Does the thought of visiting the dentist make your palms sweaty? Do you find yourself postponing necessary dental work because of anxiety or fear? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience dental anxiety, and for some, that fear becomes a serious barrier to getting the oral healthcare they need. The good news is that dental anxiety doesn’t have to keep you from achieving a healthy smile.
At Stoval Dental in Goldsboro, we understand that every patient’s comfort needs are different. That’s why we offer three distinct levels of sedation dentistry—from light relaxation to deep sedation—so you can receive the care you need in a way that feels safe and comfortable for you. Understanding your options is the first step toward anxiety-free dental care.
Why Sedation Dentistry Matters
Dental anxiety isn’t just about feeling uncomfortable during an appointment. When fear keeps people away from the dentist altogether, small problems become big ones. A cavity that could have been fixed with a simple filling grows into an infection requiring a root canal. Gum disease progresses unchecked. The longer you wait, the more complex and expensive treatment becomes.
Sedation dentistry breaks this cycle. It makes dental care accessible to everyone, regardless of their anxiety level. Whether you experience mild nervousness or full-blown dental phobia, there’s a sedation option that can help you get the treatment you need while feeling calm and comfortable.
Nitrous Oxide: The Lightest Option
If you’re someone who feels a little nervous about dental appointments but doesn’t experience severe anxiety, nitrous oxide—commonly known as laughing gas—might be perfect for you.
Nitrous oxide is administered through a comfortable mask that allows you to breathe in a mixture of air and nitrous oxide. This light form of sedation is designed to “take the edge off” and help you relax during your procedure. You’ll remain fully conscious and able to respond to your dentist’s instructions, but you’ll feel noticeably calmer and more at ease.
The beauty of nitrous oxide is its convenience. Once your procedure is complete, the effects wear off quickly. You won’t need a driver, and you can resume your regular daily activities immediately—no downtime required. This makes it an excellent choice for patients with busy schedules who need a little help relaxing but can’t afford to take the day off.
Nitrous oxide works well for shorter procedures and for patients who want to remain aware of what’s happening but need help managing mild anxiety.
Oral Conscious Sedation: The Middle Ground
For patients who experience moderate to high levels of dental anxiety—or for those who have an extreme fear of needles—oral conscious sedation offers a stronger level of relaxation without requiring an IV.
With oral conscious sedation, you’ll take medication in pill form before your appointment. This produces a moderate level of sedation that keeps you conscious and able to respond, but deeply relaxed throughout your procedure. Many patients find that oral sedation helps them feel so comfortable that they’re barely aware of the treatment taking place.
There are some important considerations with oral conscious sedation. Because it produces a moderate level of sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment, and you should plan to take the entire day off to rest and recover. You’ll need to avoid eating or drinking for eight hours before your appointment and abstain from caffeine and sugar.
One thing to keep in mind is that oral sedation isn’t as predictable as other forms. Because it depends on your body’s metabolism, the level of sedation can vary from person to person, and your appointment might last a bit longer while waiting for the medication to take full effect. You’ll also need to restrict your activities for 24 hours after your appointment.
Despite these considerations, oral conscious sedation is an excellent option for patients who need more than nitrous oxide can provide but want to avoid an IV.
IV Sedation: The Deepest Relaxation
For patients with severe dental anxiety or phobia, or for those undergoing complex or lengthy procedures, IV sedation offers the deepest level of relaxation available.
IV sedation is administered through a very small needle placed in the back of your hand or within your inner elbow. While the thought of a needle might seem counterintuitive if you’re already anxious, the benefits of IV sedation often outweigh this initial discomfort. The medication works rapidly, and its effects are highly controllable throughout your procedure.
Many patients wonder if they’ll be “put to sleep” with IV sedation. The answer is no—the goal isn’t loss of consciousness, but rather a state of profound relaxation. You’ll still be able to respond to verbal cues from your dentist, but you’ll be so relaxed that you’re essentially unaware of the sights, sounds, and smells of the dental office. Most patients have little to no memory of their appointment by the next day.
This makes IV sedation ideal for patients with a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still for extended periods, or those who simply want minimal awareness of their dental treatment. It’s also excellent for complex procedures that require multiple hours in the dental chair.
One of the biggest advantages of IV sedation is control. Your dentist can adjust your sedation level up or down quickly and comfortably throughout the procedure, ensuring you remain comfortable from start to finish.
What to Expect with IV Sedation
If you choose IV sedation, here’s what you need to know. Before your appointment, you’ll have a consultation where we’ll review your complete health history and discuss all medications and supplements you take. This is critical for checking potential drug interactions and ensuring your safety. We may contact your physician to confirm you’re a good candidate for the proposed treatment.
On the day of your appointment, you’ll need to avoid eating or drinking anything for eight hours beforehand, and you must have a companion to drive you to and from our office. Throughout your procedure, we’ll continuously monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm, oxygen level, and pulse to ensure your safety.
After your appointment, recovery time varies from patient to patient. While you may begin to feel more alert soon after the IV medication is stopped, your judgment will still be impaired. You cannot drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours after your appointment ends.
Choosing What’s Right for You
During your initial consultation at Stoval Dental, we’ll help you determine which sedation option best fits your needs. We’ll consider your level of anxiety, the type and length of procedure you need, your medical history, and your schedule. There’s no judgment here—only solutions designed around your comfort and wellbeing.
Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from getting the care you deserve. Whether you need just a little help relaxing or profound sedation for a complex procedure, the experienced team at Stoval Dental in Goldsboro is here to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how sedation dentistry can transform your dental care experience.