Do you have dental fear or anxiety? Are you looking for an easier way to get dental care?
Waterford Family and Cosmetic Dentistry provides sedation dentistry to patients in Leland, NC. Sedation dentistry is a general dental treatment that is also used for complex or surgical procedures. Whether our patients need to undergo a complex dental procedure or need to relieve anxiety in the dental chair, we can help.
We encourage nervous patients to bring a trusted friend or family member to their appointment for added comfort. Patients may also bring music and headphones if noises are a trigger for their fear or anxiety. Our office can accommodate your needs if you or a child is an anxious patient. Contact us before your next appointment,t and we can see what we can do to make your visit a positive experience.
Who Benefits From Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry relaxes patients to receive pain-free dental care. Most commonly, sedation dentistry is for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety occurs on a spectrum. Some patients only have certain sounds or tools that trigger their fear, while other patients can’t even set foot inside a dentist office. Usually, dental fear is due to a bad experience with dentistry in the past or a fear of needles or certain tools.
When patients have dental anxiety, they often avoid dental care. This means they’re more likely to have deeper dental problems that require more intensive care. Sedation allows them to get this care comfortably, and lets patients with dental anxiety get regular dental care. This way, they won’t have conditions that are more expensive and require hours in the dental chair.
Sedation isn’t solely for these patients. Children and patients with special needs often struggle to sit still long enough to receive dental care. Patients with movement disorders may move involuntarily, causing the dentist to struggle to provide care. Dental tools are sharp, and relaxing involuntary movements helps prevent accidents.
This is also true for patients who have severe gag reflexes. A gag reflex basically fights the dentist as they try to provide treatment. It’s also very uncomfortable for the patient. Sedation can relax the gag reflex so that treatment goes smoothly and quickly.
Anyone who needs more extensive procedures can benefit from sedation. Spending hours in the dental chair and remaining calm can be difficult for everyone. Sedation allows you to relax throughout the process. This allows the dentist to work faster and get more accomplished in your time at the office.
Lastly, sedation is ideal for patients who have a low pain tolerance. They may experience issues even with local anesthesia. Sedation dulls pain and other senses, making care with it virtually pain-free. Patients are more comfortable throughout care. This is especially useful for invasive procedures like root canals or periodontal therapy.
Dental Sedation with Oral Sedatives
Our office can offer oral sedatives to relax patients during their dental procedures. Oral sedatives are taken before the procedure to ensure you are calm and comfortable upon arriving at the dentist office. We encourage patients planning on utilizing sedation dentistry solutions to have a driver for safe transport to and from the dentist office, as these sedatives may make you sleepy.
Dental Sedation Frequently Asked Questions
Sedation dentistry helps patients get much-needed dental care. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What is it like waking up from sedation?
Different people respond differently to sedation. Some may wake up sleepy or confused, while others wake up with a stomachache. It is common to have a dry throat after sedation, but this will go away after you rehydrate.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
The goal of dental sedation is to ensure that patients do not feel pain throughout their procedure. You may feel some pressure while under conscious sedation, but you should not feel any pain.
Can you talk during conscious sedation?
While under conscious sedation, patients are typically able to speak and respond to comments if needed. If you are experiencing any discomfort, it is important that you communicate with us. Conscious sedation does not last long so if we need to up your dose we will, however it will make you drowsy after the procedure, so we recommend having a friend or family member drive you home.
Can you eat before dental sedation?
It is okay to eat or drink up to two hours before your appointment; however, we need your stomach to be empty for sedation to take full effect, so fasting is required for the two hours leading up to your appointment. It is very important to hydrate and eat a light meal before the fasting period begins.
Will I remember anything after dental sedation?
With moderate to deep sedation, you likely won’t remember the procedure. Sedation methods like IV sedation and oral sedation often cause drowsiness and amnesia. As a result, patients usually have little to no memory of the experience. However, with mild sedation like nitrous oxide, you may recall most of the procedure. The type of sedation we use will affect how much you remember.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Insurance may cover sedation dentistry if it’s a medically necessary procedure. However, most plans don’t cover sedation for routine care or cosmetic reasons. Many providers do not cover sedation at all. It’s best to check with your provider to understand what they cover. We may also be able to help you clarify coverage options.
Contact Our Dental Office
Call our Waterford, North Carolina dental office for comfortable treatment at 910-519-1624. You can also schedule a consultation with our dental team on our website. Feel free to ask our team any remaining questions about dental sedation or specific accommodations for your next visit. We will be happy to assist you.