Do you or a loved one suffer from dental fear and anxiety? Try sedation dentistry in Bladenboro, NC. At Bladenboro Family Dentistry, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable and relaxed when they visit our office. Sedation dentistry is a general dental solution that helps relax anxious patients who may also have a fear of loud noises, medical instruments, or a dental phobia.
Our friendly dental team works with patients to find the best accommodations for their particular needs. Please contact us before your next appointment so we can confirm your needs and address any of your concerns. It is always our goal to make visits to our office as comfortable, painless, and free of anxiety as possible.
What Does Dental Sedation Do?
Dental sedation has many benefits. These include:
- Offers pain-free dental care
- Alleviates stress
- Treat dental fear and anxiety
- Allows our dentists to work efficiently
- Reduces the gag reflex
Under dental sedation, patients do not feel any pain. We are with our patients throughout their treatment and are always there to monitor their health and make sure they are safe. We also use low doses of sedation to relieve anxiety before we begin procedures.
Types of Dental Sedation at Bladenboro Family Dentistry
We offer multiple types of sedation dentistry to keep patients relaxed and comfortable. The most common types of sedation we use in our office are:
- IV sedation: Administered directly into the bloodstream, IV sedation takes effect slowly and requires some time to wear off. Because of this, we recommend that you have someone to drive you to and from your appointment. IV sedation causes deep relaxation and drowsiness. We ask that patients do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours prior to their appointment so that the sedation can take full effect.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious dental sedation allows patients to be conscious during their treatment. However, they will have no memory of their treatment. This type of sedation is administered about an hour before treatment in pill form. It relieves anxiety and any pain that may have been felt during the procedure.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, is delivered through a mask or cannula placed over the nose. Although nitrous oxide may not put you to sleep, it will cause deep relaxation. This sedation takes effect quickly and wears off quickly. Because of this, patients are allowed to drive themselves to and from their appointment.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to call our office or discuss which option is best for you at your next appointment. Our dentists have years of experience administering dental sedation and can help determine which option best meets your needs.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Do you have further questions about sedation dentistry options in our office? Continue reading to learn more and find answers to commonly asked questions about dental sedation.
Is sedation dentistry the same as being unconscious?
No, you remain conscious with our sedation methods. You’re still able to respond and communicate, but are extremely relaxed and may fall asleep on your own.
Who benefits from sedation dentistry?
It’s not just patients with dental fear that benefit from sedation dentistry. If you have a movement disorder or disability, it may be hard for you to safely receive dental care. Sedation relaxes these symptoms so that you can get the care you need. This is also helpful with patients that have severe gag reflexes. These reactions are calmed by sedation, making treatment easier for both you and the dentist.
Will I feel any pain with sedation dentistry?
No, sedation dentistry is pain-free. The dentist uses a combination of sedation and local anesthetic to make sure that you’re comfortable throughout the whole procedure.
How long does it take for dental sedation to wear off?
It depends on the kind of sedation you get for your procedure. Nitrous oxide wears off immediately, so you won’t need a ride home from your procedure. The other methods can take hours to completely wear off. It’s important to plan your day to avoid driving and other extensive tasks.
How do I prepare for dental sedation?
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable clothes for your appointment. If you’re getting IV sedation, the medication used may make you nauseated. You won’t be able to eat or drink for a certain amount of time before your procedure. This makes sure that you’re not at risk of bringing up food into your throat during the procedure.
What does it feel like to be under sedation?
Usually, you’ll still be awake and alert, but completely relaxed. With deeper sedation options, you may be relaxed enough that you fall asleep. Amnesia is also common and you may not remember parts or all of the procedure. Everyone reacts to sedation a bit differently, so your experience will be unique.
What are the side effects of sedation?
Sedation does come with the possibility of mild side effects. These include drowsiness, headache, and dry mouth. The side effects resolve themselves within a few hours of your procedure. If you have more severe side effects or they’re lasting for days, contact your doctor for further examination.
Am I a good candidate for dental sedation?
Most candidates are eligible to receive sedation dentistry. However, certain medical conditions make sedation riskier than for other patients. We’ll do a full review of your medical history and current medications to make sure sedation is the right choice for you.
Contact Our Office Today
Receive pain-free and comfortable dental treatment with dental sedation. Request a dental consultation at Bladenboro Family Dentistry online. You may also call our office at 910-469-4592. Our team looks forward to seeing you on your next visit.