If you are a referring dentist please fill out, print and send this form: Referral for Sedation Services
At Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, we are fully aware of the challenges that can hinder access to oral healthcare. Our compassionate dental team is dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming environment where every patient feels at ease throughout their dental journey. We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality dental care, which is why we offer several dental sedation options to ensure your comfort and peace of mind during your dental treatments.
Dental sedation is a safe and effective method used to help patients relax and feel comfortable during various dental procedures. It involves the administration of sedative drugs that induce a state of relaxation, reducing anxiety, fear, and discomfort often associated with dental treatments. Our experienced dental professionals will carefully tailor the sedation to meet your unique needs and ensure that you have a positive and stress-free dental experience.
1. Dental Anxiety and Fear: Dental anxiety is a common issue affecting people of all ages. The fear of dental procedures can prevent patients from seeking necessary dental care, leading to more significant oral health problems in the future. If the fear of dental procedures has been keeping you away from the dentist for years, know that you are not alone. At our practice, we see many patients who have avoided dental care due to dental phobia and anxiety. Dental sedation can help manage anxiety, enabling you to receive the care you need without distress.
2. Complex Dental Procedures: Certain dental treatments can be more extensive and time-consuming. Whether it's a complex root canal treatment or multiple procedures in a single visit, dental sedation can help you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.
3. Gag Reflex: Some patients have a sensitive gag reflex, which can make dental procedures uncomfortable and challenging for both the patient and the dental team. Dental sedation can reduce this reflex, making treatments more manageable for everyone involved.
4. Physical or Cognitive Limitations: Patients with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments may find it challenging to sit still for extended periods during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry in Apex can help these patients stay calm, still and comfortable, ensuring a smoother dental experience. We are particularly sensitive to our special needs population such as those with sensory processing disorders or behavior management concerns.
5. Past Negative Dental Experiences: A previous unpleasant dental experience can create fear and apprehension about future visits. Dental sedation can help patients overcome these negative associations and receive the care they need without anxiety.
1. Reduced Anxiety and Fear: Dental sedation creates a relaxed and calm state, easing anxiety and fear associated with dental visits. You can undergo your dental treatments with confidence, knowing that our caring team is here to support you every step of the way.
2. Enhanced Comfort: Dental sedation ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure, even for more involved treatments.
3. Time Efficiency: Dental sedation allows us to perform multiple treatments in one visit, reducing the number of appointments needed and saving you valuable time.
4. Better Oral Health: By overcoming dental anxiety and receiving the necessary treatments, you can improve your oral health and prevent more significant issues from developing in the future.
5. Personalized Approach: We understand that every patient's needs are unique. Our dental team will discuss your medical history and concerns thoroughly, tailoring the sedation approach to suit your individual requirements.
At Bass & Watson Family Dental our experienced dental team is trained in administering various sedation techniques. Before recommending sedation, we will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and discuss your concerns and preferences to determine the most suitable option for you.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a colorless and odorless gas used in sedation dentistry to help patients feel relaxed and at ease during dental procedures. Administered through a comfortable mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled, reaching the bloodstream quickly. It works by reducing anxiety and inducing a mild sense of euphoria, which helps patients remain calm and cooperative during their treatment. One of the significant advantages of nitrous oxide is its quick onset and ability to wear off rapidly after the gas supply is stopped, allowing patients to resume their normal activities without lingering side effects. Its effectiveness in minimizing dental anxiety has made nitrous oxide a popular choice for creating a more comfortable dental experience.
In dentistry, oral sedation is a highly effective method utilized to alleviate anxiety during dental procedures. It involves the administration of a pill that induces a profound sense of relaxation, allowing patients to let go of any fears or apprehensions. With this gentle approach, it's not uncommon for patients to experience a soothing level of tranquility, occasionally leading to light snoring as they drift off to sleep. Oral sedation provides a safe and comfortable option for those seeking a more relaxed and stress-free dental experience, ensuring that each patient can undergo treatment with ease and peace of mind.
IV moderate sedation, another reassuring method used in dentistry, involves the administration of sedative medication through an intravenous line. This technique allows the medication to take effect quickly, inducing a deeper state of relaxation than oral sedation. While you will remain conscious and able to respond, you will likely feel drowsy and less aware of the surrounding dental procedures. Our skilled team closely monitors your vital signs throughout the treatment to ensure your safety and comfort. IV moderate sedation, also known as IV sedation, is an excellent option for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing complex dental procedures, as it promotes a profound sense of calm and tranquility, making the dental experience much more manageable and stress-free. Rest assured that our caring and experienced team will be by your side throughout the entire process, ensuring you have a comfortable and worry-free dental visit.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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!
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.
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 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.
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.
Dr. Michael Bass is originally from Edenton, NC. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Brigham Young University in Utah. He then received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at ...
Dr. Watson is an accomplished dentist with a diverse background in dentistry and a passion for providing exceptional care to his patients. Originally hailing from Fairfield, Montana, he pursued his ...
Our priority is your well-being, and we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment where you feel safe and at ease. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or more extensive dental work, we are here to provide you with top-notch care and ensure a comfortable experience.
Don't let anything prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Schedule an appointment at Bass & Watson Family Dental today, and let our compassionate team help you discover the benefits of dental sedation for yourself. Your dental health is essential, and we are committed to making your journey towards a confident smile as pleasant and stress-free as possible. We are conveniently located in Apex near the Haddon Hall, Walden Creek, Golders Green, and Castlewood neighborhoods.
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