Sedation Dentistry in Garner, NC
Sedation dentistry, or the use of medication to help patients relax, is often a solution we offer to our patients who suffer from dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is any mental stress that patients experience when they visit the dentist. Our team at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry understands that there are many reasons for experiencing fear or anxiety over a dental visit. We want to make the process as painless and stress-free for you as possible.
Whatever the reason for your dental anxiety, Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry strive to work through this issue with you and create a positive environment that encourages good oral health practices.
Sedation dentistry offers several benefits to patients, including:
- Reduced gag reflex
- Ability to sit still for long periods of time
- Faster, multiple procedures during one visit
- More comfortable, pleasant experience
- Relief from pain or discomfort
These benefits are key to helping us encourage our patients to continue making appointments and staying consistent with their dental health plans. Avoiding going to the dentist has a huge impact on the wellness of your dental health and oral hygiene. It can result in preventable issues turning into permanent tooth damage or loss.
Dr. Matthew Jenne and the Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry team are able to use dental sedation practices on any procedure, from our general dentistry services to affordable dental implants. With this in mind, if you are experiencing dental anxiety or fear of dentists, we have the solutions to assist you with these issues.
Oral Sedation Services at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
We offer standard laughing gas or a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that you breathe in through a mask during your procedure. We also offer oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation is a prescribed pill that typically includes an at-home dose to ensure you are completely relaxed at the time of your scheduled appointment.
Fearful children can be considered for this level of sedation on a case-by-case basis. Depending on the level of sedation required throughout your procedure, you may need to arrange an escort to and from our office for your safety.
Oral conscious sedation allows patients to be alert and responsive during treatment while also feeling relaxed and stress-free. Some of our patients are so relaxed due to sedation that they fall asleep during their procedure or do not remember the procedure afterward. When planning your day, remember that it may take time for the sedative to wear off following your dental procedure.
Dental Sedation FAQs
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
Dental sedation takes about 24 hours for the full effects of sedation to wear off. Patients should begin to feel back to normal 4-8 hours after the procedure.
What should I do before dental sedation?
It is important not to eat or drink anything before your dentist or surgeon puts you under sedation. Patients cannot eat or drink 6 hours before their procedure. You may have water up to 2 hours before. Patients should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before their procedure.
Will I feel any pain with dental sedation?
While sedated, patients will feel zero pain. Dentists use sedation to make procedures comfortable and pain-free. After the sedation wears off you may feel some slight tender soreness, but you will not feel anything during the procedure, or while sedated.
How long does dental sedation take to wear off?
Dental sedation can take anywhere from two to eight hours to wear off. This varies based on the amount of sedation used, as well as your body’s response to sedation. Each individual’s body responds differently to sedation.
How long do I have to not eat before?
Before dental sedation, your dentist will recommend that patients refrain from eating for at least 6 hours. Patients should also avoid drinking anything, including water for 2 hours before the appointment. It is very important that nothing is in your body before you the dentist or surgeon sedates you.
Schedule An Appointment Today
If you are unsure if sedation dentistry practices are best for you, schedule a consultation today. During this consultation, you will have the chance to discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry and any concerns that you have with Dr. Jenne. He can also provide you with a thorough explanation of any potential procedures you may need so that you are fully informed when it comes to your dental healthcare plan. Don’t risk putting off your dental health due to dental anxiety. We are here for you!