Safe and effective sedation to overcome dental anxiety.
Over 15% of the population has some sort of anxiety related to coming to the dentist. This anxiety should not prevent you from seeking out dental treatment! Our dentistry offices in Eastover, Fayetteville, Hope Mills, Laurinburg, Raeford, and St. Pauls offer sedation services that can help you feel comfortable during your visit.
Learn more about each sedation option below, then contact us online to schedule your next dental appointment.
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective sedative that induces a gentle state of relaxation, allowing you to remain conscious and responsive throughout your appointment. It wears off quickly once the procedure is complete, enabling you to resume your daily activities without any lingering effects.
General Anesthesia
Our highly skilled team of dental professionals are trained in administering general anesthesia safely and effectively, allowing you to undergo extensive procedures with ease. With general anesthesia, you will be comfortably sedated throughout your procedure, minimizing any discomfort or anxiety you may feel.
Adult Moderate Conscious IV Sedation
For those seeking a deeper level of relaxation during their treatment, we offer adult moderate conscious IV sedation, ensuring a serene and stress-free experience. Our experienced team of dental professionals is trained in administering IV sedation safely and effectively, tailoring the dosage to your specific needs and ensuring your utmost comfort throughout the procedure.
Pediatric Moderate Conscious Oral Sedation
For children who may feel anxious or apprehensive about dental treatment, we offer pediatric moderate conscious oral sedation, ensuring a calm and comfortable experience for both children and parents alike. Pediatric moderate conscious oral sedation involves the administration of a mild sedative medication in the form of a liquid or pill, which helps your child relax and feel more at ease during their dental appointment. While under sedation, your child remains conscious and responsive, allowing our team to perform the necessary procedures while ensuring their comfort and safety.
Find answers to your sedation dentistry questions.
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes you uneasy, you’re not alone - and you have options. Sedation helps patients feel calm, comfortable, and at ease during their visit, whether they experience mild anxiety or a more significant dental fear. This FAQ section answers some of the most common questions about sedation dentistry, so you can better understand how it works, what to expect, and whether it’s the right choice for your needs.
Sedation dentistry uses safe, controlled medications to help you relax during dental procedures. Depending on the type of sedation used, you may feel calm and at ease or even sleep lightly through your appointment.
Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who experience dental anxiety, have a low pain tolerance, struggle with a strong gag reflex, need extensive treatment, or have difficulty sitting still for long periods.
Most patients feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. With lighter sedation, you’ll remain awake but calm. With deeper sedation, you may feel drowsy and remember little to nothing about the procedure, though you are not fully unconscious.
Yes. Sedation dentistry is very safe when administered by trained professionals. We carefully review your medical history, monitor you throughout your procedure, and use proven techniques to ensure your safety and comfort.
We evaluate your anxiety level, medical history, the type of procedure, and your personal preferences. Based on this, we recommend the safest and most effective sedation option for your needs, whether that is nitrous oxide, conscious IV, or general anesthesia.
Preparation depends on the type of sedation. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period beforehand and to arrange for someone to drive you home if needed. We’ll provide detailed instructions before your visit.
Sedation dentistry significantly reduces discomfort and helps you stay relaxed. We also use local anesthesia to ensure the treatment area is fully numb, so you should not feel pain during your procedure.
It varies by type. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, often within minutes. Oral and IV sedation can last several hours, with lingering drowsiness possible for the rest of the day.
After lighter sedation, you may feel normal right away. With deeper sedation, you may feel groggy or tired for a few hours. We recommend resting for the remainder of the day.
If you receive oral or IV sedation, yes - you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you home. Nitrous oxide typically does not require this, as its effects wear off quickly.
Side effects are generally mild and may include drowsiness, dry mouth, or slight nausea. Serious complications are rare, and we take every precaution to minimize risks.
For certain types of sedation, you may need to avoid food and drink for several hours beforehand. We’ll give you specific guidelines based on your treatment plan.
Costs vary based on the type of sedation used and the length of your procedure. Some insurance plans may cover a portion, especially if it’s medically necessary. Our team can review your benefits and provide a clear estimate.
Yes, sedation can be used for most procedures, from routine cleanings to more complex treatments such as dental implants or extractions. It’s especially helpful for longer or more involved appointments.
We’ll review your full medical history and current medications to ensure sedation is safe for you. In some cases, we may coordinate with your physician before proceeding.
Yes, certain forms of sedation - like nitrous oxide - are commonly and safely used for children. We’ll recommend the most appropriate option based on your child’s age, health, and needs during their pediatric dental visit.
With nitrous oxide, you can usually resume normal activities immediately. With oral or IV sedation, you should plan to rest for the day and return to normal routines the following day.
Let us know right away. We’ll review your previous experience in detail and adjust your treatment plan accordingly to ensure your safety and comfort.