Sedation Dentistry in Raleigh, NC 27612
If dental visits make you anxious, or you need a lot of work done, you do not have to white-knuckle it. At Smileplicity Dentistry on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh, NC 27612, Dr. Atari offers IV sedation and general anesthesia so you can stay calm, comfortable and relaxed through your treatment. We take a gentle, judgment-free approach, and we explain every step so you know what to expect. We welcome patients from Northwest and North Raleigh, including the Crabtree Valley, Glenwood Avenue and Lead Mine Road areas.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses carefully administered medication to help you feel relaxed and free of fear during dental care. Depending on the level of sedation, you may feel drowsy, drift in and out of light sleep, or be completely unconscious. Throughout treatment, your safety is closely monitored from start to finish. Sedation is often paired with a local anesthetic that numbs the area being treated, so you stay comfortable.
Dr. Daiana Atari at Smileplicity Dentistry is proud to offer sedation dentistry in Raleigh, a solution designed to make dental procedures as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry In Raleigh
- Relaxation: sedation eases anxiety, so you can get the care you need.
- Time seems to pass quickly: long and complex procedures often feel shorter.
- Reduced memory of treatment: helpful for patients with dental phobia.
- Fewer appointments: more treatment can often be completed in one visit.
- Comfort for tough procedures: helpful if you have a strong gag reflex or hard-to-numb teeth.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?
Sedation can help if you:
- Feel anxious or afraid at the dentist, or have a severe dental phobia
- Have avoided care for years because of fear or a bad past experience
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have teeth that are sensitive or hard to numb
- Need extensive work, such as several fillings, extractions or implants
- Find it hard to sit still or keep your mouth open for a long visit
- Have special healthcare needs that make standard dental care difficult
Nervous, or haven’t been in a while? No lectures here. We meet you where you are and go at your pace.
Sedation for Dental Procedures
Sedation can make many treatments easier. It is commonly used for:
- Dental implants: a comfortable way to have surgery and placement.
- Tooth extractions: including wisdom teeth and multiple teeth at one visit.
- Root canal therapy: helpful if you dread the procedure or have a hard-to-numb tooth.
- Full-mouth dental work: combine several treatments into fewer, longer visits. See our restorative dentistry services.
- Long or complex procedures: the time passes more comfortably.
If you have a toothache or broken tooth and are anxious about it, call us. Our emergency dentistry team offers same-day appointments when pain can’t wait.
Comfortable Dentistry With Safety First
Your safety is our highest priority. Every sedation option is administered under strict monitoring, and Dr. Atari and her team will walk you through what to expect so you can feel confident and at ease.
- Health review: we go over your medical history, medications and allergies before recommending any sedation.
- Monitoring: your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are watched throughout treatment.
- Local anesthetic too: helpful for patients with dental phobia.
- Clear instructions: you receive written before and after instructions, and you can ask us anything first.
You can see the equipment we use on our dental technology page, and you can learn more about Dr. Atari.
Types of sedation dentistry offered at Smileplicity Dentistry
At Smileplicity Dentistry in Raleigh, Dr. Daiana Atari provides two advanced forms of sedation for patients who need a deeper level of care:
IV Sedation in Raleigh (Often Called Twilight Sedation)
With IV sedation, medication goes directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line. It takes effect quickly, and your dentist can adjust the dose throughout the procedure. Many patients describe a dream-like state with little to no memory of the treatment afterward. IV sedation is especially helpful for people with high dental anxiety, those with special healthcare needs, and anyone having longer or more complex treatment.
General Anesthesia for Dental Treatment
For patients who need complete unconsciousness, general anesthesia is the deepest level of sedation. You will be fully asleep and unaware of the procedure while trained professionals continuously monitor your vital signs. It may be recommended for extensive surgical procedures or for patients who cannot tolerate dental care under lighter sedation.
