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Sedation Options

Say Goodbye To Dental Fear

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Relax comfortably while receiving the dental care you need.

Relax comfortably while receiving the dental care you need.

We offer sedation dentistry on a lot of different levels. So we have a lot of guests that come in to just use nitrous and we have a lot of our guests that do that just for their cleanings and it relieves their anxiety a little bit and just kind of takes the edge off some. But we also have full sedation dentistry as well to where we can bring you in, we can do any procedure that you need to get done and lots of times we can do a lot of dentistry with you in the chair and you have little to no memory of even being in the office.

And your dentistry's all finished and you can go home and the next day everything's completed and you don't remember any of it. So there's lots of different ways that we can do that and we talk to every guest about how do you want it done. And so we offer different ways to do that and we tailor it for each of our guests.

So the medications that we use are fully reversible at any given point. So we only use medications that are reversible and that have been around for 50 years. And you're always able to respond to any command that we give you.

So even when we do full IV sedation, I'm able to talk to you and you'll respond back and forth the whole time. So there's a lot of different levels of sedation that we can do and from the most minimal standpoint is where we can just use nitrous oxide or laughing gas. And the beauty of that is that you can drive to your appointment, we can do whatever procedure that we need to do.

It kind of helps to take the edge off, but within just a few minutes of breathing some oxygen afterwards, you're back to normal. So if you're some type of working professional or your mom taking kids to and from work, but you have a little bit of anxiety, we're able to use nitrous oxide and you can come in and get whatever you need to get done and then you can leave and be able to drive. And so that's the beauty of that.

If you want something a little bit stronger, we're able to do IV sedation for you as well. At that point, you will need a driver. We can also do oral sedation where we give you a pill to come in beforehand.

So that's kind of a medium way to go. For shorter procedures, doing oral sedation is a way to go. You still need a driver for something like that, but it's a complete safe way to do some smaller procedures.

However you want to do the dentistry, we can do it that way.

Take the Stress Out of Dental Visits With Our Sedation Options in Wilmington

You deserve to feel comfortable during your dental appointment. Our practice goes the extra mile to put you at ease. Our sedation options in Wilmington can reduce your stress and improve your comfort level. By opting for sedation, you can:

  • Achieve your dream smile by confidently pursuing necessary treatments
  • Feel relaxed during complex or lengthy procedures
  • Minimize your anxiety about the condition of your smile
  • Focus on getting the dental care that you deserve
  • Stay on top of your oral health with regular dental visits

No insurance? That's okay with us. Join our Membership Club for savings on your treatments.

Call 910-202-6576 for an Appointment
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Feel Fully Relaxed with IV Sedation

While Dr. Shumate ensures you won't feel a thing by numbing you with local anesthesia, sedation can help minimize your nerves. Whether it's for a lengthy procedure or a complex treatment, sedation is available.

If you struggle with dental anxiety or need multiple procedures completed in one visit, Dr. Shumate provides IV sedation to help you feel fully at ease throughout your treatment. He will deliver the medication through a vein, offering a deeper state of relaxation.

It's an excellent option if you have a strong gag reflex, high dental anxiety, or are getting longer or more complex treatment like dental surgery. IV sedation is safely administered and closely monitored for your peace of mind. You will need to arrange for a ride home and will probably want to take it easy for at least a few hours.

Throughout the use of IV sedation, we will closely monitor you and ensure your safety and comfort. You remain conscious but deeply relaxed, with little or no memory of the visit afterward.

If you've avoided dental care in the past, this option can help you get back on track without the stress.

You Can Also Relax With Laughing Gas & Comforting Amenities

In addition to IV sedation, we offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas). This mild sedative leaves you feeling light and relaxed. We administer it through a comfortable mask to take the edge off any nerves. The effects wear off quickly after your procedure is finished. You'll be able to drive yourself home and resume normal activity right away.

Our practice also has cozy amenities to ease your anxiety. You can feel calmer with a weighted blanket, known to minimize stress and anxiety, and headphones to block out the sounds of equipment.

If there is another way our team can help you feel at ease, let us know. We will do what we can to meet your needs. Ask about our sedation options in Wilmington at your next visit.

Call 910-202-6576 for an Appointment
5 out of 5 stars - 710 votes

5 Stars (710 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here...
1st day here was great! Staff were all super nice. Really liked chatting with the dentists as well as the dental assistants. Did a really good job of cleaning and photographing my teeth. They were all super friendly! And then there is the fact that Dr Shumate was the only dentist around here that was able to repair a difficult / complex issue with my wifes teeth (dealing with severe allergies to Novocaine) - so yeah, needless to say, have been hopeful and highly impressed. Highly recommended!!

5

My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would...
My husband and I wanted a Dentist closer to home. Wilmington traffic is unbearable! Dr. Shumate's office is only 15 min. away from home. We really lucked up. Dr. Shumate provides cosmetic dentistry, places dental implants, and offers family Dentistry. I visited Dr. Shumate, thinking I would start there, but I also had to see an oral surgeon. Nope, Dr. Shumate placed my dental implants, and I love Dr. Dana. He is a perfectionist, kind, and a gentleman. Of course, my better half sees Dr. Lauren and is so happy with her work. He also enjoys going into their office. We both do, the staff is professional and well-trained. While the receptionists are respectful and professional. I couldn't ask for more! Paula and Alan Lanier

5

From the time you walk till the time you walk out you feel like family. As a nervous patient the entire staff made me feel at ease. Dr Shumate is very kind and takes the time to make sure you are well taken care of. And yes I took a fresh baked cookie from the lobby! Nice touch!

5

The entire team was incredibly kind, patient, and professional from start to finish. They went out of their way to provide extra care and make sure I felt comfortable as a nervous patient, which I really appreciated. You can tell they genuinely care about their patients. Highly recommend.

5

A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She...
A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She took extra time and care with my teeth which I really appreciated! She made sure I was comfortable. Dr. Dana Shumate is top notch and really friendly! He really knows his stuff but also is kind and genuine. If you want a new dental experience check out this practice, it’s a pleasure going there and especially if you are an anxious patient! 😁

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

I appreciate how clean & welcoming the office is, and they do a great job of staying on schedule so my kids and I aren't left waiting. The staff is always helpful, and friendly. Highly recommend!

5

Great staff! Very good and efficient work done! Satisfied tremendously! Thanks Smith Family. Dentistry @ Porters Neck, Wilmington NC

Patient Resources

Commonly Asked Questions About Sedation Options

Does sedation dentistry work for most patients?
We have found that one or more of our sedation options can help any patient feel more comfortable. If you're nervous about coming in, you can select from various sedation methods. We'll discuss each choice thoroughly, answer any questions you have, and help you choose the best option.
What sedation options are available to me?

There are two sedation options available for you. One is inhaled sedation using laughing gas, and the other is IV sedation, which creates a deeply relaxed, dreamlike state. The strength of sedation can be mild or deep, so these choices work well for patients who feel nervous about dental care.

Can I eat or drink before sedation?
When receiving laughing gas (nitrous oxide), you can generally eat a small meal a few hours before your visit. For IV sedation, though, you'll need to avoid eating for a longer time, usually six to eight hours before your treatment. We'll provide clear instructions before your procedure. Following these rules is key to your safety and the success of the sedation.