SEDATION DENTISTRY in Apex

Overcome Dental Fear and Anxiety

Going to the dentist can be a difficult and daunting experience for many people, but sedation changes all that.

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With dental sedation, it's so easy to get the smile you deserve!

Sedation Dentistry in Apex, NC

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At Bass & Watson Family Dental in Apex, we understand that dental anxiety can be a significant barrier to receiving the care you need. That’s why we specialize in IV sedation dentistry, offering a deeper level of relaxation for patients who feel especially anxious or require more complex procedures. Our compassionate dental team is committed to creating a calm, supportive environment where you feel completely at ease. With IV sedation, you can experience a virtually stress-free dental visit while still receiving high-quality, comprehensive care. Your comfort and peace of mind are always our top priority

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What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Dental sedation is a safe and effective method used to help patients relax and feel comfortable during various dental procedures. It involves the administration of sedative drugs that induce a state of relaxation, reducing anxiety, fear, and discomfort often associated with dental treatments. Our experienced dental professionals will carefully tailor the sedation to meet your unique needs and ensure that you have a positive and stress-free dental experience.

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Reasons Why You May Need Dental Sedation

1. Dental Anxiety and Fear

Dental anxiety is a common issue affecting people of all ages. The fear of dental procedures can prevent patients from seeking necessary dental care, leading to more significant oral health problems in the future. If the fear of dental procedures has been keeping you away from the dentist for years, know that you are not alone.

2. Complex Dental Procedures

Certain dental treatments can be more extensive and time-consuming. Whether it's a complex root canal treatment or multiple procedures in a single visit, dental sedation can help you remain comfortable and relaxed throughout the process.

3. Gag Reflex

Some patients have a sensitive gag reflex, which can make dental procedures uncomfortable and challenging for both the patient and the dental team. Dental sedation can reduce this reflex, making treatments more manageable for everyone involved.

4. Physical or Cognitive Limitations

Patients with physical disabilities or cognitive impairments may find it challenging to sit still for extended periods during dental procedures. Sedation dentistry in Apex can help these patients stay calm, still, and comfortable, ensuring a smoother dental experience.

5. Past Negative Dental Experiences

A previous unpleasant dental experience can create fear and apprehension about future visits. Dental sedation can help patients overcome these negative associations and receive the care they need without anxiety.

The Benefits of Dental Sedation in Apex

1. Reduced Anxiety and Fear

Dental sedation creates a relaxed and calm state, easing anxiety and fear associated with dental visits. You can undergo your dental treatments with confidence, knowing that our caring team is here to support you every step of the way.

2. Enhanced Comfort

Dental sedation ensures that you remain comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure, even for more involved treatments.

3. Time Efficiency

Dental sedation allows us to perform multiple treatments in one visit, reducing the number of appointments needed and saving you valuable time.

4. Better Oral Health

By overcoming dental anxiety and receiving the necessary treatments, you can improve your oral health and prevent more significant issues from developing in the future.

5. Personalized Approach

We understand that every patient's needs are unique. Our dental team will discuss your medical history and concerns thoroughly, tailoring the sedation approach to suit your individual requirements.

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Our Calming Sedation Options

At Bass & Watson Family Dental, our experienced dental team is trained in administering various sedation techniques. Before recommending sedation, we will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and discuss your concerns and preferences to determine the most suitable option for you.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas," is a colorless and odorless gas used in sedation dentistry to help patients feel relaxed and at ease during dental procedures. Administered through a comfortable mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled, reaching the bloodstream quickly.

Oral Sedation

In dentistry, oral sedation is a highly effective method utilized to alleviate anxiety during dental procedures. It involves the administration of a pill that induces a profound sense of relaxation, allowing patients to let go of any fears or apprehensions.

Intravenous Sedation

IV moderate sedation, another reassuring method used in dentistry, involves the administration of sedative medication through an intravenous line. This technique allows the medication to take effect quickly, inducing a deeper state of relaxation than oral sedation.

