Comfort · Since 1987
Sedation Dentistry in Wilmington, NC
Sedation is a great option for anyone who needs a little extra help getting back into the chair and making their smile a priority again. Whether it is the sounds, a bad past experience, trouble getting numb or anything in between, we meet you where you are and provide compassionate care with zero judgment.
About sedation
Options range from nitrous oxide, which wears off before you drive home, through oral sedation that leaves most of the appointment hazy, to deeper IV sedation for longer surgical work.
Sedation also lets us combine treatment. Work that would take four separate appointments can often be done in one, which is worth considering if the appointment itself is the obstacle.
How it works
- Conversation firstWe talk about what specifically is difficult. Often it is one particular thing rather than the whole visit.
- Medical reviewMedications, conditions and history determine which option is safe for you.
- Choosing a levelNitrous, oral, or IV. We explain what each feels like and what the day looks like.
- TreatmentYou are monitored throughout.
- RecoveryNitrous wears off in minutes. Oral and IV need a driver and a quiet afternoon.
Recovery and aftercare
With nitrous you can drive yourself home. With oral or IV sedation you need someone to drive you, and you should plan to do nothing much for the rest of the day. Follow the eating instructions we give you before the appointment.
Cost and coverage
Nitrous oxide is a modest addition to the visit. Oral and IV sedation are priced by the length of the appointment. Some plans contribute when sedation is medically necessary rather than elective. We will check and tell you either way.
You may be a candidate if
- You avoid the dentist because of fear, and have for years
- A previous appointment was painful or humiliating
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You need extensive work and would rather do it in fewer visits
- Sitting still for long appointments is difficult for you
- Local anesthetic has not worked well for you in the past
Sedation Dentistry by town
We see patients from across New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender and Onslow counties.
In their own words
Hear from Dr. Josh Winneberger
Dr. Winneberger on getting you numb without you noticing, and helping nervous patients get comfortable in the chair.
Questions we get asked
Will I be unconscious?
No. Even IV sedation leaves you responsive. Most patients simply do not remember much of the appointment.
Is sedation safe?
For healthy patients, yes. Dr. Winneberger is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology, and we review your medical history and medications carefully first.
I am embarrassed about the state of my teeth.
You are describing the majority of people who ask us about sedation. It is not a reaction we have.
Can I have sedation for a cleaning?
Yes. Nitrous for a hygiene visit is common and there is nothing unusual about asking for it.
How long does it take to wear off?
Nitrous, five to ten minutes. Oral sedation, several hours with grogginess into the evening. IV, similar, with the rest of the day written off.
Sedation Dentistry
Nobody here is going to make you feel bad about it.
A large share of our new patients start the conversation by apologizing for how long it has been. It is the most ordinary thing we hear.
- Nitrous, oral and IV sedation options
- Dr. Winneberger is a member of the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology
- You can stop the appointment at any point
- We explain before we do, every time
Worried about the state of things? This is a judgment-free zone. We are here for the plan forward.
Request an appointment
We reply the next business day.
Please do not include Protected Health Information. For anything urgent, call (910) 762-0958.
