Sedation Dentist – Mount Pleasant, SC
Calm Your Dental-Related Nerves
As gentle and caring as our dental team is here at Smile Carolina Dental Group, we understand that many dentistry patients still struggle with dental anxiety. In fact, an estimated one out of every five Americans has avoided the dentist altogether because of fear. To calm your dental-related nerves and ensure a stress-free visit, we proudly offer sedation dentistry. Get in touch with our dental office to learn more about how our sedation dentist in Mount Pleasant, SC can help you!
Why Choose Smile Carolina Dental Group for Sedation Dentistry?
- Relaxing Dental Office
- State-of-the-Art Dental Technology
- Incredibly Friendly, Personable Dentists & Team
Oral Conscious Dental Sedation
If you feel severely anxious at the idea of getting dental work done, then you can very likely benefit from oral conscious sedation. With this method, your dentist will prescribe a potent anxiety-relieving medication for you to take at a set time before your procedure begins. By the time our team gets to work, you will be so deeply relaxed that your treatment will be a breeze, and you might not even remember it later. It is worth mentioning that the effects of the sedative can linger for several hours, so plan on having someone else drive you home.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is a common sedation option. There is no need for needles or wearing a mask over your face, and it is great for reducing anxiety, strong gag reflexes, fear, and more! Once we have reviewed your medical history, medications, and any allergies that you have, we can determine whether oral conscious sedation is a good option for you. If so, your dentist will prescribe you one small pill that you will take just before your appointment. The effects are long-lasting and will kick in by the time your treatment begins.
How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?
Once the effects of the pill kick in, you will feel deeply relaxed and calm. Oftentimes, patients don’t even remember their appointments afterward, which many prefer. You will still be conscious during the procedure, so you can answer questions and respond to instructions, but remain relaxed. We will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure that you are perfectly safe. The effects of the drug will linger, so it’s important to have a trusted friend or family member drive you to and from your appointment.
Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation is very popular. It is particularly beneficial for patients who:
- Suffer from dental anxiety or fear
- Have a sensitive gag reflex
- Are receiving multiple treatments at once
- Have difficulty sitting still
- Struggle to become numb with a local anesthetic
- Have had negative dental experiences in the past
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
In recent years, sedation dentistry has become an incredibly popular solution for patients with dental anxiety or fear. Using different types of medication, we can help keep you relaxed and calm during any dental procedure. Of course, we understand you may have concerns about the process and might feel a bit hesitant to move forward with it. At Smile Carolina Dental Group, we want you to feel confident with your decision to get dental sedation, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you need personal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact our office!
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
When administered by a qualified dental professional, sedation dentistry is generally considered safe. Dentists that offer it need to undergo specialized training to ensure the proper administration and monitoring of sedatives. Before your procedure, our team will carefully evaluate your medical history, current oral health status, and medication to determine whether or not oral conscious sedation is right for you.
It's important to note that sedation dentistry does carry some risks. The most common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Luckily, these effects are usually mild and short-lived! We can also help minimize these risks with proper evaluation, monitoring, and adherence to safety protocols.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed medication prior to the procedure, which induces a deep state of relaxation and drowsiness. While you may remain conscious and responsive throughout your treatment, you’ll likely have limited memory of the experience due to the amnesic effects of the sedative. Most patients report having little to no recollection of their dental procedure!
Is Sedation Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
It depends! Every insurance plan is unique, meaning you’ll need to check the details of your coverage to understand what’s covered. Some policies may cover sedation dentistry while others may not. Before committing to any treatment, you should contact your insurance provider directly to ask about your coverage. If needed, we’re more than happy to help you navigate this process!
How Long Does Dental Sedation Last?
The answer varies on the type of dental sedation you choose! In most cases, the effects of oral conscious sedation can last several hours. You could feel groggy or drowsy even after the procedure, which is why it’s essential to have a responsible adult accompany you and drive you to and from our dental office. It’s a good idea to take it easy for a day or two until you feel back to normal.
