Sedation Dentistry
Get the care you need, comfortably
Did you know that millions of Americans suffer from some form of dental anxiety that prevents them from seeking the oral healthcare they need? If you are one of them, our gentle and compassionate team at Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry® wants you to know that you’re not alone, and that all of your concerns will be taken seriously. We are proud to offer sedation dentistry to help make your appointment – from routine cleanings to root canals – relaxed and comfortable.
Your concerns are our concerns
Everyone has their own reasons for disliking or avoiding the dentist – and they are all reasonable hesitations. Here are some of the most common concerns and reservations our patients have:
- Pop culture – gruesome horror movie scenes that involve teeth pulling
- A bad experience – not every dentist is as gentle and compassionate as we are
- Sensory overload – the sights, smells, and sounds of the dental office give you chills
- Fear of pain – in the past, dentistry was not always as painless as it is today
- Embarrassment – patients who haven’t seen a dentist in years feel ashamed
- Restlessness – some patients have a hard time sitting still through lengthy appointments
- Gag reflex – some patients have a bad gag reflex and have a hard time with dental work
Whatever you concern is, we want you to know that it will not be taken lightly, and that with sedation dentistry, you can sit back, relax, and rest assured you made the right decision in coming to the dentist.
Oral sedation
Oral sedation, also referred to as conscious sedation, comes in the form of a small pill that we prescribe that you can pick up at your local pharmacy. When you take this pill before your appointment, you will start to feel relaxed and comfortable, and all your concerns and fears will melt away. You will remain conscious and able to respond to the doctor throughout your appointment, although the details of your appointment will be blurry. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from your appointment.
Nitrous sedation
Nitrous sedation, commonly referred to as “laughing gas”, comes in the form of a gas (nitrous mixed with oxygen) that you breathe through a mask at the start of your appointment to help you relax. You will feel comfortable and happy, and may even get the giggles. You will remain conscious and able to respond to the doctor throughout the appointment. The effects will wear off almost immediately and you will be able to drive yourself home.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is generally reserved for oral surgery procedures. The heaviest form of sedation, it is administered intravenously to allow medication a direct pathway to the bloodstream. When patients undergo general anesthesia, they are completely asleep with breathing and vitals monitored at all times by our resident anesthesiologist.
Meet Dr. Cangemi – Anesthesiologist
Dr. Cangemi earned a degree in dentistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC), where he received the Grover C. Hunter Jr. Award for academic and clinical excellence in Periodontics. He then completed a residency at UNC in Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
While working in private practice, Dr. Cangemi completed his certification in intravenous sedation. He became greatly interested in anesthesiology, and soon obtained a Certificate of Residency as well as a Master’s in Anesthesiology from Ohio State University. Dr. Cangemi has worked as an anesthesiologist for dentists, pediatric dentists, dental surgeons, and other dental specialists conducting a wide variety of surgical procedures.
Dr. Cangemi is a National Dental Board of Anesthesiology Fellow, as well as a committee member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology. He is also on the NC Board of Dental Examiners, is certified in various life support techniques, and has authored numerous works in medical journals.
Give us a call!
If you have any questions about sedation dentistry or would like to reserve an appointment with your Bolivia dentist or Oak Island dentist – Dr. Wilharm, Dr. Harrington, Dr. Miller, Dr. Hohl, Dr. Dobransky, Dr. Strubin, or Dr. Hoover – please contact us at Coastal Cosmetic Family Dentistry® today.