It works quickly and allows your dentist to control the level of sedation during your treatment. With IV sedation, you’ll feel very relaxed but you can still respond if someone speaks to you. You will need someone to drive you home afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
We offer oral conscious sedation right here in our Raleigh dental office. With this type of sedation, you take a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. The medicine will help you feel relaxed and calm. You’ll still be awake, but you may feel sleepy and not remember much about the procedure.
Treatment with Dental Sedation in Raleigh, NC
Many patients use oral conscious sedation to help them feel calm during dental treatments. This type of sedation is taken as a pill about one hour before your appointment. Because the medicine makes you feel very relaxed and sleepy, you won’t be able to drive yourself. You will need to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to your appointment and bring you home afterward.
With oral conscious sedation, you may stay awake and aware during the dental procedure, but you will feel very calm and relaxed. The sedation helps block pain, so you won’t feel any discomfort. You’ll feel some slight sensations or movements but you won’t feel pain. We provide this type of dental sedation as a safe and gentle way to reduce anxiety and make dental visits easier.
Patient Review
How to Prepare for Oral Conscious Sedation
We’ll provide complete instructions for you before treatment, but we generally recommend that you:
Arrange a Ride
Because the sedation medicine will make you feel very sleepy and slow, you won’t be able to drive yourself. Make sure you have a responsible adult who can drive you to the dental office and then take you home after your appointment.
Follow Eating Rules
Before your appointment, you’ll need to avoid eating for a certain number of hours. We will tell you exactly how long to fast. Usually, you can still take small sips of water, but avoid eating any solid food so the sedation works safely and well.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Pick out clothes that are loose and soft. Wearing comfortable clothing will help you relax during your appointment. It’ll also make it easier for you to rest afterward.
Share Your Health Information
Tell us about any medicines you are taking or any changes in your health since your last visit. This helps us keep you safe and give you the best care during sedation.
Plan for a Quiet Recovery
After your appointment, you will need time to rest and recover. Plan to stay home and avoid going to work or school. Don’t make any big decisions or do anything that requires full attention until the next day, when the sedation has fully worn off.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Yes, dental sedation is safe when performed by a trained professional. Before your treatment, we’ll review your medical history and any medications you’re taking to make sure sedation is a good option for you. Our team follows strict safety guidelines to ensure your comfort and well-being during the entire process.
Please let us know if you have sleep apnea, breathing problems, or liver problems. If you have trouble breathing while sleeping, sedation may require extra precautions. We’ll monitor you closely to keep you safe.
Your liver helps process sedative medicine. We may adjust your treatment plan if your liver isn’t working properly. Conditions like asthma or COPD can also affect sedation. We’ll take extra care to ensure you can breathe comfortably.
Request a Dental Appointment
Do you want comfortable dental care? Has it been some time since your last dental visit because of anxiety? Contact Stonehenge Family and Cosmetic Dentistry for sedation dentistry in Raleigh, NC, at 919-295-0936. You can also schedule a dental consultation with our team online.