New Patients (843) 371-5480

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811 St. Andrews Blvd, Ste B Charleston, SC 29407

Sedation Dentistry Charleston, SC

Sedation DentistryAn Overview

West Ashley Family Dentistry offers nitrous oxide for patients with dental anxiety or fear. This common condition keeps many adults from getting the care they need for a healthy smile.

We have learned about many reasons why people suffer from this type of anxiety. A few of these reasons include:

  • Fear of pain
  • Fear of injections, needles, or sharp objects
  • Fear or generalized anxiety in a medical setting
  • Fear of loud noise, often associated with a dental drill

Sedation dentistry also helps patients who feel out of control, embarrassed, or have a strong gag reflex.

We understand that a negative childhood experience at the dentist can create lasting anxiety. No matter the source of your fear, our team is here to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

People who have avoided the dentist for years now have the ability to get their oral health back on track. Contrary to what many people think, dental anxiety is manageable, especially at West Ashley Family Dentistry in Charleston. Our dental office is a judgment-free zone, and we will work with any patient to help them receive the care they need.

Nitrous oxide sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to help patients receive dental care. It allows us to give our patients the dental care they need without fear or anxiety. More benefits include:

  • Enhances the effectiveness of local anesthetics
  • Decreases the gag reflex
  • Alleviates anxiety
  • Eliminates joint and muscle soreness
  • More treatments can be performed in a few visits
  • Faster treatment time
  • You won’t suffer from agonizing memories

 

Sedation Dentistry What to Expect

Avoiding the dentist can often lead to complex concerns, including tooth loss. We help anxious patients regain a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Dickert and Dr. Lynn provide personal care to achieve your specific goals.

West Ashley Family Dentistry offers nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas”. We administer it using a small mask that fits over your nose during the treatments. It will not put you to sleep but will put you in a deep state of relaxation.

You will be able to communicate with the dental staff and respond to basic commands. This type of sedation offers several key benefits beyond enabling you to achieve your oral health goals pain-free:

  • Laughing gas is inhalation sedation, making it easy to administer, and there is no need for needles or injections
  • It works quickly and wears off fast, allowing you to drive yourself home after your visit.
  • Laughing gas is an odorless gas and will not bother those sensitive to certain smells, and is completely safe

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

How long does dental sedation last?

On average, dental sedation lasts between four and six hours. Many patients may feel out of it or numb for up to 24 hours after their procedure. We recommend that patients have someone drive them home and care for them for 24 hours after sedation.

What are the side effects of sedation dentistry?

The main side effect associated with dental sedation is feeling extremely drowsy and out of it. Some patients may report their mouth feeling dry, dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Patients may also experience low blood pressure and little to no recollection of the procedure

What does dental sedation feel like?

After undergoing dental sedation, many patients do not remember much from their procedure. Most patients fall asleep and wake up feeling a little bit drowsy or out of it. We recommend that you take the day to rest after dental sedation.

Is dental sedation safe?

Yes, dental sedation is safe. We will recommend the right type of dental sedation for you based on your medical and oral health needs. Sedation is also safe for patients of all ages and pregnant women.

Are dental sedation and anesthesia the same?

Dentists may use these different techniques during procedures, but they are not the same. Under dental sedation, patients will feel relaxed and anxiety-free. Anesthesia blocks pain and discomfort during dental treatments.

Will I be asleep under dental sedation?

Not every type of dental sedation will lead to sleep. Most of the time, patients under IV sedation will fall asleep. Many patients will stay conscious but relaxed under nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation.