If you suffer from dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, you’re not alone. Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a local dentist office near Durham, NC. We offer many solutions to help with this fear and anxiety. Sedation dentistry in our Durham, NC,office is a safe way to reduce dental anxiety and fear of the dentist. Dental sedation can help you can get the treatments you need to maintain good oral health.
Millions of people every year avoid regular checkups because of dental fear. 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.
We encourage you to voice your anxieties at your first appointment with Dr. James Furgurson or Dr. Nathan White. Our dentists will discuss your options and see if you qualify for dental sedation. We will also review your complete medical history before treatment.
Benefits of Sedation
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 restorative dentistry treatments. When you get for dental sedation, you have many added benefits. Sedation:
- Enhances the effectiveness of anesthetic
- Decreases gag reflex
- Less joint or 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: Some dental treatments take a long time to complete. If your procedure will take a while, sedation may help you stay calm and comfortable the whole time. It can make the visit feel shorter and easier. You might not remember parts or even all of the treatment, which many people find helpful if they feel anxious about dental work.
- Medical Conditions: Your overall health is very important when we decide if sedation is safe for you. Heart disease, breathing issues such as asthma, or a history of strokes can impact the type of sedation you can get. Dr. Furgurson will talk with you about your medical history to make sure sedation won’t cause any problems. Please be honest and share all health information with us, even if it seems small.
- Medications You Take: The medications you take every day can affect how sedation works in your body. Some medications may not mix well with sedation. Before treatment you should tell Dr. Furgurson about everything you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, and vitamins or supplements. Also, let us know if you are allergic to any medications so we can keep you safe.
Sedation Dentistry in Durham, NC
We provide these types of dental sedation in our office:
Oral Conscious
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.
We 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
Nitrous oxide, also called “laughing gas,” is a more mild option. You inhale this safe and odorless gas with oxygen through a small mask placed under your nose. It helps reduce anxiety and makes you feel more relaxed during your treatment.
You can still breathe and move normally and talk to our dentist if needed. Once your treatment is done, we will remove the mask, and the effects will wear off quickly. You’ll be fully awake and alert and can drive 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?
You may 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.
Our 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
- Sleep apnea Pregnancy
People with COPD, asthma, or sleep apnea may have trouble breathing deeply. Since sedation can slow your breathing, we will need to look at your medical history to make sure you stay safe.
If you have heart disease, your heart may not work as well as it should. Certain types of sedation can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.
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. If a tooth is broken or impacted (stuck under the gum), sedation can help you stay relaxed throughout the treatment.
How long does it take for sedation to wear off?
The time it takes for sedation to wear off can vary based on the type of sedation. Laughing gas wears off 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 hours to wear off. 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 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 have dental anxiety or fear of the dentist, schedule an appointment with Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White. We can discuss your sedation dentistry options in Durham, NC 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.