Sunrise Dental of Chapel Hill
Sunrise Dental of Durham
For many people, a trip to the dentist is a routine part of maintaining their health. But for others, it’s a source of significant fear or anxiety. Whether it stems from a past negative experience, fear of pain, or even the sounds and smells of a dental office, dental anxiety can make it difficult—or even impossible—for some individuals to seek the care they need. Unfortunately, avoiding dental visits often leads to more serious problems down the road, including tooth decay, gum disease, and other complications that could have been prevented.
At Sunrise Dental, we understand how real and personal dental anxiety can be. That’s why we offer sedation dentistry as part of our commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. With the help of safe, controlled sedation techniques, we help patients feel more at ease in the dental chair—so they can receive the treatment they need without unnecessary stress or discomfort.
Dental anxiety affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Some individuals feel a general unease about dental procedures, while others experience intense fear that causes them to postpone or cancel appointments altogether. Common triggers include the fear of pain, embarrassment about the condition of one’s teeth, or a feeling of helplessness when lying back in the dental chair.
In some cases, dental anxiety may be linked to a traumatic experience in childhood or an especially uncomfortable past procedure. Others may have underlying conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder or sensory processing sensitivities that make dental care feel overwhelming. Even the anticipation of a visit can lead to sleepless nights or physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Dental anxiety is nothing to be ashamed of—but it is something that can and should be addressed. Our team at Sunrise Dental is here to support you with understanding, patience, and effective solutions like sedation dentistry that truly make a difference.
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s sometimes called “sleep dentistry,” although most forms of sedation don’t actually put you to sleep. Instead, they help you feel calm, comfortable, and less aware of what’s happening around you. Sedation can be used for everything from routine cleanings to more complex treatments, depending on your needs.
There are several levels of sedation available:
At Sunrise Dental, we offer safe and appropriate sedation options tailored to each individual. Our goal is to ensure that you feel secure and comfortable—never overwhelmed or fearful—throughout your dental visit.
The type of sedation we recommend depends on your level of anxiety, the procedure being performed, and your medical history. For many patients, a gentle option like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is enough to relieve mild to moderate anxiety. Delivered through a mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide works quickly and wears off just as fast, allowing you to drive yourself home after the appointment.
For patients who require a deeper sense of calm, oral conscious sedation may be recommended. This involves taking a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. You’ll remain awake but feel deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little of the experience. Because the effects last longer, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office.
In certain cases, we may coordinate with a licensed anesthesiologist to provide IV sedation or general anesthesia, especially for patients undergoing extensive procedures or those with severe dental phobia. Your safety and comfort are always our top priorities, and we thoroughly review all health considerations before proceeding with any sedation method.
The most immediate benefit of sedation dentistry is anxiety relief. For many patients, simply knowing that they can be sedated helps ease the fear associated with dental visits. But the advantages go even further than that. Sedation allows us to perform multiple procedures in one visit, minimizing the number of appointments needed. This is particularly helpful for patients with busy schedules or complex treatment plans.
Sedation can also make it easier for individuals with a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still, or heightened tooth sensitivity to receive care without discomfort. It creates a more positive experience overall, which can help rebuild trust and confidence in dental visits over time. Many patients who once avoided the dentist altogether find themselves returning regularly once they’ve had a successful experience with sedation.
Most importantly, sedation dentistry opens the door to better oral health. When anxiety is no longer a barrier, patients are more likely to keep up with cleanings, exams, and any necessary restorative work—preventing serious problems and preserving their natural smiles.
Sedation dentistry isn’t just for people with extreme fear of the dentist. It can be beneficial for a variety of situations. If you’ve been postponing dental care due to anxiety, sensitivity, or past trauma, sedation could help you take that first step toward a healthier smile. It’s also a good option for patients who need extensive work done, or for those who simply want to feel more comfortable during longer appointments.
During your consultation at Sunrise Dental, we’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and learn more about your health history, medications, and goals for treatment. From there, we can determine which form of sedation is safe and effective for you. We’ll explain the process clearly, answer your questions, and ensure you feel confident in your care plan.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach—just a shared goal of making your dental visits as calm and supportive as possible.
At Sunrise Dental, we go beyond the clinical aspects of dentistry. We focus on creating an environment where patients feel heard, respected, and comfortable. From the moment you walk through the door, our team works to reduce stress and provide reassurance. Whether it's a friendly smile at the front desk, a calming conversation before your procedure, or gentle techniques during treatment, everything we do is rooted in kindness and professionalism.
Sedation dentistry is just one of the ways we help patients take control of their oral health without fear. Combined with our commitment to patient education and personalized care, we strive to make every experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
You don’t have to live with dental anxiety or let it stand in the way of your health. With sedation options available and a supportive team by your side, you can receive the care you need in a way that feels safe and empowering.
Sedation dentistry offers patients with general anxiety or fears about a dental procedure the opportunity to have a more comfortable and stress-free experience. By utilizing safe and controlled sedation techniques, the patient is eased into a state of complete relaxation before the procedure. This approach eliminates discomfort, pain, and preoperative anxiety, and typically makes patients feel more at ease post-operatively, as they have little or no memory of the actual moment-to-moment procedure.
Local anesthesia involves an injection directly into or close to the area where a procedure is being performed. While it eliminates any sensation of pain in the targeted area, it does not affect your state of mind or level of anxiety. When a patient receives sedation, additional medications to ease anxiety and promote relaxation are employed in advance of local anesthesia. In this way, both the stress and discomfort associated with a procedure are eliminated. Sedation can be administered in a variety of forms based upon patient needs and the recommendations of the dentist or dental anesthesiologist.
Choosing the most appropriate method of sedation for a procedure depends on a variety of factors such as a patient's medical history and their level of anxiety. Dental sedation can come in the form of nitrous oxide sedation, oral conscious sedation, and IV sedation. Certain patients receiving comprehensive treatment or undergoing a complex surgical procedure may require general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
Nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas," is a mild sedative, which is inhaled through a small mask over the nose. A standard in dental sedation for decades, the effects of nitrous oxide are almost immediate and wear off quickly once your procedure is completed.
Oral sedation involves the prescription of an oral medication prior to your appointment. Taken at the recommended time before your visit, oral sedation allows you to feel fully relaxed by the time you're ready for your procedure. With oral sedation, it's necessary to plan on having an escort to and from your dentist's office.
IV Sedation is administered intravenously, or directly into a vein. It is typically indicated when a deeper state of sedation is required. Your dentist will provide you with specific instructions before your visit, and require that you have an escort for the trip home from your appointment.
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