Does your heart start pounding at the mere thought of having a cavity filled? Do you get sweaty palms when you drive by any cosmetic dental practice?
Many Raleigh and Cary residents who have improved their smile with restorative or cosmetic dentistry chose to use sedation. Even patients without extensive treatment needs have benefited from sedation dentistry.
Though the terms “sleep dentistry” and “oral conscious sedation” are often used interchangeably, they are not identical. There are three main types of sedation used in dentistry, all of which the doctors at Cary Family Dental can offer.
Nitrous Oxide
The first level uses nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas” as it is sometimes called. Nitrous oxide has been used in Cary cosmetic dental offices for generations because it is safe and effective. It goes to work at the first inhalation, relaxes the patient during the procedure, but wears off quickly after the mask is pulled off. If you need a little help to get through dental treatment, but don’t want to be knocked out cold, nitrous may be your best option.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Oral sedatives don’t start working as quickly as nitrous oxide, but they help most patients achieve a deeper level of tranquility. These medications, however, do not usually produce complete unconsciousness. Thus, oral sedatives and nitrous oxide are used in “conscious” sedation.
Two common sedatives used in Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs are diazepam and triazolam. If you think oral conscious sedation might be right for you, talk to one of our doctors at your next visit.
IV Sedation
IV sedation uses medications similar to those used in surgery and results in true “sleep dentistry.” Unlike general anesthesia, under IV sedation you are still able to take instructions from the dentist and breath on your own. Most patients however, are completely oblivious to what is going on in their mouth when under IV sedation.
IV sedation is often used for procedures such as root canals, wisdom teeth extractions and multi-procedure smile makeovers. Only certain dentists offer IV sedation because of the extensive training it takes to become certified.
We are proud to have Dr. Parth Parekh on our team of dentists who is certified and experienced in IV sedation. In fact, Cary Family Dental is one of only 5% of North Carolina dentists who are offering this unique sedation service.
To learn more about sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, tooth implants, or porcelain veneers, call Cary Family Dental at 919-371-4428.
