Dental Care Without Anxiety With Sedation Dentistry in Cary, NC

Discomfort is one of the biggest reasons people fear going to the dentist. Dental surgeries in particular can often feel like a daunting experience, which keeps patients from properly taking care of their oral health. However, with new technology and more advanced methods, discomfort is now a thing of the past. 

One method that has made dental appointments a much more enjoyable experience is sedation dentistry. However, some patients still have questions and concerns about how sedation dentistry works and if it’s right for them. That’s why Dr. Leedy is happy to explain how it works, so you can feel at ease throughout the entire process.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a dental practice that minimizes patient stress through the use of medications. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways, with oral sedation listed as one the most common types of sedation methods. While some people believe that the medication will make you fall asleep, however, the truth is that it relaxes your body instead, which causes some people to fall asleep naturally. 

Oral sedation dentistry isn’t just used for relieving patients of their dental anxiety either. It’s also a great way to relax patients who have a severe gag reflex or patients who just want to get more procedures done at the same time.

How Sedation Dentistry Works

Anxiety is one of the main reasons why patients want to be sedated, especially when it comes to invasive or emergency procedures. Just like any general anesthesia, sedation dentistry works by making the patient drowsy so they can feel relaxed throughout the procedure. 

Before your appointment, you will be asked to take the pill prescribed to you by your dentist. Usually, for oral sedation, it will take about an hour for the effects to set in. You will need someone to drive you before and after your appointment since grogginess is one of the common side effects. 

While patients don’t always fall asleep during their appointment, many have cited feeling comfortable and relaxed during their entire visit. In addition to providing our patients with carefully selected sedation medications, our dentists go above and beyond to give you a spa-like experience for every appointment. 

Our office is designed with comfort in mind and includes various amenities to ensure your visit is pleasant.

Finding the Right Oral Sedation for You

It’s important to note that not every type of sedation dentistry method will work the same for everyone. Some patients may need nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas) or IV sedation, while others will benefit more from the pill form. However, oral sedation is a popular method because it is cost effective and can help with dental procedures that are mild to moderate. 

Any time you may require a sedative drug, you will have the guidance of Dr. Leedy to ensure that you are given the right form of sedation. Before you sit down for any dental procedure, you will be asked to provide your medical records so we can find the best option for you. Afterwards, you will be told what your next steps are for receiving your medication and when you will need to take your medication.

What to Expect Before, During, and After a Sedation Dentistry Procedure in Cary, NC 

The most important thing you can do before your sedation dentistry appointment is to plan out how you’re going to get home. When it comes to oral sedation, you will feel your body relax about an hour after taking the pill, and it will stay relaxed several hours later. However, if your dentist decides to use nitrous oxide instead, you will relax more quickly and recover more quickly. Keep in mind, though, that it is always a good idea to have a backup plan. 

During your appointment, your dentist will gently get you situated and then continue with the dental treatment after collecting any necessary x-rays. Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry method used, you can expect to feel relaxed during the entire procedure with little to no discomfort.

Finally, after your appointment, you may experience a minor amount of grogginess. However, this side effect shouldn’t last long, even if you take pill form. Typically, you will feel tired for a few hours. Some patients may also not remember many details about their dental appointment, which is why so many people with dental anxiety prefer sedation dentistry! 

Make an Appointment for Sedation Dentistry in Cary, NC

Here at Nathaniel Leedy, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we want you to have the best experience possible, from the time you call our office all the way to the end of your appointment. We’re here for you during the expected and the unexpected, which includes emergency dentistry services and preventive dental care. 

With sedation dentistry in Cary, NC, anxiety doesn’t have to be a part of your dental appointment anymore. Our team of licensed professionals is here to help you every step of the way. Contact us to book an appointment today.