For some people, the sound of a dental drill is enough to make their palms sweat. Others have had a bad experience years ago that they just can’t shake. If that sounds like you, you are not alone. And more importantly, you have options that go far beyond just “trying to relax.” At Red Maple Dental in Asheville, Dr. Shawna Hoffert offers two levels of sedation dentistry: oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. But what do those terms actually mean for you? Let’s walk through them.
What Dental Sedation Is Not
Many people worry sedation means being “put under” like for major surgery. That’s not what we do. You will not be unconscious. You will still be able to breathe on your own and respond to simple instructions. The goal is simply to take the edge off, sometimes a lot of edge.
Option 1: Oral Conscious Sedation (The “Take a Pill” Method)
This is the more common option, and it’s surprisingly simple. About an hour before your appointment, you take a small pill at home. Someone else drives you to our office. By the time you arrive, you should feel deeply calm.
What it feels like: Most patients describe it as floating. You are awake, but you care very little about what’s happening around you. You might remember bits and pieces of the appointment, or you might not. The whole thing can feel like it lasted five minutes even if it took an hour.
Best for: Patients with moderate anxiety, a sensitive gag reflex, or those needing longer procedures like multiple fillings or a crown.
Option 2: IV Sedation (The “Deeper Calm”)
IV sedation is stronger and more adjustable. Dr. Hoffert is one of only a few local dentists certified to offer this. The medication goes directly into your bloodstream through a small IV, so it works faster and can be fine-tuned during your visit.
What it feels like: You slip into a very comfortable, dreamlike state. Patients often say it feels like taking a wonderful nap. You should not feel afraid. You will not feel pain. And when the procedure is over, you’ll wake up gently with little to no memory of what happened.
Best for: Severe dental fear, complex cases like multiple implants or surgical extractions, or patients who have tried other methods without success.
What You Need to Know Beforehand
Both types of sedation require the same basic rules:
- You must have a responsible adult drive you to and from the appointment. No exceptions.
- No food or drink for several hours beforehand (we’ll give you exact timing).
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
Is Sedation Safe?
Yes, when done by a trained professional. Dr. Hoffert monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels continuously throughout the procedure. You are never left alone. The entire team knows exactly how to respond in the rare event something doesn’t go as planned.
Improve Your Oral Health Today
You do not have to white-knuckle your way through another dental appointment. Sedation is not a sign of weakness. It is a tool, plain and simple. And for many patients, it is the single thing that finally allowed them to get the dental care they had been putting off for years.
If you have been avoiding the dentist because of fear or anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out. Dr. Hoffert will sit down with you, listen to your concerns, and help you decide whether oral conscious sedation or IV sedation is right for you.
You deserve a smile you feel good about. And you don’t have to be scared to get there. Call (828)-358-1925 to schedule a consultation.