Meet Our Doctors:

At Bass & Watson Family Dental, our entire team is compassionate and understanding, and we’re here to guide and encourage you on your path toward a healthy smile. We believe great dental care is a group effort, and we are here to work with you every step of the way.

Dr. Michael Bass

Dr. Michael Bass is originally from Edenton, NC. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree at Brigham Young University in Utah. He then received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry in Chapel Hill. Dr. Bass enjoys water sports, snow skiing, working on home projects with his wife, Sherrie, and spending time with their four children, and 2 dogs...

Dr. Robert Watson

Dr. Watson is an accomplished dentist with a diverse background in dentistry and a passion for providing exceptional care to his patients. Originally hailing from Fairfield, Montana, he pursued his education at Brigham Young University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History...

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Patient Testimonials

Great with kids

Hear what Heather has to say about how compassionately the team at Bass & Watson Family Dental takes care of her family.

Talking About Quality and Care

Watch as Evelyn shares her feelings about the quality and care she feels at Bass & Watson Family Dental.

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Smile Gallery

Welcome to our Smile Gallery, where we showcase the transformative power of exceptional dental care. Here, you'll find before-and-after photos of real patients who have entrusted their smiles to us.

Before

After

Before

After

Crowns

CB had braces, gum surgery, and porcelain crowns on her front teeth to create the smile she dreamed about.

Invisalign

CC was unhappy with his appearance. After Invisalign and two porcelain veneers, he can't stop smiling!

Before

After

Before

After

Full Mouth Reconstruction

After some tough years, EW was ready for a change. Following removal of all teeth, dental implants and a fixed hybrid denture was a life changer.

Crowns and Bridges

JK had worn his teeth down and wanted a more youthful appearance. Porcelain crowns rejuvenated his smile, and they're still going strong 15 years later.

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Smile Gallery

Welcome to our Smile Gallery, where we showcase the transformative power of exceptional dental care. Here, you'll find before-and-after photos of real patients who have entrusted their smiles to us.

Before

After

Crowns

CB had braces, gum surgery, and porcelain crowns on her front teeth to create the smile she dreamed about.

Before

After

Invisalign

CC was unhappy with his appearance. After Invisalign and two porcelain veneers, he can't stop smiling!

Before

After

Full Mouth Reconstruction

After some tough years, EW was ready for a change. Following removal of all teeth, dental implants and a fixed hybrid denture was a life changer.

Before

After

Crowns and Bridges

JK had worn his teeth down and wanted a more youthful appearance. Porcelain crowns rejuvenated his smile, which are still going strong 15 years later.

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How can we help you? FAQs

Have questions? Here’s a selection of some commonly asked questions about our dental office and services. If you would like more information, please give us a call at (919) 362-6789.

What is IV sedation, and how does it work?

IV sedation is a safe and effective way to help you deeply relax during your dental procedure. It involves administering sedative medication directly into your bloodstream through a small IV line. The effects are felt almost immediately, putting you in a calm, drowsy state where you may not remember much—if anything—about the procedure. You’ll still be conscious and able to respond to instructions, but you’ll feel completely at ease throughout your visit.

Is IV sedation safe for people with dental anxiety?

Yes, IV sedation is especially helpful for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. At Bass & Watson Family Dental, IV sedation is administered by a trained dentist alongside a certified nurse anesthetist who closely monitors your vital signs the entire time. It’s one of the most controlled and customizable sedation options available, making it a great fit for anxious patients or those needing complex dental work.

Will I be fully asleep with IV sedation?

Not exactly. IV sedation induces what’s called "moderate sedation"—you won’t be fully unconscious like in general anesthesia, but you’ll feel so relaxed and detached that many patients drift off or have little memory of the visit. You’ll be awake enough to respond if needed, but calm enough that the appointment will fly by.

What should I expect before and after IV sedation?

Before your appointment, we’ll review your health history and give you pre-visit instructions, like avoiding food and arranging for someone to drive you home. After your procedure, you’ll likely feel drowsy for a few hours. Most patients rest the remainder of the day. Our team will give you detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable recovery.