Sedation Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
Tired of dental anxiety keeping you from the care you deserve? At Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte, we believe a healthy, beautiful smile should be accessible to everyone without fear or stress. Our advanced sedation dentistry options are designed to provide a calm, comfortable, and completely anxiety-free experience. You are not just a patient here; you are a person of great importance and infinite worth, and we are privileged to help you achieve oral health in total comfort
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
- Relieve intense dental anxiety and fear, transforming a source of stress into a peaceful experience.
- Ensure unparalleled comfort during long or complex procedures.
- Enable our restorative dentists to perform multiple treatments efficiently in a single visit, saving you time.
- Help patients with sensitive teeth, strong gag reflexes, or special needs receive the care they need without discomfort.
When Do You Need Sedation Dentistry?
- High levels of anxiety or fear related to dental visits.
- A past traumatic dental experience.
- Difficulty sitting still for extended periods.
- Extremely sensitive teeth or a low pain tolerance.
- The need for extensive dental work, such as smile makeovers or full mouth reconstructions.
- A strong gag reflex that makes treatment difficult.
- Certain medical conditions or special needs that make communication or cooperation challenging.
- Patients with dental phobia or severe anxiety.
- Individuals undergoing complex treatments like dental implants, multiple extractions, or root canal therapy.
- Anyone who wants to maximize their comfort and eliminate the memory of a long procedure.
Types of Sedation Dentistry We Offer
Your safety and comfort are our highest priorities. Dr. John S. Selden and our team are certified and highly trained in a range of sedation techniques to tailor the experience to your specific needs.
Sedation Type | Description | Best For |
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) | A mild sedative is inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. You’ll feel relaxed and euphoric but remain fully conscious. The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed. | • Mild to moderate anxiety• Routine cleanings and fillings• Patients who need to drive themselves home |
Oral Sedation | A prescribed pill, such as Halcion, is taken about an hour before your appointment. You’ll enter a state of deep relaxation, often described as a “twilight sleep.” You’ll be awake but very drowsy and may have little memory of the procedure. | • Moderate to severe anxiety• Longer procedures like crowns or bridges• Patients who prefer to simply “take a pill” |
IV Sedation | Sedative medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous line. This allows for immediate effect and precise control over the sedation level throughout your treatment. You will be in a deeply relaxed state and recall very little of the appointment. | • Severe dental anxiety or phobia• Complex, multi-step procedures• Patients undergoing extensive oral surgery |
General Anesthesia | Administered by a qualified anesthesiologist, this renders you completely unconscious and unaware for the duration of the procedure. Your vital signs are continuously monitored. | • Major oral surgery• Patients who cannot tolerate dental treatment while conscious• Complex cases requiring absolute stillness |
The Sedation Dentistry Procedure: What to Expect at Our Charlotte, NC Office
We have designed every step of your sedation journey to be seamless, safe, and stress-free.
- Comprehensive Consultation & Assessment: Your journey begins with a conversation. Dr. Selden will review your medical history, discuss your anxiety levels, and outline your treatment needs to determine the safest and most effective sedation method for you.
- Personalized Preparation: We provide clear, pre-appointment instructions based on your chosen sedation type. For oral or IV sedation, this typically includes fasting for a few hours prior and arranging for a trusted person to drive you to and from our office.
- Gentle Administration of Sedation: On the day of your procedure, we ensure you are comfortable before beginning. Nitrous oxide is administered via a mask, oral sedation is taken prior to arrival, and IV sedation is gently administered by a certified professional in our state-of-the-art operatories.
- Your Dental Procedure: While you relax, Dr. Selden will perform your dental work with expert precision. Our team uses advanced monitoring equipment to track your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels from start to finish.
- Comfortable Recovery: After your treatment, we’ll monitor you as the sedation wears off. With nitrous oxide, you can drive yourself home. For oral or IV sedation, your companion will drive you home, where we recommend you rest for the remainder of the day.
The Life-Changing Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Choosing sedation is choosing to put your comfort first. The benefits extend far beyond the appointment itself:
- Eliminates Anxiety and Fear: Break the cycle of dental fear and finally receive the care you need for a healthy smile.
- Pain-Free and Comfortable: Complex procedures feel like they only take a few minutes.
- Superior Efficiency: By relaxing completely, Dr. Selden can work more efficiently, often completing months of treatment in a single visit.
