Wilmington’s Top Sedation Dentist

Dental anxiety and fear prevent many Wilmington residents from reaching the healthy, happy smiles they deserve. Dr. Dana Shumate, your local sedation dentist, is ready to help!

smiling patient

Dana B. Shumate, DDS, PA – SEDATION DENTIST
Wilmington Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety and fear prevent many Wilmington residents from reaching the healthy, happy smiles they deserve. Dr. Dana Shumate, your local sedation dentist, is ready to help!

Free Consultation
(910) 208-0795

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FREE SEDATION CONSULTATION

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What Dr. Dana Shumate’s Patients Are Saying

Here are a few video testimonials of actual Porters Neck Cosmetic & Family Dentistry patients. Call us to request your appointment today!

★★★★★

Never experienced any kind of pain

“I had some hairline fractures in my front teeth. And that’s what led to the work that Dr. Shumate did. He’s personable, professional, and very knowledgeable. I never experienced any pain.” –Gary

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★★★★★

SEDATION MADE ME MORE COMFORTABLE

“I’ve been coming to Porters Neck Dentistry for about two years. I had to have sedation. Dr. Shumate said it would make you more comfortable. I came in, everyone was great; I took a little nap, woke up, and it was done. I deal with one doctor and his wonderful crew.” –Julie Ann

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★★★★★

Restored my confidence

“My teeth were cracked, and I was having some issues. So I came here to see if we could make them look better. Everybody here is so friendly. Now, I feel confident.”

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When Experience Matters, Choose Dr. Dana Shumate

Patients from all over the Wilmington area trust Porters Neck Cosmetic & Family Dentistry with their sedation and complete dental care.

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Dr. Shumate

Dana B. Shumate, DDS, PA

Cosmetic, Implant, and Family Dentistry

A West Virginia University School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Shumate attends extensive postdoctoral studies in clinical dentistry, focusing on cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry. He has presented research across the country, receiving recognition from the Hinman Dental Society and the American Academy for IV and Maxillofacial Radiology. Dr. Shumate enjoys blending the art and science of dentistry to improve his patients’ smiles in his state-of-the-art Wilmington, NC, office.

Dana B. Shumate, DDS, PA

Cosmetic, Implant, and Family Dentistry

Dr. Shumate

A West Virginia University School of Dentistry graduate, Dr. Shumate attends extensive postdoctoral studies in clinical dentistry, focusing on cosmetic, implant, and family dentistry. He has presented research across the country, receiving recognition from the Hinman Dental Society and the American Academy for IV and Maxillofacial Radiology. Dr. Shumate enjoys blending the art and science of dentistry to improve his patients’ smiles in his state-of-the-art Wilmington, NC, office.

AAD American Academy of cosmetic dentistry member
AAOMR American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
ADA American Dental Association
Hinman - Thomas P. Hinman Dental Medicine
The International dental implant association
Kois Center
North Carolina Dental Society
Wilmington Tri County Dental Society
AAD American Academy of cosmetic dentistry member
AAOMR American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
ADA American Dental Association
Hinman - Thomas P. Hinman Dental Medicine
The International dental implant association
Kois Center
North Carolina Dental Society
Wilmington Tri County Dental Society

Why Should I Choose Sedation?

Patients can confuse sedation with pain relief. At Porters Neck Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, our patients don’t feel a thing during any procedures due to our anesthetics. Dr. Dana Shumate offers sedation, not for pain, but to help patients deal with intense feelings of fear and anxiety that arise during their visit.

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Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety keeps people from regularly coming to the dentist, which can cause excessive decay, cracks, tooth sensitivity, and systemic problems.

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Low Pain Threshold

If you’re sensitive to pain or discomfort, we want to help! IV or nitrous sedation can help you relax during your treatment.

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Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. Nitrous or oral sedation can help you stay calm and numb your sensitivity during treatment.

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Strong Gag Reflex

Patients with a strong gag reflex may have difficulty with even traditional cleanings, so the use of nitrous, or conscious sedation, can help.

