Sedation Dentistry in Summerville, SC
For patients who feel their chest tighten just thinking about a dental appointment, putting off care is not a solution; it is a cycle. Avoiding routine visits leads to more complex problems, and more complex problems lead to more anxiety, making it harder and harder to walk through the door. Sedation dentistry is specifically designed to break that cycle, making it possible to receive the care you need without the stress that has been holding you back.
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, we believe that every patient deserves to feel comfortable in the dental chair. Our general dentistry services are built around a philosophy of open communication, positive energy, and genuine care, and sedation is a key part of how we make that experience accessible to patients in Summerville and the surrounding area.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is not reserved for patients with extreme phobias. Many people find that certain situations, from the sounds and sensations of a procedure to a previous negative experience, create enough discomfort to make dental care difficult. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research’s 2022 Oral Health in America report, nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience moderate to high dental fear and anxiety that prevents them from seeking needed oral care. If this sounds familiar, sedation may be the right option for you.
Sedation is also a practical solution for patients who need to complete more extensive work in fewer visits. Whether you are scheduling a tooth extraction, a dental crown, or several procedures at once, sedation allows our team to work more efficiently while you remain relaxed throughout the appointment.
What Types of Sedation Are Available?
Choosing the right sedation option depends on your level of anxiety, the procedure being performed, and your overall health. At Old Trolley Dental Associates, we will walk through these options with you during your consultation so you always know what to expect before your appointment begins.
The most common sedation approaches in general dentistry include:
- Nitrous oxide: Sometimes called laughing gas, this is inhaled through a small mask and produces a calm, relaxed feeling during your appointment. It wears off quickly, so most patients can drive themselves home afterward.
- Oral sedation: A prescription medication taken before your appointment that produces a deeper state of relaxation. You will still be conscious but likely feel very drowsy and have little memory of the procedure.
- IV sedation: Administered directly into the bloodstream for a more immediate and controlled effect, often used for longer or more involved procedures.
Each of these methods is safe when administered by trained professionals and carefully tailored to the needs of each patient.
What to Expect During a Sedated Appointment
Knowing what happens before, during, and after sedation can help ease any remaining concerns. Before your appointment, we will review your health history, discuss any medications you are taking, and give you clear instructions based on the type of sedation selected. If you are receiving oral or IV sedation, you will need a trusted adult to drive you home after your visit.
During your appointment, our team will monitor you closely from start to finish. For patients undergoing wisdom teeth removal or other multi-step procedures, sedation allows us to complete more in a single visit, which saves you time and reduces the total number of appointments needed. After the procedure, you can expect to rest at home for the remainder of the day as the sedation fully wears off.
Choose Old Trolley Dental Associates in Summerville, SC
At Old Trolley Dental Associates, Dr. Scott Kibler and Dr. Michael Skovira bring decades of combined experience to every patient they see. Both doctors are proud South Carolina natives with roots in military service, and they have built a practice centered on personalized, high-quality care. As a single-location, two-doctor private practice, we offer the kind of individual attention that is increasingly rare as corporate dental groups continue to grow in the area. You can meet our doctors and get to know the team before you even schedule your first appointment.
We work hard to make dental care accessible and comfortable for every patient who comes through our doors in Summerville. Whether you have been avoiding the dentist for months or years, we are ready to meet you where you are and put together a plan that works. Flexible financial options are available to help manage the cost of your care, and our team is always happy to answer your questions. When you are ready to take the first step, contact us to schedule a consultation.