- Controls Gag Reflex: Sedation minimizes gagging, making procedures like impressions or X-rays much easier.
- Professionally Monitored Safety: Your well-being is our top concern, and you are monitored throughout with the latest technology.
- A Positive Dental Experience: Build a new, positive relationship with dental care, free from negative memories.
Cost of Sedation Dentistry in Charlotte, NC
We believe in transparent pricing. The cost of sedation varies based on the type and length of your procedure. Below are general price ranges per visit.
Sedation Type | Average Cost Range (Per Visit) |
Nitrous Oxide | $50 – $150 |
Oral Sedation | $150 – $500 |
IV Sedation | $300 – $1,000 |
General Anesthesia | $500 – $1,500 |
Factors that influence cost include the type of dental procedure, the level of sedation required, and whether an anesthesiologist is involved.
Why Choose Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte for Your Sedation?
When your comfort and safety are on the line, you deserve a dentist with unparalleled expertise and a genuine heart for patient care.
Expertise You Can Trust
Dr. John S. Selden isn’t just a dentist; he is a Master Restorative Dentist who other dentists consult for complex cases. His advanced training in sedation techniques means you are in the most capable hands in Charlotte.
A Commitment to Your Safety
We utilize state-of-the-art monitoring equipment to ensure your vital signs are stable and your experience is safe from beginning to end.
Your Comfort, Customized
We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to tailor the sedation level to your unique needs, comfort, and medical history.
A Truly Anxiety-Free Environment
From the moment you enter our office, surrounded by the calming natural beauty of light, stone, wood, and water, you will know you are in a special place designed for peace and relaxation.
A Reputation for Excellence
Dr. Selden has been voted a Top Charlotte Area Dentist by Charlotte Magazine every year for the last decade, a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and patient satisfaction.
Comprehensive Treatments You Can Have with Sedation
Sedation dentistry opens the door to a wide range of advanced treatments, all completed in serene comfort.
- Major Restorative Work: Including root canal therapy, wisdom teeth extractions, and dental implant surgery.
- Preventive Care for Anxious Patients: Even a routine dental cleaning can be a relaxing experience.
- Complete Smile Makeovers: Combine porcelain veneers, crowns, and teeth whitening into one comfortable, multi-appointment plan.
- Long-Term Oral Health: Follow up major procedures with custom-fitted night guards to protect your investment.
Sedation Longevity & Aftercare Guide
| Sedation Type | Effect Duration | Recommended Recovery Time |
| Nitrous Oxide | Active during treatment only | Immediate |
| Oral Sedation | 2–4 hours | 6–8 hours of rest |
| IV Sedation | Entire procedure | 12–24 hours of rest |
| General Anesthesia | Entire procedure | 24 hours of rest |
Immediate Aftercare Instructions:
- Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Avoid driving, drinking alcohol, or operating heavy machinery for 24 hours.
- Follow all specific aftercare instructions for your dental procedure (e.g., diet, cleaning).
Long-Term Maintenance:
- Always inform our team of any changes to your health or medications before future visits.
- Stay committed to your routine checkups and cleanings every six months to maintain your oral health.
- Know that sedation is always an option for you at Inspired Dentistry, ensuring every visit is a positive one.
Ready for a Calmer Dental Experience? We Are Here for You.
You don’t have to let fear dictate your health. At Inspired Dentistry of Charlotte, we have created a sanctuary where your comfort is our mission and your smile is our inspiration.
Take the first step toward anxiety-free dental care. Call us at (980) 595-8245 or you can visit us at 2315 W Arbors Dr Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28262 to schedule your Sedation Dentistry Consultation today.
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FAQs
Yes, it is extremely safe when administered by a trained and certified professional like Dr. Selden. We conduct a thorough health screening and use continuous monitoring throughout your procedure.
Yes. We often use nitrous oxide for children with mild anxiety or those needing longer procedures.
Yes, for your safety, a driver is required for oral and IV sedation. For nitrous oxide, you may drive yourself home.
Most patients under moderate or deep sedation have little to no memory of the dental work being performed.
We recommend waiting until the numbness from local anesthesia wears off to avoid biting your cheek. Start with soft, cool foods and stay hydrated..
After nitrous oxide, you can return immediately. For oral or IV sedation, we recommend resting for the remainder of the day.