If the thought of visiting the dentist makes you uneasy, you’re far from alone.
Dental anxiety affects millions of people, keeping them from getting the care they need. The Cleveland Clinic reports that about 36% of people in the U.S. have a fear of dental treatment, with about 12% experiencing “extreme fear.”
Thankfully, sedation dentistry is a reliable option that can help you feel more at ease during your visit, whether you’re coming in for a cleaning or a more involved dental procedure.
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatment.
At Hickory Dental, we believe everyone deserves a peaceful and stress-free dental experience. In this post, we’re clearing up some of the most common myths about sedation and offering real answers—so you can feel confident and informed.
Myth #1: Sedation Dentistry Is Only for Major Surgeries
The truth: Dental sedation can be used for something as simple as a routine cleaning.
You don’t need to be undergoing surgery to benefit from sedation dentistry. Many patients choose conscious sedation for fillings, crowns, or deep cleanings.
It’s not about the complexity of the procedure—it’s about how comfortable you feel.
Our goal is to make every visit more relaxed, whether you’re here for a minor treatment or a longer appointment like a root canal.
Myth #2: You’ll Be Completely Unconscious
The truth: Unlike general anesthesia, most forms of sedation keep you awake but relaxed.
There are several levels of oral conscious sedation:
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas): You breathe it in, and within minutes, you’ll feel calm but fully aware.
- Oral sedation: Taken in pill form, this helps you feel drowsy but responsive.
- IV sedation: Delivers a deeper level of relaxation, but you’ll still be able to respond to simple questions.
Only general anesthesia leads to full unconsciousness, and that’s typically reserved for hospital settings or very complex cases.
At Hickory Dental, we help you find the right sedation level for your comfort and required dental procedures. We offer local anesthetic, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide.
Myth #3: Sedation Dentistry Is Unsafe
The truth: Sedation is a safe and closely monitored process.
Before any sedation treatment, we review your medical history, talk through any medications you’re taking, and explain what to expect. Throughout your visit, our experienced dental team monitors you carefully to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Conscious sedation and implant dentistry require precision and training, which is why patients trust our experienced professionals to provide safe, compassionate care at every step.
Myth #4: Sedation Is Only for People with Severe Dental Anxiety
The truth: Sedation helps many different patients, not just those with anxiety.
You may benefit from sedation if you:
- Struggle with a strong gag reflex
- Have a low tolerance for pain or discomfort
- Find it difficult to sit still
- Are scheduling multiple procedures in one visit
Even patients who aren’t nervous about dental visits appreciate how calm and relaxed sedation helps them feel throughout their appointment.
Myth #5: Recovery from Dental Sedation Takes Days
The truth: Most patients recover quickly, depending on the type of sedation used.
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes—you can typically drive yourself home. Oral and IV sedation may leave you drowsy for a few hours, so you’ll need someone to drive you home, but most people return to their usual routine the next day.
We’ll give you simple instructions to follow post-visit so you know what to expect and how to feel your best afterward.
The Real Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
When you feel relaxed in the chair, everything about your visit becomes more manageable.
Sedation dentistry can:
- Calm dental fear or anxiety (of any level)
- Make treatment more comfortable
- Help you complete more work in fewer appointments
- Encourage regular dental care, which supports long-term oral health
Sedation dentistry is used to create a better experience for every kind of patient. In fact, it can be especially helpful for pediatric patients and those with certain medical conditions.
According to a Cureus 2024 review, conscious sedation treatment has shown positive results in helping children with autism spectrum disorder receive necessary dental care safely and successfully. By reducing stress and improving cooperation, sedation allows more people to access the treatment they need without fear or discomfort.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
We believe that many people can benefit from sedation dentistry. To learn if it’s a good choice for you, ask yourself:
- Do I avoid dental visits because of fear or discomfort?
- Do I need a lot of work done in one appointment?
- Do I have trouble getting numb with local anesthesia?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, oral sedation may be a helpful solution. Our team would be happy to talk through your options and help you make a confident decision.
Why Choose Hickory Dental for Sedation and Implant Dentistry?
Your comfort is one of our top priorities. Our team is highly trained in sedation dentistry methods, and we take every precaution to help you feel at ease, whether you’re here for a cleaning or a more invasive procedure.
We’re proud to care for patients of all ages, especially those who have postponed dental appointments due to fear. From the first conversation to your follow-up care, we create a welcoming experience designed around your needs.
Ready to Relax at the Dentist?
Sedation dentistry can be a safe, calming way to get the care you need—without fear, stress, or discomfort. It’s not just for complex treatments, and it’s certainly not something to fear.
Don’t let anxiety stand between you and a healthy smile. Contact Hickory Dental to learn more about sedation and implant dentistry—we’re here to help you feel comfortable every step of the way.
Whether you’re interested in nitrous oxide for an invasive procedure or sedation for a smile makeover, we’re ready to talk about your options at our North Carolina office.