How can we help you?
Have questions? Here’s a selection of some commonly asked questions about our dental office and services. If you would like more information, please give us a call at (919) 362-6789.
Sedation Dentistry
The short answer -- YES we can! Simply give us a call and a member of our team will gladly schedule a visit for you with Dr. Watson to discuss ALL of your sedation options.
Now for the long answer. We offer many different sedation options that can be tailored to your specific need. You may be someone who has mild anxiety so maybe a bit of laughing gas is enough to put you at ease. Or perhaps you or your loved one has a debilitating phobia of the dentist due to trauma so then IV sedation with our CRNA would be best.
Nitrous Oxide
Often known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a mild sedative used to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable during dental procedures. You inhale the gas through a small mask placed over the nose, and in just a few short minutes, you should start to feel the calming effects. Once you remove the mask, the effects wear off within minutes.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your dental procedure, helping you achieve a deeper state of relaxation. Though you'll still appear awake and be able to respond to instructions, you may feel drowsy and not remember much about the procedure. A lot of our patients who choose this option actually fall asleep during the procedure because they are so relaxed.
IV Sedation
Intravenous (IV) sedation is when medications are administered directly into the bloodstream for immediate and deep relaxation. Dr. Watson is a trained and experienced IV sedation dentist and will ensure your safety and comfort throughout the procedure. Dr. Watson often works alongside a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) so you can be confident the sedation will be safe and effective, especially for patients with extreme dental anxiety, special needs, or those who undergo more complex or lengthy procedures.
Sedation Dentistry in Apex, NC
Sedation dentistry is an excellent way to alleviate your anxiety so you can receive the dental care you need to maintain a healthy smile.
Please give us a call today to learn more!
IV sedation is an excellent way to complete complex treatment procedures while feeling comfortable, at ease, and as if you were sleeping. Dr. Watson is one of very few dentists licensed to provide IV sedation in NC, so we're thrilled to offer it at Bass and Watson Family Dental.
How to Prepare for IV Sedation Dentistry in Apex, NC
Dr. Watson will provide specific instructions for your day of treatment, including when you should stop eating and drinking prior to surgery. Otherwise, just get a good night's rest before you come in!
You'll need transportation arranged to and from your appointment as you won't be able to safely drive yourself home after treatment.
During your procedures, Dr. Watson will monitor your vital signs and heart rate throughout, adjusting the medication whenever needed. You will feel relaxed as if you were sleeping, while still being able to respond to Dr. Watson.
After your procedure, plan on resting for the remainder of the day. Our team will send you home with after-care instructions, which vary depending on the type of procedure you complete.
We're here to support your needs throughout treatment and beyond into the recovery process. So don't hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or concerns after IV sedation dentistry in Apex.
Whether you can drive after dental sedation depends on the type of sedation you received. At Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC, we offer three sedation options. The driving guidelines are different for each.
Post-Sedation Driving Guidelines
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is the only sedation option that typically allows you to drive yourself home afterward. The effects wear off quickly once we remove the breathing mask, usually within a few minutes. Most patients feel back to normal before leaving the office. Your dentist will confirm you are clear to drive before you leave our office.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. The sedative effects are stronger than those of nitrous oxide and take several hours to clear your system fully.
You cannot drive after oral sedation. You will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you until the effects wear off.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation produces a deeper level of sedation delivered directly into the bloodstream. The effects take longer to wear off than either nitrous oxide or oral sedation.
You cannot drive after IV sedation. A responsible adult must drive you home and remain with you until the sedative effects have fully resolved, typically for the rest of the day.
If you have questions about which sedation option is right for you, contact Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, NC, at (919) 752-4887.