Sedation Dentistry – North Raleigh, NC
Sit Back
and Relax
Are you tentative or apprehensive about the potential pain and discomfort of dental procedures? As a general and restorative dentist who offers sedation dentistry in North Raleigh, we assure you that you’re not alone. Many patients just like you experience some level of anxiety when visiting the dentist, some even avoid the dentist altogether because of outright fear. We can help! We provide oral sedation that puts you in a relaxed, anxiety-free state and allows you to remain at ease and comfortable during your entire dental treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Philip A. Lisk for Sedation Dentistry?
- Nitrous Oxide Available for Most Procedures
- Highly Relaxing Office Environment
- Experienced, Caring Dentist with Gentle Touch
Nitrous Oxide Sedation
You’ve probably heard of dentists using “laughing gas” to keep their nervous patients at ease. The actual name for the sedative is nitrous oxide. When mixed with oxygen and inhaled through the nose, it causes patients to feel utterly relaxed and anxiety-free in the treatment chair. If you would like to find out if you’re a candidate, get in touch with us to schedule an appointment. If you want to learn a bit more about this calming solution before then, keep reading!
Who is a Good Candidate for Nitrous Oxide?
One of the most common reasons patients use nitrous oxide is to combat dental-related anxiety. While it’s certainly effective, it also has other uses. In fact, this calming solution is ideal for everything from patients who struggle with a fear of needles to patients who have a disability that makes it near-impossible to sit still in the treatment chair. If you think you would benefit from nitrous oxide, schedule an appointment with us so we can learn all about your medical history and determine if you’re a good candidate.
How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?
Nitrous oxide is administered through a small mask, which we will place over your nose after you’ve settled comfortably into the treatment chair. After a few minutes of breathing in the odorless, colorless gas, you’ll begin to feel the effects set in, making you feel calm and comfortable in the process. It’s important to remember, however, that the sedative is not actually meant to put you to sleep. You will be able to respond to any directions we give you, and you’ll be able to ask any questions you have as well.
Aftercare for Nitrous Oxide
When we’re finished working on your teeth or gums, we will let you know that we are switching off the nitrous oxide. Within a matter of minutes, the effects will wear off. That means no downtime or lingering grogginess – you’ll be able to resume your day as you usually would!
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Why should you seek sedation dentistry? A majority of the patients we see with some level of dental phobia don’t keep up regular visits. Anxiety can be a strong deterrent from getting the dental treatment needed for optimal oral health, whether it’s a general dentistry visit such as a routine cleaning or a more advanced restorative procedure such as dental implants. Without dental care, patients often suffer from dental disease that’s highly treatable, including tooth decay and gum disease. Once dental pain begins, it does not go away on its own and typically gets worse over time. Days filled with mouth discomfort take away from your quality of life, making it more and more difficult to smile. In short, highly effective and safe sedation dentistry offers patients with mild to moderate fear a way to get the treatment they need without the stress.
Contact Us to Learn More
If you would like more information about these methods of sedation dentistry, please contact us. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you overcome your fears for a brighter, healthier smile.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients with good health. Your sedation dentist in North Raleigh will learn more about your medical history because certain conditions can increase your risk of complications. They will also review any over-the-counter or prescribed medications you're taking to ensure they won't interact poorly with sedation. You will also be closely monitored by our dental team during your appointment for your safety. Generally, nitrous oxide is the safest type of dental sedation. It's even safe for children.
What Does Dental Sedation Feel Like?
Nitrous oxide takes effect quickly. You'll reach a deep level of relaxation and your body may feel warm or heavy. Some patients report feeling tingling sensations in their extremities. You may even find yourself giggling for no obvious reason. It's not unusual for patients to fall asleep because you may become a little drowsy. However, you will not be rendered unconscious. You can be awakened to respond to your dental team's instructions. Once your procedure is complete, the nasal mask is removed. After a few deep breaths, you'll feel completely normal. You can even drive yourself home from your appointment.
Will I Feel Any Pain with Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation can be used along with numbing medication. You will not have any outright pain; however, you may feel some pressure or unusual sensations. Depending on your treatment plan, you may experience temporary tenderness after the effects of any medications wear off. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eating soft foods. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.
Will I Remember Anything with Dental Sedation?
Certain types of dental sedation can cause fragmented memory loss, which can be a great option for patients who have had negative experiences with a dentist previously. Memory loss is more likely to occur with oral conscious or IV sedation, but nitrous oxide can also make your memory a little fuzzy.
What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is considered one of the safest forms of dental sedation because it’s gentle and wears off quickly. Still, no treatment is completely risk-free. Possible side effects include lightheadedness, nausea, headache, or tingling, which usually fade within minutes of the mask coming off.
In rare circumstances, patients with certain breathing or medical conditions may not be good candidates. If this is the case, Dr. Lisk will let you know before moving forward with treatment. As a sedation dentist in North Raleigh, he takes every precaution to make sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout your visit.
Is sedation dentistry covered by insurance?
Coverage for dental sedation varies from plan to plan. Some dental insurance policies consider it an elective option and may not cover it at all, while others pay a portion when it’s deemed medically necessary.
Patients with severe dental anxiety, a strong gag reflex, or physical conditions like Parkinson's may qualify for these exceptions. However, it’s always best to talk with your provider to make sure.
In some cases, you may be able to use funds from a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to help with the fee, even when traditional insurance doesn’t apply.
If you need help sorting through your options, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We can go over your policy and see how we can maximize your coverage.
Does dental sedation make you tell secrets?
Probably not in the way most people may think! Dental sedation isn’t “truth serum,” it’s simply a medication that helps you relax. With nitrous oxide, specifically, you stay awake, aware, and able to respond to questions, but you feel calm and less focused on what’s happening around you.
You may become a little more talkative or giggly, but you’ll remain in control of what you say. Even if you do reveal something private or embarrassing while under sedation, our team is bound by both strict ethical standards and federal privacy laws (HIPAA) to keep your information confidential.