Does going to the dentist strike fear into your heart? Does even just thinking about it make your stomach tighten in knots? Dr. John White, your sedation dentist in Asheville understands how you feel, and he has solutions for you. The first thing to know is you’re not alone! There are millions of Americans who feel just like you, and for this reason, Dr. White has received extensive training in sedation dentistry so we can offer you the anxiety-free dental care that you deserve.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
For many patients, dental fear or anxiety keeps them from receiving much needed care. Maintaining your oral health is important for your overall health and well being, so it’s important to take care of your dental needs. Sedation dentistry offers different options for helping patients feel comfortable and at ease during their dental procedures, and Dr. White offers a couple of options to meet your needs.
Nitrous Oxide
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a breathable gas that is administered through a mask worn during your procedure. Nitrous works quickly to help you feel relaxed, and it’s safe to use for any type of procedure. Because it leaves your system quickly, it’s safe for you to drive home or to work after your appointment and resume your normal activities. Laughing gas is ideal for patients who suffer from mild anxiety and need to just “take the edge off” during their procedure.
IV Sedation
For patients who suffer from moderate to severe anxiety, IV sedation is the right option. During this form of sedation, medication is administered intravenously and can be adjusted by Dr. White as needed. Your vital signs and heart rate are monitored throughout your entire procedure, and while you’ll still be conscious and responsive, you’ll have little to no memory of what happened during your appointment. You may even feel as if you were sleeping.
With IV sedation, you’ll need to have transportation arranged to and from your appointment, and someone to stay with you during your recovery. IV sedation works well for patients who have multiple procedures they would like to complete during one visit.
Board Certification
Dr. White is one of only a few dentists in Western North Carolina to be certified by the North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners to provide parenteral sedation for dental procedures. You can rest assured that if you choose sedation dentistry, you’re in the hands of an expert when you work with Dr. White.
Don’t let dental fear hold you back any longer! Contact our office today to learn how Dr. White can help you receive the dental care you need.