Sedation Dentistry
in Raleigh, NC

Which Patients Should Use Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can be used when a patient needs a lot of dental treatment. Our doctors in Raleigh, NC may recommend this form of sedation if you do not want to or cannot come for multiple appointments in order to complete your dental work or if your dental work requires complex treatment over a long period of time.

However, sedation dentistry can also be useful for those who have trouble with visiting the dentist in general. If you experience extreme fear or anxiety when going to a dental office that prevents you from receiving dental work, our doctors may prescribe sedation dentistry in order to calm you enough to properly perform the necessary care. Other issues, like a sensitive gag reflex, physical conditions that affect movement, sensitive teeth, or fear of needles, can all be helped when needed with these mild forms of sedation.

If you exhibit any of these symptoms, conscious sedation may be right for you. Our team will discuss with you whether this treatment is right for your dental needs. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions you may have in order to determine if sedation dentistry is a good choice for you.

Sedation/Sleep Dentistry

Sedation dentistry, relaxation dentistry, or conscious sedation are all terms that cover the possible ways to control a patient’s anxiety and pain without using a stronger method like general anesthesia. This category of sedation allows a patient to breathe without assistance and respond to physical and verbal stimulations. The two forms used by doctors are described below. Both have a tendency to cause mild amnesia and put patients to sleep.

Enteral Conscious Sedation

Commonly known as orally administered sedation comes in pill form and is ingested like regular pills. Most patients handle this sedation well.  It is safe, easily monitored, and cost effective. A few cons are that the doctor cannot easily change the dosage, it does not relieve pain, and the patient cannot drive themselves home. If this option is a good fit, we suggest having someone come with you to your appointment.

Inhalation Conscious Sedation

Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation, known to most patients as “laughing gas,” allows the patient to inhale a safe gas administered by the dentist. This is the most commonly used form of sedation because it works quickly, it is easy for the doctor to control, there are few side effects, and patients recover quickly enough to drive themselves home. However, it is not recommended for patients with asthma or emphysema or those who suffer from claustrophobia and are uncomfortable with covering their noses.

The type of sedation used is determined by a patient’s specific needs and preferences, including possible allergic reactions and possible complications due to other medicines the patient may be taking. Our team will be more than happy to discuss which treatment works best for your dental needs.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation, sometimes called conscious sedation, is a safe and effective way to provide a relaxing experience during your dental procedure.

Sedative medications are delivered through an IV infusion that allows us to carefully adjust the amount of medication you receive to keep you in the perfect state of relaxation.

When It Is Used

IV sedation pairs perfectly with surgical procedures that can otherwise be very stressful. With IV sedation, your procedure time can be shortened, the risk of complication is reduced, and more dental work can be completed in one appointment.

When you choose IV sedation at Wells Family Dental Group, you will be cared for by our expert team including our IV sedation certified doctor Dr. Steddum, one of our registered nurses, and our dental assistants with special training in sedation care.

To learn more about IV sedation, or to find out if you are a candidate, call today to schedule an evaluation.