At Smileplicity Dentistry, your safety is our highest priority. Every sedation option is administered under strict monitoring, and Dr. Atari and her team will walk you through what to expect so you can feel confident and at ease in choosing the right option for your needs.
| IV sedation | General anesthesia |
|---|---|---|
How it is given | Medication through a small IV line | Medication through an IV or by inhalation, per the anesthesia plan |
How you feel | Deeply relaxed and drowsy, drifting in and out of sleep | Fully asleep and unaware |
Memory of treatment | Little to none | None |
Best for | Dental anxiety, long or complex treatment | Extensive surgery, or patients who cannot tolerate lighter sedation |
Recovery | Drowsy for several hours | Longer; follow your care instructions |
What to Expect: Before, During and After Sedation
Before your visit
- Tell us about your health, medications and allergies at your consultation.
- Follow the eating and drinking instructions we give you. They matter for safety.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
- Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you.
During your visit
- You will settle in and the sedation is started.
- You will be monitored from start to finish, and you may also have a local anesthetic.
- Most patients feel relaxed, and time seems to pass quickly.
After your visit
- You may feel drowsy for several hours, so rest at home.
- Do not drive, work, drink alcohol or make important decisions until your dentist says it is safe, usually the rest of the day.
- Start with soft foods and fluids, and follow your care instructions.
- Call us if you have any concerns.
Sedation Dentistry Cost in Raleigh
The cost of sedation depends on the type of sedation, how long your treatment takes and the procedures involved. Insurance coverage varies, and many plans limit or exclude sedation unless it is medically necessary, so it is worth checking your benefits. Our team will help you understand your coverage and explain the cost before treatment begins. If you have no insurance, ask about our Smile Forever Plan membership.
Why Choose Smileplicity Dentistry for Sedation in Raleigh, NC 27612?
- Judgment-free care. Whether it has been years or you have dental phobia, we go at your pace.
- One dentist from start to finish. Dr. Atari plans and handles your care personally.
- Safety first. Every sedation option is administered under strict monitoring.
- Comfort for the whole family. We are a family dentist in Raleigh for patients of every age.
- Clear costs before treatment. We explain what you need, what can wait and what it costs.
Your Sedation Dentist on Creedmoor Road in Raleigh
We are at 5816 Creedmoor Road, Suite 105, Raleigh, NC 27612, serving patients from Northwest Raleigh, North Raleigh, Crabtree Valley, and the Glenwood Avenue and Lead Mine Road areas.
Hours: Monday 8am to 5pm · Tuesday 8am to 5pm · Wednesday 9am to 6pm · Thursday 9am to 5pm · Friday 9am to 3pm
Common Questions
Sedation Dentistry FAQs in Raleigh, NC 27612
Here’s what patients ask us most before their first restorative visit.
Do you feel pain with sedation dentistry?
Sedation is designed to keep you comfortable. You may still feel some pressure or movement, but pain is significantly reduced or eliminated. We often use a local anesthetic along with sedation to numb the specific area being treated, so you stay comfortable throughout.
What happens during dental sedation?
Medication helps you relax during the procedure. The level of sedation can range from relaxed but awake to completely unconscious under general anesthesia. Your vital signs are closely monitored throughout, and a local anesthetic is usually still used to numb the area.
How long does a sedation procedure take?
It depends on the treatment. Simple procedures may take a few minutes, while more complex treatment can take several hours. One benefit of sedation is that time often seems to pass more quickly, so a long visit may feel like a short one.
How long does dental sedation stay in your system?
It depends on the type. With oral sedatives and IV sedation, you may feel drowsy for several hours, which is why you need someone to drive you home and stay with you. General anesthesia recovery can take longer, and we will give you specific instructions for your treatment.
Will I remember the procedure?
Most patients have little to no memory of treatment under IV sedation, and none under general anesthesia. Many patients with dental phobia find this one of the biggest benefits.
Is IV sedation safe?
When it is used appropriately and monitored closely, IV sedation is a well-established way to provide dental care. We review your medical history and medications first, monitor you throughout treatment, and give you clear instructions. Tell us about any health conditions so we can plan safely.
Do I need someone to drive me home?
Yes. After IV sedation or general anesthesia, you should not drive, so please arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and stay with you for the rest of the day.
Does insurance cover sedation dentistry?
Coverage varies. Many plans cover sedation only in certain cases, and some do not cover it at all. Our team will check your benefits and explain your costs before treatment begins.
Ready for a more streamlined dental experience?
“Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there”
– Will Rogers