Inhalation Sedation Image for Dentist

Sedation Dentistry Cary, NC

It’s no secret that some people are afraid of going to the dentist. If you are nervous about visiting the dentist, there may be an option available to you to make the experience more pleasant—sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry encompasses any dental procedures that involve sedation. While sedation dentistry is extremely common for more intensive procedures, a patient may also opt for sedation to alleviate any tension that they have visiting the dentist. Sedation of the patient can also be helpful for the dentist that is performing the procedure, as it will help to ensure that the patient doesn’t squirm, flinch and move around during the dental procedure.

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Types of Sedation Dentistry

While both forms of sedation dentistry help to calm the patient, the two main types of sedation dentistry each have their own benefits. These two different types of sedation dentistry will also create different levels of sedation—one lighter than the other. This makes each form of sedation dentistry the right choice for different procedures.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation Dentistry


Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas"; is readily available in many offices and provides an excellent way to combat anxiety for most dental procedures. The mildest form of sedation, nitrous oxide flows through a comfortably fitting mask that rests over your nose. Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas that is used in combination with pure oxygen to induce a feeling of relaxation and well-being during treatment. Nitrous oxide often creates a pleasant feeling of euphoria that can make ordinary things seem funnier. Your dentist can easily customize the level of sedation for each patient, which takes effect within minutes.

As a mild sedation, you won't experience any short-term memory loss as you might with other forms of sedation. At the end of treatment, the sedation caused by the nitrous oxide dissipates almost immediately, and you will be able to return home with absolutely no lasting effects. You
don't even need an escort to or from your appointment if you are using only nitrous oxide for sedation.

Oral Sedation Dentistry


This method creates a deeper level of sedation than possible with nitrous oxide and is easy to administer. A wide variety of medications are available for this type of sedation, and your dentist will discuss with you your particular needs to determine which choice would work best for you. However, all are classified as anti-anxiety medications and achieve the same result: reducing and even eliminating the anxiety of dental treatment.

In addition to making your experience more comfortable, oral sedative medications help to reduce your memory of the experience. It also allows your dentist to complete your treatment in fewer appointments and to finish complex procedures in less time. While your treatment is performed, your dentist will carefully monitor your vital signs to ensure that your experience is as safe as possible. Another advantage to this type of sedation is that it can safely be used along with nitrous oxide for an even deeper feeling of relaxation. Because the effects of oral sedation last longer than with nitrous oxide alone, you will need someone to bring you to your appointment and drive you home after.

Wake Dental Care is Located in Cary, NC but Graciously provides services to neighboring communities including but not limited to Research Triangle Park, Apex, Holly Springs, Garner, Oak Grove Township, Fuquay Varina, and Morrisville.

Procedures that may require sedation


There are a variety of procedures that may require sedation—some more intensive than others. Below are a few procedures that may require sedation dentistry.

Dental Fillings

A dental filling procedure involves the removal of tooth decay from the tooth, which is followed by the installation of a dental filling to complete the structure of the tooth. This procedure involves a lot of whirring and other noises that may make a patient nervous, so sedation dentistry may be an option to calm a patient during a procedure.

Root Canals

Root canals can be scary for a lot of patients. While numbing of the area is typically necessary, sedation dentistry may also be necessary. There will be drilling, and a variety of instruments will be needed to perform this procedure. This is also a very precise procedure, so a dentist may opt to sedate the patient in order to eliminate any squirming.

Tooth Extractions

Sedation may be used for minor extractions, although this isn’t necessarily the case. For major extractions, though, sedation dentistry is required. Major tooth extractions (such as wisdom teeth removal) may require the dentist to perform surgery. This can be too much for a patient to handle while awake. and alter. Oral sedation may be used to help to keep a patient steady during the surgery, and will often help a patient to forget the procedure entirely.

Tooth Implants

A tooth implant requires a dentist to install a titanium rod into the jawbone of the patient. This is an intensive procedure, and will likely require sedation to keep the patient calm, and allow the dentist to properly install the rod.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry


There are a few different benefits to minor sedation dentistry that may make it advantageous for both the patient and the dentist. The first is the reduction in anxiety that a patient will experience under sedation. This is one of the main reasons for sedation dentistry. Another reason is the reduction of the gag reflex. Gagging can make it extremely difficult for a dentist to perform a procedure. Because of this, sedation dentistry may be used for procedures that may cause the patient to gag. Finally, sedation can actually reduce gum sensitivity—making the procedure easier on the patient.

Is Sedation Necessary?


While not all procedures require sedation, you can speak with your dentist about whether or not sedation is an option for the procedure that you are going to undergo. Your dentist wants you to have a pleasant experience, and they will do whatever they can to ensure you don’t panic or
become upset during a visit.

If you are nervous during your visit to the dentist, speak with them about whether or not sedation is an option for the procedure that you are about to undergo.

Dentists You Can Trust

We take the time to explain treatment and use the latest in dental technology to ensure a conservative approach to your dental care. We have specialized eyepieces and special decay-detecting dye to be sure we can see the smallest amount of decay and remove only the diseased portions of the tooth. Our iTero scanner allows us to scan your teeth and create restorations with world-class accuracy.

Dentist Jim Bohn at Cary Dentist

Dr. Jim Bohn


Dr. Bohn is a native of Pennsylvania. He earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology at Penn State University and a Doctorate of Medical Dentistry from Temple University School of Dentistry.

Dentist Jerry Allen Cary Dentist

Dr. Jerry Allen


Dr. Jerry Allen was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina. He received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) with Honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.