Sedation DentistryCharlotte & Ballantyne NC
Lose the Fear and get the care your smile deserves.
Relaxing Sedation
Alleviate Your Dental Anxiety Safely
Each year, millions of Americans go without needed dental care due to fear or anxiety about their treatment. This is a common feeling, as studies suggest that as much as 75% of the adult population suffers from some degree of dental fear. Plus, as many as one in 10 Americans completely avoid dental treatment because of their overwhelming dental anxiety. If you are one of these people, you no longer have to fear your dental appointments.
Dr. Robert Harrell at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne is a certified sedation dentist who regularly helps patients receive the treatment they need without stress, worry or pain. In fact, he is one of Charlotte’s leading providers of sedation dentistry. All forms of sedation are available at Adult Dentistry. Our patients have options ranging from oral conscious sedation to IV sedation.
State dental boards mandate strict guidelines for the practice of sedation dentistry, and Dr. Harrell is fully licensed and guided by years of experience with hundreds of sedation patients. Sedation is an exploding segment of dental treatment, so it evolves quickly. Adult Dentistry is always up-to-date with the latest advances in the field.
Dr. Harrell will recommend the type of sedation that’s best suited for each patient after evaluating their particular needs.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Patients Are Totally Relaxed
IV sedation and Oral Sedation allows patients to be totally relaxed to fully asleep during the surgical procedure. It also allows the surgeon to focus completely on the surgery without the distraction of comforting a nervous patient. While you are sedated, we are able to perform the necessary work without any interruptions or distractions, making it more predictable and safer.
Enhanced Control/Shorter Surgery Time
Without the distraction of a patient’s anxiety, we can focus solely on completing the task at hand. The shorter the time spent in surgery, the faster the healing and the lower the risk of complications. Sedation reduces surgical times, limits complications and improves outcomes.
Faster Recovery
With IV Sedation, once we stop administering the medication, the effects will begin to wear off. You’ll still need someone to drive you home after your procedure, as you’re likely to experience lingering drowsiness while the sedation leaves your bloodstream. The effects of the oral medications may last a bit longer. Regardless of which form of sedation is used during treatment, recovery times are shorter and the odds of post-surgical complications are reduced.
- Patients feel completely relaxed, but they are aware and maintain movement control.
- Tolerance levels are higher, so complex procedures can be completed in fewer visits.
- The ability to receive routine dental care is restored, greatly improving one’s overall health.
- The anxiety response is neutralized. Common triggers like the sight of the instruments have no effect.
- Sedation patients remember little or nothing at all about their treatments.
- The gag reflex is inhibited.
Types of sedation we offer:
What is IV Sedation?
IV (intravenous) sedation is a procedure whereby a Board-certified doctor administers anti-anxiety medications, like those used in oral sedation, directly into a patient’s bloodstream. This form of sedation produces a “twilight” state. Patients are able to respond to the dentist’s questions in the moment but don’t remember much of anything later.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation, often simply referred to as oral sedation, is popular because it doesn’t require any type of injection. Oral sedation medications are taken by mouth and dissolved under the tongue.
With both types of sedation, it is required that the patient be driven to and from their appointment.
Something To Smile About
Feelings of anxiousness can psychologically contribute to sensations of pain. Thank goodness modern sedation dentistry techniques are capable of putting patients at ease no matter how severe their anxiety may be. In many cases, patients awake from their sedated state with a brand new smile and no recollection of the procedure whatsoever.
If you would like to know more about sedation dentistry, call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Harrell. He will be happy to discuss both the sedation and dental procedure options available to help you smile with pride.
