Sedation Dentistry Services
Sedation Dentistry in Little River, NC
Sedation dentistry, sometimes called sleep dentistry or gentle dental care, is not as intense as it sounds. This growing practice is becoming more common in local dentist offices in Little River, SC. Did you know almost half of the population is so nervous or uncomfortable when thinking about visiting a dental clinic they just don’t go at all? If you find yourself in this group, stop putting your teeth and gums at risk! Painless dentistry can ease your nerves about regular dental visits and cleanings, which reduces your chances of having cavities, gum disease or another serious oral infection.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is a dental practice where a patient is put in a relaxed state before any dental work occurs, making it an excellent choice for those who suffer from dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is generally known for its use during tooth extractions, fillings, and root canals, but is gaining momentum for its use during routine general dentistry visits. Sometimes referred to as pain-free dentistry or sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry is very popular with patients who have dental anxiety and need a little extra relaxation help to obtain the best dental care in Little River.
If you elect to have a form of sedation dentistry, you can expect your local dentist to administer a sedative, or in some cases a combination of sedatives, before your dental appointment. If you are in the 30% of the population who avoids visiting a dental clinic, gentle dental care is an excellent option for you to maintain a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene.
When you need more extensive dental procedures, consider electing for the use of sedation dentistry. Traditionally, large-scale cosmetic and general dentistry are spread out over the course of several, shorter visits. Choosing oral conscious sedation dentistry makes it easier for you to handle longer dental sessions, meaning your dentist can complete your dental work in fewer visits.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Dental patients in Little River, SC have a variety of types of sedation dentistry to choose from. Carolina Dental Care offers sedation dentistry options that are tailored to each patient’s gentle dental needs. We provide light and moderate sedation for patients who just want a little help relaxing, and deep sedation for our patients who deal with extreme dental anxiety. Our dental staff believe your comfort and positive dentist experience is a top priority.
Nitrous Oxide, also known as Laughing Gas
If you ever had a tooth pulled as a child, you probably already have some experience with nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Using laughing gas to aide in on-site tooth extractions is a common practice at most dental clinics. Laughing gas is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas that you inhale through a mask, and you can start to feel the effects quickly, usually around two minutes after initial application. This makes it easier to adjust your sedation levels without adding a delay to your cosmetic or general dentistry appointment.
If you deal with excessive gagging, request laughing gas during your next dental visit, as it minimizes your gag reflex. The effects of laughing gas are minimal and wear off quickly without a lingering “hangover” feeling. If you are curious about incorporating laughing gas into your painless dentistry regimen, contact Carolina Dental Care to discuss your options before your next visit. Let our friendly staff know that you want a gentle dental care option and your next dental visit will be a positive one. If you are concerned about your reaction to nitrous oxide our dental clinic is happy to provide you a trial-run, which allows you to experience the effects for five minutes to gauge your specific results.
It is important to note that while laughing gas is an appropriate sedation dentistry option for most patients, those diagnosed with COPD should NOT use laughing gas in order to avoid potential health complications.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation dentistry is the practice of combining nitrous oxide with anti-anxiety medication. If you suffer from more severe dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation can offer a greater feeling of relaxation that laughing gas on its own. If you request this form of relaxation dentistry, the dentists at Carolina Dental Care will administer an anti-anxiety medication for you to take orally before your appointment.
Over the course of your appointment our staff will monitor your vital signs and you will be able to answer questions, though most patients do not retain any memory of their visit after the sedation effects have worn off. If you elect to receive oral conscious sedation you MUST arrange to have an adult drive you home after your appointment. This gentle dental treatment is specifically tailored to each patient depending on their individual needs. Call Carolina Dental Care to discuss all of the sedation dentistry options available for your general dentistry visit.
Do I Need a Sedation Dentist Office?
- Do you experience dental anxiety or a fear of dentists?
- Has a negative experience kept you from receiving regular dental care?
- Do you have hyper-sensitive nerves that make general dentistry uncomfortable?
- Are you resistant to local anesthetic?
- Have you been diagnosed with general anxiety disorder?
If your answer to any of these questions was yes, the gentle dental care options available at Carolina Dental Care can help make your next visit to the dentist a pleasant experience and encourage you to maintain your oral health.
Carolina Dental Care offers several sedation dentistry methods to meet each patient’s needs. If you are interested in receiving gentle dental care, contact the experts at Carolina Dental Care. Our staff is happy to answer any questions and help find the right sedation dentistry options for your situation.