117 Batesville Rd Suite 202, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Avoid Pain and Anxiety
Sedation Dentistry in Five Forks
At Pearl Dental Studio, we understand the importance of providing a pleasant experience for every patient. To ensure your comfort and make your visit pain-free and relaxing, we offer sedation options for all treatments. If you believe sedation dentistry could enhance your experience during your appointment, give us a call today to discuss your needs with one of our experts. You can also visit us at our office located at 117 Batesville Rd Suite 202, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry uses anti-anxiety medication to enhance your comfort and sense of safety during dental treatments. At Pearl Dental Studio, Dr. Cash offers both oral conscious sedation and minimally inhaled sedation options. These sedation techniques can significantly alleviate feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and fear. When paired with local anesthesia, they ensure that you experience no pain or discomfort throughout your procedure.
Common Reasons to Choose Sedation
The primary reason many patients opt for sedation is dental anxiety, which studies indicate may affect up to 20% of Americans. In severe cases, this anxiety can prevent individuals from receiving even basic dental care, such as cleanings and oral exams.
Sedation can also be beneficial for various other reasons. It can help patients remain still for extended periods, which is often necessary during extensive or invasive treatments. Additionally, sedation can temporarily reduce your gag reflex, making it easier for Dr. Cash to work on your back teeth. To learn more and determine if you’re a good candidate for sedation, schedule your appointment today!
Our Sedation Options
Minimally Inhaled Sedation
Minimal inhaled sedation can effectively alleviate feelings of anxiety and nervousness. This sedation method induces a sense of euphoria and creates a slight disconnection from your body while also serving as an analgesic, reducing pain sensation. Importantly, you will remain conscious and alert throughout the entire procedure. The effects of minimally inhaled sedation typically wear off within about five minutes after treatment, allowing you to drive yourself home or return to work afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form approximately one hour before your appointment. This type of sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment, though it may also leave you feeling groggy or sleepy. Most patients remain awake throughout the procedure but in a much more relaxed state. The effects of oral conscious sedation can last for 4 to 6 hours or longer, so it’s important to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment.
How to Prepare For Sedation
Before you can undergo sedation, Dr. Lindsay Cash will review your medical history, any medications you are currently taking, and any past issues related to drug abuse. This information is essential to ensure that sedation is safe and appropriate for you.
For all sedation methods, please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to ensure you feel at ease in the dentist’s chair. If you’re having nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, there are no additional preparation steps—just arrive at Pearl Dental Studio for your appointment.
However, there are a few extra steps to prepare for oral conscious sedation. You will typically need to fast (avoid eating or drinking) for at least 6 hours prior to your procedure to ensure the sedative is properly digested. You’ll usually take your sedative about an hour before your appointment.
Additionally, it’s important to arrange for a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment. The after-effects of oral conscious sedation can significantly impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery, and these effects can last for 4 to 6 hours or longer. We will need to release you into the care of an adult who can safely drive you home.
What to Expect After Sedation
Immediately after the flow of nitrous oxide stops, the effects of laughing gas begin to wear off, and most patients feel completely normal within about 5 minutes. However, some common after-effects of laughing gas sedation may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, which typically resolve quickly.
You can drive yourself home after receiving laughing gas, as it does not impair motor skills and wears off rapidly. While you may feel fine, it’s advisable to rest and relax for the remainder of the day after a significant oral procedure. However, if necessary, you can return to work or school.
In contrast, the after-effects of oral conscious sedation are quite different and tend to last longer. You may experience confusion and grogginess and will likely forget much of what happened during the previous 1 to 2 hours. Common side effects include nausea, headaches, and feelings of heaviness or sluggishness. Your motor skills will be impaired, so driving yourself home is not an option.
After oral conscious sedation, you should not return to work or school. Instead, arrange to go home under the care of a responsible adult, where you can rest and relax as the sedative effects wear off.
Please note that even if you feel normal after a few hours, your motor skills and ability to drive safely may still be impaired for up to 6 hours or longer, depending on factors like your size, gender, and metabolism.
It’s generally best not to drive at all on the day of your sedation at our Five Forks office. Driving under the influence of any drugs, including legally administered sedatives from a dentist, is illegal and extremely unsafe.
Frequently Asked Questions
