What is Sedation Dentistry or “Sleep Dentistry”?

Does Dr. Gudger offer IV Sedation?

Dr. Gudger is one of a limited number of general dentists in the Raleigh area who offer IV sedation and who can complete most or all of your dentistry in his location. This includes dental implants, restorations, and cosmetic procedures while you are comfortably sedated.

Due to the relaxing effects of the medication, patients must have a friend or family member bring them to our office and return them home after their procedures.

What can I expect when under dental sedation?

As mentioned above, there are different types of dental sedation and the exceptions vary slightly depending on the type of sedation used. Here is some information on what to expect when undergoing each type of sedation:

Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications that are taken orally before a dental procedure. When under the effects of this type of sedation, patients describe feeling “loopy” and uninterested with whatever procedure is being performed, despite being aware of what is happening. They produce a calming effect and impair memory formation. Since the effects of these medications can linger, a driver will be needed to drive you home.

Nitrous Oxide
Commonly known as “laughing gas” for its production of euphoric feelings, nitrous oxide is a form of inhaled sedation. When receiving nitrous oxide sedation, you can expect to have a small mask placed over your nose. As soon as you begin inhaling nitrous oxide gas, you will feel your body relax, but you will remain conscious. In some cases, you may fall into a light sleep. Once you stop inhaling the gas, you will quickly return to normal. Since nitrous oxide is only effective when being inhaled, you will be able to drive and return to your normal activities after undergoing nitrous oxide sedation.

IV Sedation
IV sedation is delivered through the vein, which makes it easy to control the amount of sedation you receive. IV sedation is used to achieve a mild to moderate level of sedation. Many times we start with oral sedation to alleviate the fear of the IV. Since the effects of IV sedation linger after the procedure, you will need a driver and someone to stay with you until the medication wears off.

General Anesthesia / Monitored Anesthesia
We employ the services of a Dental Anesthesiologist to deliver general anesthesia or monitor patients with specific health concerns that would prevent them from sedation in a typical office. General anesthesia allows us to achieve greater levels of sedation and anesthesia. We can utilize an anesthesiologist to treat patients that have severe phobias, gag reflexes and patients with different medical conditions, and tolerances. Having an anesthesiologist also allows us to treat most autistic patients and individuals that have intellectual challenges. The effects of general anesthesia will linger, meaning you will need a driver and someone to stay with you until the effects of the sedation have worn off.

Will I need to follow any special instructions after undergoing dental sedation?

Who should consider Sedation Dentistry?

How do I get started?

Call a treatment coordinator at Lifetime Family Dental to discuss your sedation options.

In a world of corporate takeovers – even in the dental industry – isn’t it nice to know that you can still find excellent patient care that exceeds expectations from a locally owned practice and a doctor supported by a team of dental professionals who pay meticulous attention to detail — and a doctor who calls and texts patients personally after surgery.

Dr. Chris Gudger specialize in a full range of dental procedures, from General and Cosmetic Dentistry to Dental Implants Treatments and Sedation Dentistry. Working in a state-of-art dental facility with a completely digital workflow, the doctor and his team of dental professionals are prepared to solve the most complex dental problems all under one roof, often in just one day—no need to travel to different offices, meeting with multiple doctors.

If you're considering Dental Implants, including the popular All-on-4 or Teeth-in-a-Day treatments, contact Dr. Chris Gudger, a second-generation dentist at Lifetime Family Dental. Dr. Gudger is regarded by his patients as a caring, compassionate implant expert and has meticulously placed and restored dental implants for over 10 years – with thousands of successful implant procedures to his credit.

While he is a top implant dentist, Dr. Gudger is also an expert in Sedation Dentistry and offers a full complement of options for patients who experience any anxiety surrounding their dental care.

With such comprehensive dental knowledge and extensive experience, Dr. Gudger is prepared to solve the most complex dental problems with various procedures all done under one roof.

Dr. Gudger and his team  of dental professionals enjoy hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google and Facebook – more than most other practices in the Raleigh area.