If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, you are not alone. Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a local dentist office near Durham, NC that offers many solutions to help with this fear and anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a safe way to reduce dental anxiety and fear of the dentist so that you can get the treatments you need to maintain proper oral health.
Millions of people every year avoid regular checkups due to this. If you do not seek dental care regularly, dental problems and disease will develop. This will only make the treatments needed more invasive and painful, creating even more anxiety. Sedation is a great way to help.
Sedation Dentistry Durham, NC
During your initial consultation or appointment, you will need to share your fears with Dr. James Furgurson or Dr. Nathan White. They will discuss your options and see if you qualify for dental sedation. We will review you complete medical history to make sure it is safe for you.
Sedation dentistry will help patients receive the dental care they need. Dentists use it for regular checkups or restorative treatments. It helps anxious patients who need to undergo extensive dental treatments. When you opt for dental sedation, you have many added benefits, including:
- Enhances the effectiveness of anesthetic
- Decreases gag reflex
- Little joint and muscle soreness
- More treatments in less visits
- Treatments completed in less time
- No painful memories
Am I a Candidate for Sedation?
We will consider these factors before sedation:
- Length of the Procedure: If your dental treatment takes a long time, sedation can help you stay comfortable. We may recommend sedation for longer procedures. It ensures you feel comfortable and you may not remember parts or all treatment.
- Medical Conditions: Your health is essential when deciding if sedation is safe. If you have heart problems, breathing issues, or a history of strokes, our dentist will make sure sedation is safe for you. Be sure to share your medical history.
- Medications: If you take any medications, our dentist will check if they could affect how sedation works. Let your dentist know about all the medications you’re taking. If you have an allergy to any medications, please let us know.
Sedation Dentistry in Durham, NC
Oral conscious sedation is a mild form of relaxation that helps you feel calm during dental procedures. While you’re in this relaxed state, you’ll still be able to breathe normally and move on your own, but you’ll feel very drowsy. The dentist will give you a prescription for a pill, which you’ll take before your appointment at home. Since you’ll feel very sleepy, you’ll need someone to drive you to the office.
The effects of oral sedation can last for several hours, so you’ll need someone to take you home after your appointment. Most people don’t remember much about the procedure, even though they were awake the whole time.
Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is another option commonly used in dentistry. You inhale this safe, odorless gas through a small mask placed under your nose. It helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel more relaxed during your treatment.
Like oral sedation, you can still breathe and move normally, and you can talk to the dentist if needed. Once your treatment is done, the mask will be removed, and the effects will wear off quickly. You’ll be fully awake and alert, and you’ll be able to drive yourself home.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Learn about sedation dentistry in our Durham, NC dental office with answers to common patient questions:
Can you feel pain during sedation?
When you are sedated, you should not feel pain during a procedure. Sedation helps relax you and can make you feel sleepy or even forget what’s happening. There are different levels of sedation, and your doctor will choose the right one based on what you need.
Most people don’t remember anything or feel discomfort while they are sedated. However, everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any concerns you might have. They can explain how sedation works and what you can expect during your procedure.
Can I get dental sedation if I’m pregnant?
If you are pregnant and need dental work, talk to our dentist about sedation. In general, dental sedation is used with caution during pregnancy. Some types of sedation can affect the baby, especially in the first trimester.
Your dentist will consider your health, how far along you are in your pregnancy, and the kind of dental procedure you need. They may suggest safer options or wait until after you have given birth. Always share your pregnancy status with your dentist so they can provide the best care for both you and your baby.
Can I eat or drink before I get nitrous oxide?
Yes, you can eat or drink before getting nitrous oxide, but it’s a good idea to follow some guidelines. Most dentists recommend that you have a light meal before your appointment. This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure.
However, it’s usually best to avoid heavy or greasy foods right before your appointment. You should also let our dentist know if you have any specific concerns or if you’re feeling nervous. He can give you the best advice based on your situation!
Will I feel nauseous after sedation?
It’s possible to feel a little nauseous after sedation, but not everyone does. Some people might feel dizzy or have a slight stomach ache, while others feel completely fine.
Your dentist will usually ask about your medical history and any past experiences with sedation to help minimize side effects. If you are worried about feeling nauseous, let your dentist know. They can give you tips or medication to help prevent it. Always follow their instructions after your procedure to feel your best.
What health problems can impact sedation?
Several health problems can impact how sedation works and how safe it is for you. Here are some common ones:
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeats
- Asthma
- COPD
- Liver or Kidney Issues
- Epilepsy
- Pregnancy
For your safety, we will review your medical history and medications before we provide sedation dentistry in Durham, NC. Our office will choose the safest option for you.
Do you get sedation for a tooth extraction?
Yes, you can get sedation for a tooth extraction. Many people choose sedation to help them relax and feel more comfortable during the procedure. We often recommend sedation for complex extractions that take several hours.
How long does it take for sedation to wear off?
The time it takes for sedation to wear off can vary depending on the type of sedation. Laughing gas wears off quickly, often within a few minutes after you stop breathing it in. Most people feel normal again soon after the procedure.
If you take a pill for sedation, it may take a bit longer to wear off—usually a few hours. You might feel drowsy for a while after the procedure.
Can I go to work or school after I get dental sedation?
Whether you can go to work or school after dental sedation depends on the type of sedation you receive and how you feel afterward.
If you only had nitrous oxide, you might feel fine and can usually return to your normal activities right after your appointment. If you took a pill for sedation, you might feel drowsy or groggy for a few hours. We recommend that you rest and not go back to work or school until you feel completely alert.
Get Comfortable Care
If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White. We can discuss your sedation dentistry options and create a treatment plan to help get your oral health back on track.
If you have questions, please let us know at your next visit. We’re here to help.