Feeling a little nervous about a dentist appointment is very common. In fact, reports indicate that anywhere from 50 to 80 percent of people experience some level of dental anxiety. Knowing that, the team at Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry is trained in sedation dentistry, so we can keep you comfortable throughout your appointment.
Your well-being is a top priority of our Pittsboro, NC dental team, which is why we offer various levels of sedation depending on your needs and the work being done. Whether you need a gentle conscious sedation option like nitrous oxide or more thorough IV sedation, we will help you feel safe and confident in the care you receive.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is the use of various levels of sedation during dental appointments and procedures. Patients may choose to use sedation for any number of reasons, including dental anxiety, a low threshold for oral discomfort, or a strong gag reflex. When getting a more invasive procedure, we may recommend sedation as a way to keep a patient still and comfortable throughout the procedure.
The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry
With the help of sedation dentistry, our patients are able to calm down during a procedure, allowing our team to better access areas of the mouth and get through the procedure quickly and more efficiently.
For patients who are feeling anxious, nitrous oxide allows them to relax throughout their time with us. With IV sedation, patients may feel drowsy and even doze off in the chair. No matter what type of sedation we use in the office, patients are always able to follow our instructions, giving us the ability to safely provide the quality care they need.
Types Of Dental Sedation
At Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry, we offer three different options for sedation while you’re in our care. All are safe, and patients are closely monitored throughout their appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is a great sedation option for patients of all ages. To deliver this sedative, we place a mask over your nose and have you breathe deeply. You’ll begin to feel the effects of the slightly sweet gas almost immediately. It causes feelings of deep relaxation.
The effects of nitrous oxide wear off just as fast as they come on. Once we remove the mask, you’ll take a few deep breaths and be back to normal. We can use nitrous oxide for exams, cleanings, and even root canals.
Oral Sedation
With oral sedation, you will receive a prescription for a pill that you’ll take about an hour before your appointment. Because oral sedation effects start before your appointment and can last for hours after, you will need to have someone drive you to and from our office.
Oral sedation may cause you to fall asleep during your procedure, but if we need you to follow instructions, our team will gently wake you. We can prescribe oral sedation for adults and children, and it’s safe and effective for most procedures.
IV Sedation
If you require IV sedation for your procedure, we will use an IV to deliver a sedative directly into your bloodstream. The IV provides a consistent flow of medication throughout the appointment. In addition, our team will closely monitor you and provide additional sedation if needed. Just like with oral sedation, you will need someone to come with you for your appointment.
At Chatham Family & Implant Dentistry, we want to show you that dental care can be gentle and effective. Thanks to our sedation dentistry options, you can get the dental work you need while feeling safe and relaxed in the chair. Call us today to learn more and schedule your next appointment.
