Sedation Dentistry – Raleigh, NC

Comfortable & Relaxing Dental Visits with Sedation Dentistry

Some patients might struggle with dental-related anxiety or fear, causing them to miss out on getting the necessary care for maintaining a healthy and bright smile. If this is a problem that you share, you’ll be happy to know that our team at Connection Dentistry has a couple of methods for helping you relax during your treatments. Thanks to sedation dentistry, patients who are typically nervous or require extensive procedures can easily undergo care while remaining comfortable and stress-free throughout their visit! Read on to learn more about our solutions and how we determine if these services are right for you, or give us a call to schedule your next appointment.

a patient smiling after undergoing sedation dentistry

Why Choose Connection Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?

Multiple Sedation Options Available
Highly Experienced Dentists & Dental Team
Minimize Dental Anxiety & Fear

Oral Conscious Sedation

One of our methods for helping patients relax and enjoy their dental visit is oral conscious sedation. This option involves prescribing you a pill that you will take at a certain time prior to your appointment so that the effects can kick in just as you start your procedure. Once the sedative begins working, you should start to experience total relaxation but remain awake. This strong medication can help you have a more pleasant experience in the chair.

As the name suggests, this form of sedation is taken orally, and it does not render you unconscious. These conditions make it easier for our team to work with you during the procedure and make sedation safer than more complex options. Because this medication must be taken in advance and can be modified in its strength, we’ll need to discuss several things beforehand to make sure you’re a safe candidate for oral conscious sedation.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Just as you would with any other prescription, you’ll pick up a single prescribed pill from the pharmacy, which you will take as directed. When you arrive for your appointment, you should be calm, at ease, and ready for treatment. You might even feel like you’ve fallen asleep in a dream-like state, though you’ll remain conscious enough to respond to simple commands and questions. After finishing your treatment, the effects can linger for a few hours, so you’ll need to arrange for a family member or friend to bring you to and from your appointment. Also, don’t be surprised if you can’t remember what happened during your time with us—this type of sedation usually has an amnesiac effect.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

a relaxed and happy patient with a dental assistant

Our top priority is to keep you safe and comfortable. As a result, not everyone can or should receive this option. To consider oral conscious sedation, we will take several factors into account. We will ask you about your medical history, medications you’re currently taking, and your level of dental anxiety, just to name a few things. Depending on your answers, we may alter the dosage or strength of the sedative to meet your needs.

IV Sedation

For people with more severe dental anxiety/fear or who need to undergo more lengthy or complicated procedures, IV sedation might be the ideal solution. Since the medication is administered directly into your bloodstream, the effects usually kick in within moments, and our trained team members will monitor your vitals throughout your appointment to ensure you’re safe. This sedation method is the strongest one, so it’s normal for patients to feel like they’ve gone to sleep. You will still be capable of responding to simple commands, but you may not recall most of the procedure afterward. This option requires you to have a trusted person with you so that you can rest easy on your way home.

What Is IV Sedation?

patient with IV in her arm

IV sedation is administered intravenously, placed directly into the blood stream through a small needle in the hand or arm. It takes effect very quickly, and we can adjust the dosage of the sedative medication throughout your procedure so that you are as comfortable and safe as possible. IV sedation is also known as twilight sedation or sleep dentistry because it may make you feel like you are asleep, although you will technically still be conscious.

IV sedation is quite powerful, so its effects can linger for up to an entire day after your appointment. During that time, you should not drive, carry out other potentially dangerous tasks, or sign any contracts.

Who Is a Good Candidate for IV Sedation?

smiling, relaxed female dental patient

You might be a candidate for IV sedation if:

You struggle with moderate to severe dental anxiety/fear.
You need to undergo multiple or complex procedures in a single appointment.
You have a strong gag reflex or are not easily numbed by other types of sedation/anesthesia.
You have a condition that makes it difficult for you to sit still for long periods of time.

You should also not have any contraindications that might make IV sedation unsafe for you. For example, it is not usually appropriate for pregnant women. Our team will thoroughly screen you for any risk factors that might mean we should use other methods to help you stay comfortable during your procedure.

The Benefits of IV Sedation

smiling patient talking to dental team member

Some benefits of IV sedation include:

It induces a deep state of relaxation that can help you stay comfortable during even the most extensive procedures.
The effects kick in very quickly because the medication is placed directly into your bloodstream.
It prevents the formation of new memories that could be traumatizing for individuals with dental phobia.
We can adjust the amount of sedative used throughout your treatment.
It may give you the confidence you need to complete treatments that would otherwise get neglected. Therefore, it has the potential to improve your overall wellness.
When administered by a well-trained team, IV sedation involves few risks.

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

The most common factor for a person being eligible for sedation dentistry is if they struggle with nervousness or fear regarding dental treatments or visiting their dentist. This, however, isn’t the only thing that could make you a good candidate for this service. You may be eligible if you:

Have a strong or sensitive gag reflex
Struggle to keep your mouth open for extended periods
Require multiple treatments or an extensive procedure
Have a medical condition or disability that makes it difficult to remain still

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?

You don't have to worry about a painful day in the dentist's chair. Nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation can be used along with numbing medication. You will not feel any pain during your procedure. At most, you may feel some vibrations or pressure. After the effects of any numbing medications wear off, your mouth may be tender for a couple of days, depending on your treatment. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your sedation dentist in Raleigh will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.

Does Dental Sedation Cause Memory Loss?

Some dental sedation can cause fragmented memory, which is a great option for patients who have had a negative past experience at the dentist. Oral conscious sedation is more likely to cause memory loss than nitrous oxide. In some situations, you may even doze off during your procedure. You won't be rendered unconscious, but you may sleep through your appointment.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?

Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients with good overall health. Your dentist will learn more about your medical history and any medications you're taking to ensure there are minimal risk factors for adverse complications. You will be closely monitored during your appointment for your safety. When administered by a trained professional and used fo the ideal candidate, the risk of serious complications is minimal. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest option. It is even suitable for young children.

What Does It Feel Like Under Dental Sedation?

The effects of dental sedation differ depending on the type used. Nitrous oxide often causes the body to feel heavy and your extremities may tingle. As you reach a high level of relaxation, you may become a little drowsy. The effects of nitrous oxide dissipate as soon as the medication is turned off. You'll feel completely normal within a few minutes. Oral conscious sedation is stronger than nitrous oxide. As it takes effect, your anxiety will dissipate. You will feel relaxed and maybe even a little drowsy. You won't be rendered unconscious, so you can still respond to your dental team's instructions. It can take a few hours for oral conscious sedation to wear off, so you'll need someone to drive you home. You'll be instructed to take it easy for the rest of the day.