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Lots of Dental Work

If you need extensive dental work, IV sedation, or nitrous oxide, can make the time fly by. Helping you stay relaxed during your treatment.

Relax During the Implant Procedure with Sedation

Sedation dentistry with Dr. Shumate allows his patients to relax while undergoing restorative and cosmetic dental procedures. In addition, dental sedation enables patients to overcome anxiety, from discomfort up to phobia, about visiting the dentist. Plus, sedation allows you to group various procedures into a single visit and have little or no recollection of it.

Two Types of Dental Sedation

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IV Sedation

IV sedation is ideal for moderate dental anxiety, general aversion to the dental office, or a sensitive gag reflex. With IV sedation, Dr. Shumate will set up an IV drip which will keep you continuously sedated during your treatment. As a result, you will be asleep during the entire procedure but retain all normal reflexes and breathing throughout the treatment. Because this type of sedation doesn’t wear off immediately, it’s important to arrange a ride home from your appointment.

Woman with hair net getting sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a clear, odorless gas inhaled before and during the procedure, leaving you feeling calm and even euphoric. However, the effects dissipate quickly once the gas is off, so you’re ready to resume regular daily activity.

With nitrous oxide, or “laughing gas”, a mask is placed over your face, allowing you to breathe a mixture of oxygen and gas, relaxing you for the procedure. The effects wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home after you’re finished.

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Dr. Working on patient

We’re 100% Committed to Your Safety

Each team member is 100 % committed to making you feel comfortable, providing gentle care, and creating the relaxed environment necessary for positive dental visits. Dr. Shumate and his team monitor patient safety throughout the entire procedure. He is experienced and knows the correct type of sedation to eliminate your fears. To ensure complete comfort during dental treatment in our Wilmington office, we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation to patients who need it.

We’re 100% Committed to Your Safety

Dr. Working on patient

Each team member is 100 % committed to making you feel comfortable, providing gentle care, and creating the relaxed environment necessary for positive dental visits. Dr. Shumate and his team monitor patient safety throughout the entire procedure. He is experienced and knows the correct type of sedation to eliminate your fears. To ensure complete comfort during dental treatment in our Wilmington, NC office, we are pleased to offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation to patients who need it.

What Types of Treatments Commonly Use Sedation?

Sedation can be used whenever a patient is uncomfortable, anxious, or nervous about treatment. As a result, a patient may choose nitrous oxide or oral sedation for things like routine cleaning, placement of a crown and fillings, up to full-mouth restorations, or implants.

man smiling while holding mug in front of a computer

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are very thin pieces of durable, tooth-shaped porcelain custom-made (for shape and color) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front teeth to create a beautiful smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions. Veneers at Porters Neck Cosmetic and Family Dentistry are custom-made for each patient with wafer-thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth.

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Tooth-Colored Bonding

For stained, chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth that need repair, Dr. Shumate often recommends dental bonding as a low-cost option to improve your smile. Dental bonding materials bond to the tooth’s structure that is being restored. The resin is available in many shades to match the color of your other teeth.

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Cosmetic Dentures

Dentures are an excellent choice for replacing an upper or lower arch, leaving you with a natural smile. Dr. Shumate uses top-quality materials allowing our dentures to have remarkable longevity and an exceptional fit and finish. In addition, our dentures are custom-fit to your jaw to ensure you get a comfortable and natural feeling. They can be permanently affixed with dental implants as well.

Older couple smiling and embracing

Crowns and Bridges

Dr. Shumate uses crowns and bridges to restore and enhance damaged teeth or take the place of missing teeth. A crown covers a damaged tooth entirely and not only strengthens a tooth but can dramatically improve a tooth’s appearance, shape, and alignment. A bridge is an ideal method to fill the space created by missing  teeth.

