Are you avoiding the dentist because of anxiety, dentophobia, or simply because you dread a lengthy treatment? Sedation dentistry is a comfortable alternative for patients who neglect to schedule dental appointments for these very reasons. 

According to the American Dental Association, nearly 22% of people skip dental appointments because they fear the dentist. Putting off dental visits increases the risks of developing tooth decay, severe infections, and even oral cancer. 

What Is Sedation Dentistry? 

Sedation dentistry, also known as sleep dentistry, is a form of sedation that allows patients to feel relaxed during appointments. We use it for various patients in various circumstances, including routine cleanings, tooth extractions, and root canals. 

A common misconception is that sedation dentistry is used only for oral surgery or more invasive procedures.

Our patients are fully asleep during the procedure, breathing on their own. They wake up quickly and walk out of the office afterward, although they are usually a little tired.   

Who Is a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry? 

For most people, sitting in the dentist’s chair is the last place they want to be. Whether you’ve experienced trauma or suffer from other conditions that make going to the dentist incredibly stressful, we provide safe and effective sedation dentistry. We recommend this option for those with: 

• Dental anxiety 
• A fear of visiting the dentist
• An overly sensitive gag reflex
• A fear of needles 
• Extreme teeth sensitivity
• Feelings of claustrophobia while in the dental chair 
• Decreased sensitivity to local anesthetic
• Difficulty sitting still 
• Special needs, including physical, cognitive, or behavioral 

Asheville Dental was the first dentistry practice in western North Carolina to offer IV sedation. Our experience is unsurpassed.

What Procedures Can I Have Under Sleep Dentistry?  

A common misconception is that sedation dentistry is used only for oral surgery or more invasive procedures. Fortunately, there are several treatments available, including: 

• Fillings
• Crowns
• Bridges
• Root canals 
• Tooth extractions 
• Cosmetic procedures
• Periodontal treatments 

Asheville Dental’s office provides these services using a board-certified anesthesiologist (M.D.) to administer and monitor the entire sedation process. 

What Are The Advantages? 

Dental anxiety can create obstacles when it comes to taking care of your teeth. Whether you’re nervous about an upcoming appointment or worry that your treatment will be uncomfortable, there are many reasons to talk to your dentist about sleep dentistry.

Patients with low pain thresholds, severe gag reflexes, or sensitive teeth can benefit from sedation dentistry. 

Consider these advantages. 

• Alleviate anxiety. Did you know nearly 60% of people admit to having some kind of fear about the dentist? Ease your dental experiences with sedation dentistry.
• Reduce discomfort. It’s not unusual for people to tense up at the anticipation of pain. Patients with low pain thresholds, severe gag reflexes, or sensitive teeth can benefit from sedation dentistry. 
• Safe and effective. You can find comfort in knowing sleep dentistry is safe and has minimal side effects. 
• Quick recovery. All these sedation options offer a speedy recovery. 

Don’t let dental fears compromise your well-being. Sedation during dentistry treatments will ease tension and fears, allowing you to relax and let the dentist restore your smile or just give you a regular check-up. 

What Are The Risks? 

Ultimately, sedation dentistry is safe and effective. Like any procedure, there is a small risk of short-term complications, including: 

• Lingering drowsiness 
• Dry mouth (xerostomia) 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Headaches 
• Bruising from the IV 

Note: It can also be difficult to predict the effects of oral sedation medications. However, Asheville Dental has an anesthesiologist to administer and monitor.  Due to that, people may have an allergic reaction, and certain medications can counteract these issues. Please provide your medical history to your dentist before treatment. 

At Asheville Dental, nothing is more important to our team than providing the highest quality dentistry to our patients. If the thought of going to the dentist makes you fearful or anxious, sedation dentistry will give you peace of mind and the care you need for long-lasting oral health. Contact us today to learn more!