Sedation Dentistry in Durham, Nc

Relaxed, Closely Monitored Care for Anxious Appointments

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Services We Offer

Sedation Dentistry Services We Offer

If anxiety has kept you from care, the right sedation can make treatment feel manageable again. We offer options that help you stay calm, comfortable, and ready to move forward with the care you need.

IV Sedation

Best for longer or more complex treatment, IV sedation helps you stay deeply relaxed while we monitor your comfort throughout the visit.

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Oral Sedation

This needle-free option uses a prescribed pill before your appointment to ease mild to moderate anxiety and help your visit feel much easier.

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Calm Care Without Fear

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses oral sedation or IV sedation to help you stay relaxed during dental treatment. Oral sedation is a pill taken before your visit, while IV sedation is given through a small IV so the level of relaxation can be adjusted during the appointment. You remain awake and responsive, but the medicine helps your body settle and can leave you with little memory of the procedure.

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IV Sedation

IV sedation delivers anti-anxiety and relaxation medication directly through your bloodstream, which means it works quickly and can be adjusted throughout your appointment. You settle into a deeply relaxed, twilight state where you remain able to respond to instructions but typically have little to no memory of the procedure afterward. This precise control makes IV sedation the right choice for longer or more complex treatment, such as full arch implant placement, multiple extractions, or bone grafting, allowing us to complete more in a single visit while you stay comfortable.  

At our Durham practice, your IV sedation is administered and monitored by a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, an advanced anesthesia provider, while Dr. Long focuses entirely on your surgery. This dual-provider model means a dedicated professional watches over your comfort and vital signs from start to finish. You will need to fast beforehand and have a responsible adult drive you home, and most patients feel back to normal by the following morning.

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Oral Sedation

Oral sedation uses a prescribed medication you take before your appointment, so you arrive calm and at ease. You stay awake and able to respond, but deeply relaxed, and many patients remember little about the visit afterward. Because the medication is taken by mouth, there are no needles involved in becoming relaxed, which makes this a simple, approachable option for patients with mild to moderate dental anxiety or those undergoing more routine procedures. 

This approach works well when you want to feel more comfortable in the chair without the deeper, precisely adjustable sedation that IV delivery provides. We review your medical history and current medications to confirm oral sedation is a safe fit, then provide clear instructions on when to take your medication. As with IV sedation, you will need a responsible adult to drive you to and from your appointment, and the effects wear off gradually over the rest of the day.

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Relax Through Your Visit

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

When worry keeps a dental visit on your calendar for the wrong reasons, we can help make the next step feel manageable. Sedation dentistry gives you a quieter, more relaxed experience, so treatment does not have to feel like a battle you keep putting off. That peace of mind can change how ready you feel to move ahead.

Set fear aside

If anxiety has been the reason you delayed care, this option helps lower the stress that can make appointments feel overwhelming. You can come in with less dread and leave knowing the hardest part never took over the day.

Stay relaxed throughout

Long visits feel less draining when you are calm from start to finish. Instead of counting minutes or bracing yourself, you can settle in and let the appointment feel more manageable from the first moments to the last.

Remember less afterward

Many patients leave with only a faint memory of the appointment, which can make future visits feel less intimidating. That softer memory can matter when you are trying to build confidence for the care you still want to complete.

Needles are not part of it

For patients who tense up at the thought of injections, this can remove a major barrier right away. You can focus on getting the care you need without the extra stress that often comes from fear of needles.

Get through treatment sooner

When you feel calmer in the chair, it becomes easier to complete the care you have been avoiding. That can mean fewer disrupted weeks, fewer postponed plans, and a smoother path back to feeling good about your oral health.

Wake up with less stress

The day after treatment often feels easier when the visit itself did not drain you emotionally. You can rest, recover, and return to your routine with one less reason to put off the next step.

You move from dread to a calmer path through treatment.

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Comfort for More People

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You?

Many people wonder whether sedation could make treatment feel manageable again. This section helps you compare your comfort needs and your planned care with the options we offer.

Needing Deeper Comfort

Long appointments can feel overwhelming when anxiety builds before you even sit down. IV sedation may fit you well if you want to stay relaxed while we handle treatment that takes more time.

Preferring a Gentler Option

If needles make you tense, oral sedation can be a simpler way to feel calm before your visit. You take it ahead of time, then arrive ready for care with less stress.

