SEDATION DENTISTRY

Sedation dentistry allows us to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably for our patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist.

While regular preventative care can reduce the need for dental treatment, many individuals avoid their visits to the dentist due to anxiety. Missing out on regular checkups can lead to more complicated dental problems. Sedation dentistry can be used as an option to relieve anxiety and pain during dental procedures. For patients with intense fear or those who need major dental procedures, sedation dentistry is a prime option that is both comfortable and practical.

We make dental procedures more comfortable with Sedation Dentistry, which helps reduce discomfort and makes you feel at ease. 

Sedation Dentistry – also known as conscious sedation or sleep dentistry – is a common, pain-free and safe procedure where medication is given to minimize anxiety and discomfort during your dental visit. 

Almost any adult or child may undergo this procedure, and it is notably useful for people who experience anxiety during their dental visits, or people with a history of anxiety. However, this procedure is also preferred by those who would just simply prefer to be sedated during a dental procedure.

Sedation dentistry refers to dental procedures where the person is sedated using different methods to ensure comfortable and relaxing dental procedures. 

There are four levels of sedation:

• Minimal sedation: In this stage, you are awake but very calm.
  
• Moderate sedation: In this stage, you may slur and not remember the dentistry procedures.
  
• Deep sedation: In this stage, you are on the verge of cognizance.
  
• General anesthesia: In this stage, you are completely unconscious.

If you choose to undergo oral sedation, you must remember that eating or drinking is prohibited for 12 hours before your dental procedure. We recommend that you wear short sleeves the day of the procedure and that you arrange for a designated driver who is prepared to take you home after the procedure. Prior to the procedure, we will administer an oral sedative that will put you at ease, and may even make you feel sleepy or drowsy. During the procedure and while we perform the treatment on your teeth, a nurse will monitor you to make sure you are comfortable and safe.

The medications can be administered orally or intravenously (or both). The patient then experiences sleepiness during the dental procedure. Patients are permitted to go home following the procedure, but cannot drive for the rest of the day — and must be accompanied by a responsible adult or a designated driver.

Sedation dentistry has helped several patients overcome anxieties about dental procedures that stand in the way of ideal oral health.

Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about sedation dentistry, and find out which sedation dentistry method may be right for you.

Request your free Invisalign Charlotte consultation at our uptown dentist offices in Charlotte NC now!