At Dr. Conor Gessell’s dental practice in Southern Pines, NC, we understand that dental anxiety prevents many people from receiving the care they need. For some patients, even routine visits trigger significant stress, while others avoid necessary treatments due to fear of discomfort. Sedation dentistry offers a solution that helps anxious patients receive essential dental care in a relaxed, comfortable state. Dr. Gessell is committed to providing these options as part of his comprehensive approach to patient-centered dentistry.
Understanding Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety affects approximately 36% of the population, with about 12% suffering from extreme dental fear. This anxiety stems from various sources, including previous negative experiences, fear of pain, concerns about loss of control, or embarrassment about dental conditions. For many, these fears lead to a cycle of avoidance, skipping regular care until problems become severe, then requiring more invasive treatment, which reinforces the original anxiety.
Dr. Gessell approaches dental anxiety with compassion, recognizing that these fears are genuine and significant. Rather than dismissing concerns, he offers practical solutions through sedation dentistry that address both the emotional and physical aspects of dental care.
Sedation Options at Our Practice
At our Southern Pines practice, Dr. Gessell provides several levels of sedation to accommodate different needs. Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” offers mild sedation that induces relaxation while allowing patients to remain fully conscious. This gentle approach takes effect quickly when inhaled through a comfortable nose mask and dissipates rapidly after treatment, allowing patients to drive themselves home and resume normal activities immediately.
For patients with moderate anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures, oral conscious sedation provides deeper relaxation. This approach involves taking a prescribed anti-anxiety medication before your appointment, producing a drowsy state while still allowing you to communicate during treatment. While not technically unconscious, many patients experience limited memory of the procedure.
In partnership with qualified anesthesia providers, Dr. Gessell can arrange IV sedation for patients with severe dental phobia or those undergoing complex procedures. This method delivers sedative medications directly into the bloodstream, creating a deeper state of relaxation. Throughout IV sedation, your vital signs are continuously monitored to ensure safety.
Who Benefits from Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry helps many patients beyond those with dental anxiety. People with strong gag reflexes often find that sedation reduces this sensitivity, allowing necessary work to proceed comfortably. Patients requiring extensive treatment benefit by making longer appointments feasible, often allowing multiple procedures to be completed in a single visit.
Those with physical conditions that make sitting in a dental chair uncomfortable for extended periods find that sedation helps them remain comfortable throughout treatment. Patients with special needs, including certain sensory sensitivities or movement disorders, sometimes achieve better treatment outcomes with sedation, which helps them remain still during care.
The Sedation Dentistry Experience
When you choose sedation dentistry with Dr. Gessell, the process begins with a thorough consultation to discuss your anxiety, medical history, and treatment needs. Dr. Gessell explains the available options and helps determine which approach best suits your situation, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable with the plan.
Before your treatment appointment, you’ll receive detailed pre-sedation instructions, including any medication protocols and necessary fasting guidelines. For oral or IV sedation, you’ll need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment and stay with you until the effects wear off.
During your appointment, Dr. Gessell and his team continuously monitor your comfort and vital signs. The sedative is administered before any dental work begins, allowing you to achieve a relaxed state first. Most patients report feeling as though the appointment passed quickly, with limited memory of the actual procedure.
Following treatment, our team provides comprehensive aftercare instructions tailored to both your dental procedure and the type of sedation received. We follow up with you the next day to ensure your recovery is proceeding smoothly.
Safety and Qualifications
Patient safety remains our highest priority when providing sedation dentistry. Dr. Gessell has completed extensive training in sedation techniques and maintains all required certifications. Our practice follows strict protocols for monitoring patients under sedation, with appropriate emergency equipment readily available. Before recommending sedation, Dr. Gessell carefully reviews your medical history and current medications to ensure the selected approach is appropriate for your individual health profile.
Discover Comfortable Dental Care
If dental anxiety has kept you from maintaining regular care or pursuing needed treatment, sedation dentistry at Dr. Conor Gessell’s Southern Pines practice could transform your dental experience. Many patients who once avoided dental care entirely now maintain regular appointments with the help of sedation dentistry, protecting both their oral health and overall wellbeing.
The benefits extend beyond the immediate dental treatment. By addressing and managing dental anxiety, patients often experience improved quality of life, reduced stress about dental issues, and better long-term oral health outcomes. For many, sedation dentistry serves as a bridge to eventually receiving routine dental care with reduced anxiety.
Dr. Gessell and our compassionate team are committed to helping you receive the care you need in the most comfortable manner possible. Call us today at 910-390-1259.