A lot of adults avoid the dentist. Not because they don’t care about their teeth, but because they’re genuinely scared. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is incredibly common. But you don’t have to white-knuckle your way through appointments anymore. Sedation dentistry has changed everything.
What Is Sedation Dentistry, Exactly?
Sedation dentistry is exactly what it sounds like: using medication to help you relax during dental procedures. It’s not the same as being “put to sleep” for surgery. Instead, think of it as a way to take the edge off.
The goal is simple: you stay awake and aware enough to respond if we need you to, but you feel deeply calm. Most patients describe it as a dreamy, floaty feeling. Some people don’t even remember the procedure afterward.
Two Main Types We Offer
At Bladenboro Family Dentistry, we offer two different levels of sedation. Which one we recommend depends on your needs and your comfort level.
Nitrous oxide, you probably know it as laughing gas, is the milder option. You breathe it in through a small mask over your nose. Within minutes, you start feeling relaxed and maybe a little tingly. The best part? It wears off almost immediately once we turn it off. You can drive yourself home afterward.
Oral sedation is a little stronger. You’ll take a small pill about an hour before your appointment. By the time you’re in the chair, you’ll be in a state of deep relaxation. With this option, you’ll need someone to drive you home, but the calm you’ll feel is worth the extra planning.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation?
Sedation isn’t just for people with full-blown dental phobias. It can help a wide range of patients:
- A sensitive gag reflex that makes X-rays or impressions tough
- Back or neck pain that makes it hard to sit still for long appointments
- A lot of work done in one visit and just don’t want to sit through it all.
Or maybe life is just stressful enough already. Why add dental anxiety to the list?
We also use sedation for patients who need complex procedures like multiple fillings, crowns, or extractions. It helps us work more efficiently while keeping you comfortable the whole time.
What Does Sedation Feel Like?
This is the question we hear most, and the answer is reassuringly simple: it feels like you just don’t care.
Not in a weird or groggy way, more like you’re aware of what’s happening, but it just doesn’t bother you. Dr. French and our team will still talk to you, check in with you, and make sure you’re okay.
If you choose oral sedation, you might even fall asleep in the chair. You could wake up wondering when we’re going to start, only to find out we’re already finished.
Is Sedation Safe?
Yes. We take safety seriously every single step of the way.
Before we ever recommend sedation, we review your health history thoroughly. We monitor your vital signs throughout the appointment. And we only use doses that are proven to be safe and effective.
Dr. French has extensive training in sedation techniques. We don’t take shortcuts, and we never push sedation on anyone. It’s always your choice.
A Few Practical Things to Know
If you’re considering sedation, here are a few details to plan for.
If you choose oral sedation, you’ll need to arrange a ride home. You won’t be able to drive, and you’ll probably feel relaxed for the rest of the day. Plan to take it easy afterward, no meetings, no heavy lifting, no errands.
Wear comfortable clothes to your appointment. Bring headphones if you like to listen to music. We want you to feel as cozy as possible.
You Don’t Have to Be Brave Anymore
Dental care shouldn’t require courage. It should be routine, comfortable, and maybe even a little boring.
If fear has been keeping you from getting the care you need, we hope you’ll give us a chance. Call our Bladenboro office at 910-469-4592 or request an appointment online. You’ve been putting it off long enough. Let us show you how different things can be.