Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry in Wilmington, NC
At CarolinasDentist, we understand that dental anxiety can be an obstacle when it comes to scheduling dental treatments, especially advanced restorative services. Many patients skip their dental appointments due to fear, and we don’t want that to happen to you! Our Wilmington dental office is here to help you experience stress-free dental care.
If you are anxious or nervous about dental treatments, there are options to help alleviate those feelings with safety being our most paramount concern.
The benefits of sedation dentistry:
Sedation services only offered at our Wilmington The Pointe location*
What sedation options do you offer?
At CarolinasDentist Sedation & Implant Center, a full range of options are offered including:
- Anxiolysis (often a pill to help reduce anxiety to be taken before your procedure)
- Light sedation including nitrous oxide to provide deeper disassociation and lessen anxiety from the experience
- IV sedation (provided by our board-certified anesthesiologist to induce a deep level of sedation with little to no memory of the experience under direct and constant watch for safety in regards to breathing and body function)
- General anesthesia (provided by our board-certified anesthesiologist in which a patient is put into an unconscious state and breathing is controlled by a ventilator similar to what occurs during other surgeries)
If you are concerned about your level of comfort and ability to safely undergo needed dental procedures, we are happy to discuss your options with you. Interested in learning more? Contact us today!
Can I receive sedation or general anesthesia for routine dental treatments?
Many patients choose sedation or anesthesia for longer procedures or if they experience dental anxiety. During your consultation, we’ll discuss whether sedation or anesthesia is appropriate for your treatment.
Are IV sedation or general anesthesia safe?
Yes! IV sedation and general anesthesia is carefully monitored throughout your procedure by our experienced in-house anesthesiologist, allowing you to remain comfortable while receiving the dental care you need. Safety is of utmost importance and we feel like having the most trained expert in control of the sedation provides the best and safest experience for our patients.
What is IV sedation?
IV deep sedation is a controlled form of anesthesia administered through an intravenous (IV) line, putting patients into a deep sedated state where the possibility of awareness is severely diminished during their dental procedure. Deep sedation requires vigilance to ensure the patient is physically optimized as well as at an adequate depth of sedation. Our team closely monitors the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure, ensuring safety and a smooth recovery as the effects gradually wear off.
What is general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is a medical induced, reversible state of unconsciousness that aims to prevent patients from having any awareness or pain during procedures. This can involve both IV medications as well as inhaled gases administered through a breathing tube placed by our anesthesiologist. Throughout the procedure, the patient is being very closely monitored above even the basic requirements for general anesthetics given for more invasive or risky surgeries/procedures.
Who can benefit from IV sedation?
- Patients with extreme dental anxiety or phobia
- Individuals undergoing extensive or invasive procedures
- Those with a strong gag reflex that disrupts treatment
- Patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods
- Individuals with a low pain threshold or heightened sensitivity
- People with special needs who struggle with traditional dental care
Your Safety is Our Priority
Sedation and anesthesia are safe when administered by trained professionals, like our experienced Wilmington dental team. Before treatment, we will assess your medical history, medications, and current health status to ensure that you are a great candidate for sedation or anesthesia at our office. Throughout the procedure, vital signs like heart rate, oxygen levels, expired carbon dioxide levels, and blood pressure are continuously monitored by the anesthesiologist so that the dentist can focus fully on giving you the best treatment possible for your teeth.
While sedation and anesthesia are generally well tolerated, mild side effects like drowsiness or nausea may occur. Patients must always arrange for transportation home and avoid driving for 24 hours post-treatment, as the sedative effects take time to fully wear off after the procedure.
