If you feel nervous about your upcoming visit to the dentist, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common fear among patients and can get in the way of receiving the necessary care you need. If past experiences or a fear of pain are holding you back, you may benefit from sedation dentistry.
At Capstone Dental, our dentist Dr. Stephen Yang is proud to offer various dental sedation methods for patients with dental phobia or severe gag reflexes. If you’re looking for a dental experience that’s painless and comfortable, look no further than. We also provide sedation services to patients in the Concord, Mint Hill, and Matthews, NC areas.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry allows patients to feel completely relaxed during their dental procedures or routine visits. Whether you have anxiety about visiting the dentist’s office or are about to undergo a complex procedure, this area of dentistry can allow you to stay relaxed while your teeth get the necessary care they deserve. Depending on the method of sedation, patients may not remember their experience in the dentist’s chair, which can help with dental anxiety.
While you’re sedated, you’ll be in good hands. A member of our dental team will monitor you throughout your appointment to ensure you’re comfortable and at ease. By the end of your visit, you’ll be ready to carry on with the rest of your day.
When is Sedation Dentistry Necessary?
Sedation dentistry is an option for patients who struggle with visiting the dentist. While completely optional, there are several situations in which dental sedation is beneficial for patients who have any of the following:
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Severe gag reflex
- Lengthy, complex dental procedures
- Tooth sensitivity
- Resistance to numbing agents
Am I a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a convenient way to eliminate any feelings of stress or anxiety you may feel during your procedure. Unfortunately, sedation dentistry isn’t for everyone. You may be ineligible to undergo dental sedation if you have:
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Conflicting medications
- Liver or kidney diseases
- Respiratory problems
We encourage patients to speak with our Charlotte dentist about their eligibility for dental sedation at their initial consultations. Our team will help you to find a solution that works so you can receive the necessary dental care your teeth need.
Our Sedation Dentistry Methods
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is a safe and comfortable way to ease dental anxiety. We’ll prescribe a relaxant to take before your appointment so that you arrive already sleepy and relaxed. Though completely at ease, you’ll be conscious enough to respond to any verbal cues your dentist might give you.
With oral conscious sedation, you’ll be able to enter a state of calm without the use of dental tools. However, because this sedative lasts for several hours, we recommend arranging a ride home after your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide sedation in dentistry is the safest and most convenient method we offer. This sedative is perfect for patients of any age, which means that it’s regularly used to calm younger patients in pediatric dentistry.
Nitrous oxide produces a slightly euphoric feeling of relaxation and general well-being. After your appointment, we will administer some oxygen to quickly reverse the effects of the sedative. This means you’ll be able to drive yourself home and continue with the rest of your day as normal.
The Wand
The Wand offers pain-free dentistry solutions, as it’s a convenient alternative to novocaine injections. This advanced dental technology is ideal for patients who require novocaine but have a chronic fear of needles or dental tools.
Dr. Yang can control the administration of novocaine with the Wand to offer precise sedation. Best of all, you’ll be able to go about the rest of your day after your procedure without worrying about any lingering numbness.
OraVerse
Another one of the ways we show our patients we care is by utilizing OraVerse to help shorten the effects of novocaine. OraVerse will reverse any unpleasant side effects of numbness so that you can go about your daily activities like normal. Typically, OraVerse takes about one hour to work, though it may differ depending on how much novocaine you were given.