Sedation Dentistry

Does the thought of having your teeth cleaned make your entire body tense with fear? Would you rather endure the agony of a toothache than step foot in a dentist's office? You're not alone. A lot of people are so nervous about going to the dentist that they prefer not to have any treatment. Sedation can be used for everything from invasive procedures to a simple tooth cleaning to take away any anxiety you may have.

iv sedation

You will receive the sedative drug through a vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This is a deeper sedation method which allows Dr. Hapney to continually adjust the level of sedation. More than 100 million patients in the US have some form of dental anxiety. The dental anxiety can be treated with a variety of techniques, all of which Dr. Hapney is thoroughly experienced in providing. We use the most up-to-date and sophisticated monitoring and emergency equipment available essentially turning our office into a state-of-the-art surgical suite. Dr. Hapney is uniquely qualified to perform sedation and monitoring while producing high quality dental work. Our primary goal is to safely provide a comfortable, relaxed experience while healthy, beautiful smiles are created and maintained. We personalize our anesthetic plan to each individual patient. Numerous techniques are available and depend on medical history, the procedure, and even your personal preferences.

oral sedation

Depending on the total dose given, oral sedation can range from minimal to moderate. For minimal sedation you take a pill, usually about an hour before the procedure. The pill will make you drowsy, although you'll still be awake. A larger dose may be given to produce moderate sedation. This is the type of anesthesia most commonly associated with sedation dentistry. Many people become groggy enough from moderate oral sedation that they sleep during the procedure. This procedure does require a friend or family member to provide transportation to and from the appointment. Nitrous Oxide is also used in conjunction with this modality.

nitrous oxide

A safe and effective sedative agent that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask that fits over your nose to help you relax. Nitrous oxide, sometimes called "laughing gas," it will make you more comfortable during certain procedures. It helps with anxiety and is not intended to put you to sleep. You will breathe normally through your nose, and within a few short minutes you should start to feel the effects of the nitrous oxide. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed.

• I went for my regularly scheduled cleaning (my first time at five forks dental after switching from my previous dentist). Angie, who was my hygienist, was very detail oriented and spent quite a bit of time doing a detailed analysis of oral health before proceeding with cleaning / polishing. The dental clinic is well maintained with what what looks like to be latest equipment.
  Amul Merchant
  
• I haven’t been to the dentist in 8 years. Cheryl was amazing in helping me feel comfortable with the entire experience.
  Andrew Long
  
• The entire staff are Amazing! When I say amazing, I mean it! I have a terrible fear of dentist so I was so diappointed that I had to go in as I had the begining stages of an absest tooth. I knew that if I waited it would get much worst, never think that it's going to heal by itself because the pain will get worse and the expenses are just as painful. When I went in my anxiety was at it's peak, but it didn't take long to feel at ease. I received a sincere welcome by two sweet girls at the front desk. As I filled out the paperwork my anxiety began to creep back in, but then a sweet assistant Casey called me back and gave me a tour of this incredible business. They offer so much more than dental care (who knew). They have a beautiful relaxed environment which includes a day spa, really? Oh my gosh! The entire setting was so clean and peaceful. It's now time to get in the chair Come to find out my tooth with an old mercury filling was cracked so it had to go. Knowing what was coming next my level of anxiety was surprisingly low. I was so relaxed by the staff and setting. The numbing process was a breeze, the extraction was pretty quick and I didn't taste a drop of blood, thank you Casey! I had my followup visit and got great news, it's healing well. I was given easy to follow post-op instructions and some supplies to help the healing process. I highly recommend Five Forks Dental!!!
  Mary B.
  
• This office is by far superior than any other in the upstate. Dr. King and my dental hygienist, Cheryl Brown, were exceptionally skilled and took their time with me. Spa like atmosphere. I will keep driving from Anderson to Simpsonville to get such wonderful dental care.
  Cathy Mobley
  
• i love coming here! everyone is so friendly and explains to me exactly what they are doing to my teeth as they do it. i definitely will be coming here for years to come.
  skyler trice