About Sedation Dentistry
If a bad experience has kept you away from the dentist for years, you are not alone, and you are exactly who we built this service for. Dental anxiety is common, it is nothing to be embarrassed about, and it responds well to two things: a team that takes it seriously and, when needed, sedation. We have offered oral sedation to nervous patients at Regency Dental Group for years, and many of our most loyal patients are people who once could not walk through the door.
Oral conscious sedation is a prescription medication taken by mouth about an hour before your appointment. It does not put you to sleep; you remain awake, breathing on your own and able to respond to us. What changes is how you feel: relaxed, unbothered, and often unable to remember much of the visit afterward. Local anesthetic still numbs the teeth, so there is no pain, and because you are calm we can frequently complete in one longer visit what would otherwise take two or three. You will need a companion to drive you to and from the appointment and stay with you until the medication wears off.
Sedation pairs with the rest of our approach. We explain every step before we take it, agree on a hand signal so you can pause us at any time, and never rush. Some patients find that after one or two sedated visits, the anxiety fades enough to manage routine care without medication. Others prefer sedation every time, and that is fine too.
Before prescribing, Dr. Carter reviews your health history and current medications, because oral sedation is not appropriate for everyone. We do not provide IV sedation or general anesthesia in this office. If your situation calls for a deeper level of sedation, or if you need extensive oral surgery, we will refer you to a provider who offers it and coordinate your care.
Benefits
- Deep relaxation while remaining awake and responsive
- Little or no memory of the procedure for most patients
- More treatment completed in fewer visits
- A team experienced with fearful patients and a no-pressure pace
- Honest screening for who is and is not a candidate
Is it right for you?
Adults with significant dental fear, a strong gag reflex, difficulty getting numb, very sensitive teeth, or a long list of needed treatment they would prefer to complete in fewer visits. Patients with certain medical conditions, those taking medications that interact with sedatives, and pregnant patients may not be candidates, and Dr. Carter will review your history carefully. Children are not sedated in this office. Patients who need to be fully asleep or who need IV sedation are referred to a provider who offers it.
What happens, step by step
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Consultation to discuss your fears, health history and medications
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Treatment plan and sedation prescription with written instructions
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Take the medication as directed before your appointment, with a driver
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Vital signs monitored throughout treatment
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Recovery with your companion; rest for the remainder of the day
What to expect at your visit
You will take the prescribed medication at home about an hour before your visit and have someone drive you to the office. By the time you arrive you will feel drowsy and calm. We seat you comfortably, monitor your vital signs, numb the teeth, and complete the planned treatment while you rest. Most patients remember little. Afterward, your companion drives you home, where you should rest for the rest of the day and avoid driving, alcohol or important decisions until the following morning.
Why choose Regency Dental Group
Fearful patients have been part of this practice's identity for decades, and it shows in small things: a team that does not rush, a dentist who explains before he acts, and a front office that will not make you feel foolish for asking questions. Dr. Carter reviews every sedation case personally, prescribes conservatively, and is candid about the limits of what we offer. Because we also provide same-day CEREC crowns, fillings, extractions and cosmetic care, a single sedated visit can accomplish a great deal. Sedation fees are quoted in advance, and CareCredit is available.
Aftercare
Rest at home with your companion nearby for several hours. Drink water and eat lightly once numbness wears off. Do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or sign documents for 24 hours. Follow the aftercare instructions for whatever procedure was performed.
Cost, insurance and timing
Sedation is billed separately from the dental treatment and is usually not covered by dental insurance. We quote the fee in advance. A responsible adult must drive you and stay with you afterward; we cannot proceed without one. Tell us about every medication and supplement you take, including over-the-counter products.
Frequently asked questions
Will I be asleep?
No. Oral sedation makes you deeply relaxed and drowsy, but you remain awake and able to respond. Most patients remember little of the visit.
Do you offer IV sedation or general anesthesia?
No. We provide oral conscious sedation only. Patients who need deeper sedation are referred to a provider who offers it.
Can I drive myself home?
No. You must have a responsible adult drive you to and from the appointment and stay with you afterward.
Is sedation safe?
For appropriately screened patients, oral sedation is considered safe. Dr. Carter reviews your health history and medications first, and we monitor you throughout treatment.
The information on this page is general education, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Outcomes vary by patient. Please schedule an exam to discuss your specific situation.