Do you feel nervous just thinking about going to the dentist? Maybe your palms sweat. Maybe your heart races. Or maybe you’ve avoided checkups for years because of a bad experience in the past. You are not alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of adults. Some people are so afraid that they only come in when they’re in terrible pain. By then, a small cavity has turned into a root canal or an extraction.
At Orchard Hill Dental, we want to help you break that cycle. Dr. Jessica Christy offers sedation dentistry in Hendersonville to help anxious patients get the care they need, comfortably and safely.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax during dental procedures. It is not the same as being put to sleep for surgery. Instead, you stay awake and aware, but you feel calm and at ease. Most patients describe it as a twilight feeling.
We offer sedation for everything from routine cleanings to fillings, crowns, and even implant placements. The goal is to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
How Sedation Dentistry Works
Understanding how sedation dentistry works starts with knowing the types of sedation available. Dr. Christy will help you choose the best option based on your needs and medical history.
Types of Sedation
Nitrous oxide. This is often called laughing gas. You breathe it in through a small mask over your nose. The gas helps you relax within minutes. It wears off quickly after the mask is removed. You can drive yourself home after the appointment. This option is great for mild to moderate anxiety.
Oral sedation. You take a pill about an hour before your appointment. The medication makes you feel drowsy and calm. You will still be awake, but you may fall asleep during the procedure. You will need someone to drive you home after the appointment.
IV sedation. This is the deepest level of sedation we offer. The medication is given through an IV line. It works quickly and can be adjusted during the procedure. You will be very relaxed and may not remember much of your visit. You will need someone to drive you home after the appointment. Dr. Brad Stone, a board-certified anesthesiologist, is available to provide and monitor IV sedation for our patients.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you are wondering how sedation dentistry works in practice, here is a step-by-step look.
- Step 1: Consultation. Dr. Christy will review your medical history and discuss your anxiety level. She will explain your sedation options and answer any questions you have. This is the time to share any concerns about safety or side effects.
- Step 2: Preparation. If you choose oral or IV sedation, you will receive instructions for the day of your appointment. You will need to fast for several hours before the procedure. You will also need a responsible adult to drive you to and from the appointment.
- Step 3: Sedation. When you arrive, your care team will help you get comfortable. If you are using nitrous oxide, you will wear a small mask. If you are using oral or IV sedation, you will receive your medication. You will start to feel relaxed within minutes.
- Step 4: Treatment. Once you are comfortable, Dr. Christy will begin your dental work. You will stay awake and able to respond to questions. But you will feel sleepy and at ease. Most patients remember very little about the procedure afterward.
- Step 5: Recovery. After the procedure, you will rest in our office until you are ready to go home. You will need someone to drive you. The medication takes a few hours to fully wear off.
Sedation Helps You Get the Care You Have Been Putting Off
Here’s the thing. Avoiding the dentist does not make dental problems go away. It makes them worse. A small cavity becomes a large one. A little gum inflammation turns into periodontitis. A chipped tooth fractures further.
Sedation removes the fear barrier. Once you are relaxed, Dr. Christy can do her job. She restores your oral health with precision and care. She uses advanced tools like soft tissue lasers and digital scanners to make procedures faster and more comfortable.
What Does Sedation Feel Like?
Most patients describe sedation as a pleasant, dreamy state. You will feel sleepy but still able to respond to questions or follow instructions. The time passes quickly.
Afterward, you will need someone to drive you home. The medication takes a few hours to fully wear off. Many patients tell us they do not remember much about their appointment.
Here is what one of our patients shared. “I used to shake just sitting in the waiting room. With sedation, I woke up at home wondering if they had even started. It was the easiest dental visit of my life.”
You Deserve a Healthy Smile Without Fear
At Orchard Hill Dental, we do not judge. Whether you have not seen a dentist in six months or six years, you are welcome here. We proudly serve patients from Hendersonville and all surrounding areas.
Give us a call. Let us talk about how sedation dentistry can help you finally get the care you need without the white-knuckle grip on the armrest.
Call us today at (828) 247-7001 or schedule your consultation online. Your healthier smile is closer than you think.