Sedation Dentistry
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Smiling Made Easier: Experience the Dental Difference with Us!
Sedation dentistry involves using medications or techniques to help patients feel calm, comfortable, and relaxed during dental procedures. This approach is especially beneficial for those who experience dental anxiety, have a low pain threshold, require extensive dental work, or have difficulty sitting still during treatment.
At Lake Hickory Dental, Dr. Steljes offers tailored sedation options based on your individual needs. This ensures that you receive the highest standard of care while feeling at ease throughout your treatment.
What Sedation Dentistry Can Do for You
Life-changing benefits come with sedation dentistry, especially for patients who have avoided necessary care due to fear or discomfort. Here’s how sedation can help you:
- Ease Dental Anxiety: Say goodbye to the nerves often accompanying dental visits. With sedation, you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed from start to finish.
- Minimized Discomfort: Sedation ensures that you barely feel the sensations of your treatment, making it a great choice for extensive or sensitive procedures.
- Longer Appointments Made Comfortable: Do you need multiple procedures? Sedation dentistry allows us to extend appointment times and complete various treatments in one visit, reducing the number of visits you need.
- Improved Oral Health: Finally, addressing long-overdue dental issues can significantly impact your oral health and well-being.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
At Lake Hickory Dental, we provide two main types of sedation to accommodate our patients’ preferences and comfort levels.
1. Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)
Nitrous oxide is one of the most popular and widely used forms of sedation. Known as “laughing gas,” it’s administered through a small mask over your nose. The gas induces relaxation and mild euphoria, calming you throughout your procedure.
- The effects wear off quickly after removing the mask, meaning you can safely drive home after your appointment.
2. Minimal Oral Conscious Sedation
We offer minimal oral conscious sedation if you need a deeper sense of relaxation. This involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before your appointment.
- Under oral sedation, you’ll remain awake but feel very calm and drowsy. Many patients report feeling as though time passes quickly or not remembering much about the appointment, making it an ideal choice for those with heightened anxiety.
Whether you choose nitrous oxide or oral sedation, we prioritize making your dental experience stress-free and comfortable.
What to Expect from Sedation Dentistry in Hickory
Are you curious about what will happen when you choose sedation dentistry at Lake Hickory Dental? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect before, during, and after your treatment.
Before Your Appointment
Dr. Steljes takes the time to understand your needs through a personalized consultation. He’ll review your dental health, discuss concerns, and recommend the best sedation option. If you opt for oral conscious sedation, you’ll receive clear instructions and the prescribed sedative for use before your treatment.
During Your Procedure
With sedation, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and at ease. Nitrous oxide allows its effects to kick in rapidly, while oral conscious sedation will likely take effect when you arrive. Our caring team will closely monitor you to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
Procedures Commonly Performed with Sedation Dentistry
Some of the treatments where sedation may be used include:
- Complex restorative procedures like crowns, bridges, or dental implants.
- Tooth extractions or wisdom tooth removal.
- Gum disease treatments (deep cleaning or scaling, and root planing).
- Routine dental cleanings for anxious patients.
After Your Appointment
One of the benefits of nitrous oxide is that its effects wear off quickly, so you can go about your day right after your visit. If you’ve used oral conscious sedation, it’s important to have someone available to drive you home and stay with you as the effects fully fade.
Why Choose Lake Hickory Dental?
At Lake Hickory Dental in Hickory, NC, we go above and beyond to create a more comfortable, personalized dental experience. Here’s why patients choose us for sedation dentistry in Hickory and beyond.
A Personalized Approach with Dr. Rob
Dr. Steljes takes great pride in tailoring treatment plans to meet each patient’s needs. No two smiles are the same, and at Lake Hickory Dental, neither are treatment plans.
Advanced Technology for Better Dentistry
We’ve integrated state-of-the-art technology into our dental practice to ensure every treatment is less invasive and more efficient. Technology and innovation are central to our care, from digital imaging to minimally invasive techniques.
Flexible Financing Options
We understand that affordability is key, so we offer financing options through CareCredit and Proceed Finance, making dental care accessible for all.
Sedation Dentistry in Hickory
Don’t let fear or discomfort keep you from achieving your healthiest, most confident smile. At Lake Hickory Dental, we’re committed to providing expert, compassionate care that prioritizes your comfort.
Book your consultation today and experience the difference sedation dentistry can make. Dr. Rob and the team are ready to welcome you to a stress-free dental experience.