Dental Sedation Services in Spring Lake, NC
Our sedation services are designed to help our patients feel much more comfortable and relaxed during their dental treatments. Whether you have a minor procedure or some lengthy dental work coming up, our team at Spring Lake Oral Surgery can help you find the perfect sedation option to help you have the most pleasant experience possible. Contact our office to learn more about our sedation options today!
Local Anesthetic
Local anesthesia is frequently administered before restorative dental services to numb certain areas of the mouth. If a patient is not interested in utilizing dental sedation during their visit, local anesthetic is still highly recommended for advanced restorative treatments to make the procedure much more comfortable for the patient. Local anesthesia is administered through a small needle that is injected into the gums near the area that needs to be numbed. You may feel a quick pinch, but then the rest of your treatment should be relatively painless.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Patients who choose oral conscious sedation will be prescribed an oral medication prior to their treatment. We also provide detailed instructions for the exact time to take the medication so that it takes effect at the right time, as well as post-op instructions. Oral conscious sedation puts patients into a much more relaxed state where they are less aware of what’s happening around them, time seems to move faster, and their reflexes are slowed. Patients who choose this service will need to have someone wait in the lobby during their treatment and drive them home afterward.
IV Sedation
IV sedation can work well for patients who are undergoing minor procedures as well as more advanced dental treatments. This is because the amount of sedative that is administered can be increased or decreased depending on what the patient needs. IV sedation also works very fast, since the sedative is administered directly into the bloodstream, which means the patient can be put into a calmer state quickly. Our IV treatments are always monitored by an experienced clinician who is focused on ensuring that the patient’s sedation treatment is safe and effective.
General Anesthetic
General anesthesia can be used to render patients unconscious for the duration of their treatment. This can be especially helpful for children, patients with special needs, or patients who otherwise have trouble sitting still for long periods of time. Patients who undergo general anesthesia will not be able to hear or respond to questions, and they will have little to no memory of their visit. If you believe general anesthesia may be the right choice for you, our team will review your medical history, current health status, and treatment plan to help decide if it will be a safe and productive choice.
Can I drive home after receiving dental sedation?
Local anesthetic is frequently used to numb the teeth and gums before a restorative treatment takes place. Since it’s only used for numbing purposes and does not alter the patient’s state of mind, any patient who receives local anesthetic is free to drive themselves home. The effects of oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia can last well after a patient’s treatment is complete, so we require a friend or family member to wait in our lobby during the patient’s appointment if they are utilizing these forms of sedation.
Does dental sedation come with side effects?
Dental sedation usually comes with mild side effects, if any. Patients are often a little tired post-treatment, but they may also experience dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, or headaches. Side effects of dental sedation should dissipate within 24 hours. If they last longer, become more severe, or a fever develops, please let our team know. The best thing a patient can do after their appointment is rest and relax as much as possible.
Who is not a candidate for dental sedation?
Before dental sedation is administered, our team thoroughly reviews the patient’s medical and oral health history to determine if sedation will be a safe and effective choice for them. We take into account the medications the patient is taking as well as their age and their allergies. Dental sedation is rarely approved for pregnant women due to safety concerns. Should you have any questions or concerns for our team regarding dental sedation, please don’t hesitate to ask, and we will be glad to assist.