Sedation Dentistry
James Island & Charleston
Patients sometimes avoid dental care because of stress and anxiety associated with the dental office or treatment. We can help.
Are You Afraid of the Dentist?
At James Island Dental Associates, we strive to make your visit as comfortable as possible, so you can enjoy improved oral health.
Our caring staff, attentive doctors, and warm atmosphere help set you at ease during your appointment. A thorough medical and dental history exam is taken to evaluate each patient’s health and level of anxiety. For some patients, local anesthesia may not be enough, so we offer varying levels of sedation to help you feel comfortable.
Sedation dentistry is helpful in the following situations:
Anxiety associated with dentistry
An uncontrollable gag reflex
Difficulty getting numb
Types of Sedation Dentistry in James Island or Charleston
Nitrous Oxide Sedation – Our Mildest Form of Sedation
The mildest form of sedation uses nitrous oxide or “laughing gas.” Nitrous oxide is very safe and quickly reversible, enabling patients to drive themselves to and from their appointments. This method of sedation is the least costly and also very effective for children to help them avoid an upsetting appointment.
Oral Sedation Dentistry
The next level of sedation involves taking a pill an hour or so prior to the appointment. The type and amount of medication will be determined for you depending on your level of anxiety.
Oral medication can be very effective but it is not easily reversible, so it is required that someone drive you to and from your appointment. Many times nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen is added to increase the sedative effect, letting you relax and feel more comfortable. Monitoring is provided to evaluate breathing and pulse to ensure a relaxing and safe experience. Our kind team will be by your side throughout your appointment, taking care of your every need!
IV Sedation Dentistry
he highest level of sedation offered at James Island Dental Associates is IV (intravenous) sedation. This involves numbing the skin, starting an IV, and giving you a couple of medications through the IV. The sedative effect takes place prior to numbing, which is a big advantage over the other types of sedation.
IV sedation is safer than taking a pill and creates the best level of amnesia so that those who feel anxiety don’t have to remember their dental appointment. Similar to taking a pill, IV sedation is not easily reversible, so it is required that you have someone drive you to and from your appointment. The doctor monitors your vital signs throughout the procedure to again ensure a safe and “sleepy” experience.
Convenience
Convenience
We make it easy and convenient to schedule appointments and make payments online with our patient connect portal.
Advanced Technology
Advanced Technology
We have the latest dental technology to care for all of your dental needs in-house.
Comfort
Welcoming Atmosphere
We strive to create a stress-free experience curated by our friendly and welcoming staff.
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental Associates? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
Get Started
New Patients
Are you a new patient to James Island Dental? Get started now by following the link and completing the requested forms to make your visit easy and stress-free.
Current Patients
We make is easy for existing patients of James Island Dental to easily access medical information, schedule appointments, and make online payments. Log in now.
EXCELLENT Based on 485 reviews Carl Meyer2024-10-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very pleased with my visit today. Dr Brown and Christina could not have been any better. Barbara Bahat-Kenton2024-10-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As one who does not like visits to the dentist I can attest to the dedication and professionalism of James Island Dental Associates. I have been going there for eight years and will continue to do so. Kudos! Dennis Maxwell2024-10-02Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Visit, as usual, was fine. Great hygenist and Dr. Weir took time, checked on my situation and thus, visit was overall fine. Looks that way too. Thanks Merry Jarrard2024-10-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience as always! Warren Phillips2024-10-01Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kit is great Matthew White2024-09-24Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place to get dental care! Eric Keen2024-09-23Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been a patient for over 25 years and have always been treated like family. Would highly recommend.
MORE QUESTIONS?
Unfortunately, millions of Americans are put off treatment every year because of fears that dentistry will hurt. This can create a cycle in which problems are allowed to develop and worsen, and by the time a fearful patient seeks help, the condition is quite painful and requires extensive treatment, which only serves to validate their fears.
At James Island Dental Associates, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle and helping everyone get the comfortable dentistry they deserve.
We treat a number of fearful patients and are very attentive and caring when it comes to making you comfortable.
Comfortable Dentistry in Charleston
After thoroughly evaluating your medical history, we can provide four options to help keep you comfortable during treatment:
- Local anesthesia (numbing)
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) + numbing
- Oral sedation (taking a pill) + nitrous oxide + numbing
- IV sedation
Each treatment and service can involve different levels of anxiety, so we help you determine which modality is best suited for you.
In addition to these methods, you’ll find that our office is comfortable and filled with friendly people who make your comfort their number one priority while you are with us. You can enjoy your favorite TV program while we care for you or just kick back and relax.