117 Batesville Rd Suite 202, Simpsonville, SC 29681
Compassionate Care With Sedation Options
At Pearl Dental Studio, we understand the importance of a comfortable and pleasant visit. To ensure every patient feels relaxed, pain-free, and at ease, we offer sedation options for any treatment. If you believe sedation dentistry can enhance your experience during your appointment, call us today to discuss your needs with an expert. You’re also welcome to visit our office at 117 Batesville Rd Suite 202, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
Sedation dentistry uses anti-anxiety medication to help you feel relaxed and secure during your dental treatment. At Pearl Dental Studio, Dr. Cash offers both oral conscious sedation and minimally inhaled sedation. These sedation options can significantly reduce anxiety, nervousness, and fear. Combined with local anesthesia, they ensure that you experience no pain or discomfort during your procedure.
Common Reasons to Choose Sedation
The primary reason many patients opt for sedation is dental anxiety, which affects up to 20% of Americans, according to studies. In severe cases, this anxiety can prevent individuals from receiving even basic dental care, like cleanings and oral exams.
Sedation can also be beneficial for various other reasons. It helps patients remain still during lengthy procedures, which is often necessary for extensive or invasive treatments. Additionally, it can temporarily reduce the 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 is effective in reducing anxiety and nervousness during dental procedures. This method induces feelings of euphoria and a slight sense of disconnection from your body. Additionally, it acts as an analgesic, helping to diminish pain sensation. You will remain conscious and alert throughout the procedure. The effects of minimally inhaled sedation typically wear off within about five minutes after treatment, allowing you to drive yourself home or even return to work afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is administered in pill form about an hour before your appointment. This type of sedation helps you feel calm and relaxed during treatment, although you may also experience some grogginess or sleepiness. Patients usually remain awake during the procedure but are in a much more relaxed state. The effects can last 4 to 6 hours or even longer, so it’s important to arrange for a ride to and from your appointment.
How to Prepare For Sedation
Before you can receive sedation, Dr. Lindsay Cash will review your medical history, any medications you’re currently taking, and any past issues with substance abuse. This information is essential to ensure that sedation is safe and appropriate for you.
For all sedation methods, it's best to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to help you relax in the dentist’s chair. If you're opting for nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation, there are no additional preparations needed—just come to Pearl Dental Studio for your appointment.
However, there are a few extra steps to prepare for oral conscious sedation. You’ll 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 will take the sedative about an hour before your appointment.
Additionally, you must have a responsible adult drive you to and from your appointment at Pearl Dental Studio. The after-effects of oral conscious sedation can significantly impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery, lasting 4 to 6 hours or more in most cases. We will need to release you into the care of an adult who can drive you home.
What to Expect After Sedation
Immediately after the flow of nitrous oxide stops, the effects of laughing gas will begin to diminish, with most patients feeling completely normal within about 5 minutes. However, some common after-effects of laughing gas sedation can include headaches, nausea, and dizziness. These symptoms typically resolve quickly.
You can drive yourself home after receiving laughing gas since it does not impair motor skills and wears off rapidly. While you may choose to rest and relax for the remainder of the day following a significant oral procedure, you can return to work or school if necessary.
In contrast, the after-effects of oral conscious sedation last much longer and can be quite different. You may feel confused and groggy and might forget much of what occurred during the previous 1 to 2 hours. Nausea, headaches, and feelings of heaviness or sluggishness are also common. Your motor skills will be impaired, so you cannot drive yourself home. It is essential to have a responsible adult accompany you to your appointment and take you home afterward.
While you may feel normal after a few hours, your motor skills and ability to drive safely may remain impaired for up to 6 hours or longer, depending on your size, gender, and metabolism. Even after being driven home by someone you trust, it’s advisable to avoid driving for the rest of the day. Driving under the influence of any sedatives, even those legally administered by a dentist, is a crime and poses significant safety risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