Woman smiling

Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry combines art and science to create a cost-effective way to improve your smile. Using advanced dental techniques, cosmetic dentistry is meant to enhance your smile in a healthy and beautiful way. A bright, beautiful smile increases your self-confidence and overall life satisfaction. Learn More

Older couple smiling and embracing

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a permanent, natural-looking solution to replace a missing tooth. Dental implants with Dr. Shumate are an excellent solution for improving your smile, maintaining your lifestyle, and allowing you to eat what you want while appearing like they’re your natural teeth.
Learn More

Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation

Dr. Shumate and the Porters Neck Cosmetic & Family Dentistry team want you to feel at home. So while we are happy to answer questions you may have during the consultation, here are answers to a few commonly asked questions about sedation dentistry.

Dr. Dana Shumate is Wilmington, North Carolina’s sedation dentistry expert, and will happily guide you to choose the best option for you at your FREE sedation consultation. We offer two effective types of sedation, all of which are good options depending on your specific needs.

IV sedation is ideal for moderate dental anxiety, general aversion to the dental office, or a sensitive gag reflex. With IV sedation, Dr. Shumate will set up an IV drip which will keep you continuously sedated during your treatment. As a result, you will be asleep during the entire procedure but retain all normal reflexes and breathing throughout the treatment. Because this type of sedation doesn’t wear off immediately, it’s important to arrange a ride home from your appointment.

Nitrous: With nitrous oxide, or "laughing gas", a mask is placed over your face, allowing you to breathe a mixture of oxygen and gas, which relaxes you for the procedure. Since the effects quickly wear off, you can drive yourself home after using this type of sedation.

Dr. Shumate takes your comfort and safety very seriously and will closely monitor the dosages and sedation of his patients before, during, and after your treatment. As a result, sedation dentistry is entirely safe, especially in the skilled hands of Dr. Shumate and his team.
Dr. Dana Shumate offers two types of sedation. IV sedation and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) sedation. Depending on your anxiety level or the treatment performed, Dr. Shumate will advise a specific type of sedation to suit your needs.
IV sedation is a perfect option for patients who have longer procedures. Before starting the procedure, Dr. Shumate will give you a small sedative to help put you at ease. After that, patients will become very drowsy but will still be awake and responsive to directions. It is possible to increase the dosage for patients who desire more sedation.
For most patients, the effects of IV sedation when getting treatment from Dr. Shumate may wear off almost immediately, but others can feel its effects for several hours afterward. Therefore, patients should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after their appointment. They will also need to arrange a ride to and from the appointment.
IV sedation has similar effects to amnesia, and most patients can’t remember their dental appointment. In addition, medications can cause headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, and occasionally nausea, but these side effects typically pass quickly.
Patients often come in thinking they’ll be “under” as they are when they’re in the hospital during traditional surgery. With oral sedation, you’ll be awake but relaxed, and many have no recollection of the procedure at all.
Since the patient is comfortably sedated, Dr. Shumate can complete procedures that used to take several appointments to complete. This will save you time and money since a single longer appointment is less costly than several short appointments.
Dr. Shumate can provide sedation for any procedure the patient is uncomfortable proceeding with. From standard dental cleaning to implant placement, just simply ask for sedation, and our team will make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
While sedation benefits many people, it’s not right for everyone. Depending on your medical history, Dr. Shumate may not recommend sedation. In addition, some chronic conditions may make sedation risky. Finally, if the patient’s medications conflict with the sedation effects, sedation will not be recommended. Request your Free sedation consultation with Dr. Shumate today to learn how sedation may be your best choice for pain-free dentistry.

Limited Time {{period_label}} Specials

FREE SEDATION CONSULTATION

Limit 6 consultations by {{period_ends}}


(910) 208-0795

Porters Neck cosmetic and Family Dentistry "We make great white smiles"

Free Consultation
(910) 208-0795

Dana B. Shumate, DDS, PA
8131 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28411
Click for map and directions

Hours

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat-Sun

8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 3:00pm
By Appointment
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If the cost of treatment is what’s holding you back, ask our office about financing options, or fill out the form for CareCredit® financing using the link below.

Contact Us

Dana B. Shumate, DDS, PA
8131 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28411
Click for map and directions

Hours

Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat-Sun

8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 5:00pm
8:00am – 3:00pm
By Appointment
Closed

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