In the not-too-distant past, dentists had a problem with their image, thanks largely to movies like “Mandible,” “Marathon Man, “Novocaine,” “The Dentist,” and its sequel, “Dentist 2.” While dentists’ image has vastly improved over the years, there are still many people who are nervous about their dental visits. Having anxiety prior to seeing a dentist is more common thank you think. In fact, one of three Americans experiences anxiety before seeing their dentist, and many do their best to tolerate their situation. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you should know that Atlantic Dental Group offers Sedation Dentistry in Wilmington, NC.
As a patient-focused practice, our #1 priority is to ensure our patients are comfortable and at ease every time they visit us. This is why we offer a couple of sedation options to ensure you complete your dental procedure in a relaxed and comfortable manner, both physically and emotionally.
Unlike General Anesthesia at hospitals, in which patients are “put under” prior to an operation, Sedation Dentistry is a light form of conscious sedation. You will still be able to interact with your dental team to ensure the efficiency and safety of your procedure. However, you should know that many patients never even remember a thing, which is a major benefit for patients with high levels of anxiety.
Option 1: Oral Sedation
Oral Sedation is a good choice for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety, and who don’t want an IV. It might seem as simple as taking one or two pills but in reality, it is monitored and treated as thoroughly as IV sedation. One huge drawback is that unlike IV sedation, you cannot fine-tune the level of sedation. That means patient experiences can vary depending on metabolism, age, and medical history. For both oral and IV sedation, although conscious, it is not uncommon for patients to comfortably drift in and out of sleep during the procedure.
Option 2: IV Sedation
A very predictable sedation option that can be used for mild, moderate, or severe dental anxiety. It is beneficial for patients that wish to get multiple treatments done to minimize the number of dental appointments. IV medications can be given and fine-tuned specifically to each patient, which greatly improves the effectiveness of the sedation experience.
Regardless of which option you choose and your medical history, rest assured either our doctor or a separate dental anesthesiologist will be present to carry out and monitor your sedation procedure. And you can trust that you will be taken care of by a very well-trained team containing BLS and ACLS certifications, and who have your best interest and safety in mind at all times.
To learn more about Sedation Dentistry or to schedule an appointment with our experienced team, call 910-762-0958 or click here today. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have – we look forward to welcoming you to our family!