Sedation Dentistry Huntersville, NC
Relax and Let Go of Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry
Many people experience anxiety or fear when it comes to visiting the dentist. The idea of sitting in a dental chair and having someone work on their teeth can be nerve-wracking for some people. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help alleviate these fears and make dental visits a more comfortable experience.
At Lake Norman Dentistry our Huntersville, NC dentist , Dr. Scott Guice offers sedation dentistry to their patients to help them feel more relaxed during their appointments.We’re proud to serve North Carolina patients in Charlotte, Cornelius, Lowesville, and the surrounding areas.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. The medication can range from mild sedatives to general anesthesia, depending on the needs of the patient and the procedure being performed. It’s often used for patients who have anxiety or fear of dental procedures, have a low pain threshold, have sensitive teeth, or need a lengthy or complex dental procedure.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Reduced Anxiety: Sedation dentistry can help reduce the anxiety and fear that many patients experience during dental procedures.
- Increased Comfort: The medication used in sedation dentistry can help patients feel more relaxed and comfortable during their appointments.
- Time Management: With sedation dentistry, patients can have multiple procedures done in a single appointment, saving time and reducing the need for multiple visits.
- Better Dental Health: Patients who are more relaxed and comfortable during dental appointments are more likely to maintain regular dental appointments, which can lead to better oral health.
Sedation Options
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a type of mild sedation commonly used to help patients relax during procedures. Nitrous oxide is a colorless and odorless gas administered through a small mask that fits over the nose. It works quickly to produce a feeling of calm and relaxation, and can help reduce anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication orally before a dental procedure to help the patient relax and feel more comfortable during treatment. This medication comes in a pill form taken before the appointment, and it can range from mild to moderate in strength depending on the patient's needs and the complexity of the procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation involves administering a sedative medication directly into the patient's bloodstream through an intravenous (IV) line. This type of sedation is typically used for more complex dental procedures, such as oral surgery or root canal treatments, and can provide a deeper level of sedation than other types of sedation.
Check out what others are saying about our dental anxiety support services on Yelp: Dental Anxiety Huntersville
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is generally safe when administered by a qualified dental professional. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects associated with sedation dentistry. It’s important to discuss any concerns or medical conditions with your dentist before undergoing sedation.
Will I be asleep during the procedure?
No, patients who receive sedation dentistry should not drive themselves home after the appointment. The medication used in sedation dentistry can impair your judgment and reaction time, making it unsafe to drive. Arrange for someone else to drive you home after your appointment and to have someone stay with you for a few hours until the effects of the medication wear off.
How long does the sedative effect last?
The length of time that the sedative effect lasts depends on the type of sedation used and the individual patient's response. With mild sedation, the effects typically wear off within a few hours. With deeper sedation, it may take longer for the effects to wear off.
Experience Comfortable Dental Procedures at Lake Norman Dentistry
Sedation dentistry can be a great option for patients who experience dental anxiety or fear. By using medication to help you relax, sedation dentistry can make your dental appointment more comfortable and less stressful.
If you’re interested in sedation dentistry or have questions about the process, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Huntersville office by giving us a call at (704) 895-3858 or fill out an online form with our team to discuss your options and create a personalized treatment plan.
Definition of Dental Terminology
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
- Decay
- Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
- Dental Caries
- Dental caries is also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
- Dental Checkup
- A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
- Dental Filling
- A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
- Dental Prophylaxis
- A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
- Dental Sealants
- Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
- Dentist
- A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
- Gingivitis
- Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
- Preventive Dentistry
- Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
- Tartar
- Tartar forms when plaque builds up on the surface of the teeth and calcifies into a hard surface that is much more difficult to remove and will require professional treatment.
- Tooth Enamel
- Tooth enamel is the protective visible outer surface of a tooth that contains the dentin and dental pulp.
Back to top of Dental Anxiety
Recent Posts
Tips For Helping Your Child Overcome Dental Anxiety
Wondering how to deal with your child’s dental anxiety? It can be difficult for parents to understand exactly what their child is going through. When children resist going to the dental office, many parents will try to bribe or force them to go to these necessary dental appointments, which may only lead to additional anxiety.…
Dental Sedation For Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Dental sedation is sometimes needed when someone has to have a wisdom tooth extracted because having a tooth extracted can be a painful experience.When it comes to wisdom teeth extraction, the pain is caused by the fact that one of more wisdom teeth are unable to erupt properly because there is no room in the…
Treating Sleep Apnea With Oral Appliance Therapy
It may be surprising to some, but did you know your dentist can actually help with sleep apnea? The dentist is able to prescribe and fit you for a special oral appliance that can assist with proper airflow throughout the night. Here is what you should know about these devices.Obstructive sleep apnea is when you…
Dental Inlay Vs. Dental Filling
For cavities, a dental inlay may be a good option to treat the decayed tooth. Many people probably think of fillings when it comes to repairing cavities. While this treatment can be effective, it is worth considering inlays as well. Both have benefits and drawbacks. Your dentist can explain the process of each treatment to…