Putting off Needed Treatment

Fear can keep you from moving forward for months or even years. Sedation Dentistry may be a good fit when you want to finally get the care you need without feeling on edge.

Do Any of These Sound Familiar?

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We talk daily with people seeking treatment they can handle beyond anxiety.

Your Calmer Visit Starts Here

Sedation Dentistry can bring more ease to your visit, so you feel supported and more at peace throughout treatment.

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Before & After Transformations

Transformations That Speak for Themselves

Every smile here started with a conversation and a plan built around that patient’s specific needs. From single implants to full mouth reconstruction, these transformations show what’s possible when precision and personal care come together.

After

Before

After

Before

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What to Expect

Sedation Dentistry Procedure Steps That Help You Feel Calm

Knowing what comes next can make sedation dentistry feel far less overwhelming. We help you stay informed and prepared, so the appointment feels more manageable and the unknowns do not take over. That clarity can make room for calm before you even arrive.

Consultation and Sedation Planning

We start by reviewing your medical history, discussing your comfort level, and understanding what makes you anxious about dental care. Based on your needs, we recommend the right sedation option and explain exactly how it works, how you’ll feel, and what to expect before, during, and after your visit.

Sedation and Treatment

On the day of your appointment, we administer your sedation and make sure you’re fully comfortable before any dental work begins. You’ll remain relaxed and calm while we complete your treatment, and our team monitors you closely the entire time to ensure your safety and total comfort throughout.

Recovery and Aftercare

Once your procedure is finished, we give you time to rest in a comfortable setting before you head home. We provide clear aftercare instructions and make sure your designated driver knows what to expect. Most patients feel back to normal within hours and remember very little of the procedure.

Your Calm Visit Awaits

With Sedation Dentistry, you can enjoy a relaxed dinner, a quieter mind, and the relief of moving through care with less fear.

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Financing Options

Get the Care You Need Without Financial Stress

We offer flexible payment plans so you can get the treatment you need without the financial stress. Your smile shouldn’t have to wait, and with us, it doesn’t have to.

Streamline your dental care investment with Proceed Finance. Their flexible plans make achieving your smile goals easy and affordable.

NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

CareCredit, a trusted healthcare financing option, offers convenient payment plans to fit your budget. Invest in your oral health with confidence.

NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

Bite-sized payments, big smiles! Cherry Payment Plans offer easy-to-use financing options to make your dental care more accessible.

NO Credit Score Impact Until Plan Selected.

Choose Your Payment Plan and Begin Treatment Today

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Patient FAQs

Sedation Dentistry FAQs

Sedation dentistry can bring up a lot of practical questions, especially if anxiety has kept you from care. We cover the details below, and if you still have something on your mind, reach out and we will talk it through with you.

Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?

Not usually. With oral sedation, you stay awake and responsive but feel deeply relaxed, and many patients remember very little afterward. IV sedation creates a deeper state of relaxation, but you are still not fully unconscious like you would be with general anesthesia.

Do I need someone to drive me home?

Yes, you do. The sedation can affect your alertness for several hours, so a responsible adult needs to drive you to and from the appointment and stay with you while the effects wear off. We also recommend planning to rest at home for the rest of the day.

How do oral sedation and IV sedation differ?

Oral sedation is a pill taken before your visit, so there are no needles and it works well for mild to moderate anxiety. IV sedation enters your bloodstream, works quickly, and can be adjusted during treatment, which helps with longer or more complex procedures.

Am I a candidate for sedation dentistry?

During your consultation, we review your medical history and current medications to see which option fits you safely. Oral sedation is often a good match for mild anxiety, while IV sedation is usually reserved for healthy patients having more extensive treatment.

What should I expect on the day of my appointment?

We start with a review of your health history, then give you clear instructions on when to take your oral sedation or prepare for IV sedation. Once you arrive, we monitor you closely while Dr. Long completes your planned treatment and a driver takes you home.

How long does recovery take after sedation?

Most patients feel drowsy for a few hours after treatment, and some grogginess can last into the next day, especially with IV sedation. You should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the effects have fully worn off.

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Safety is a major focus for us. Dr. Long has advanced cardiac life support training, we screen patients carefully, and our facility has emergency medications and equipment on hand. For IV sedation, a CRNA monitors your vital signs throughout the appointment.

Can sedation help if I have severe dental anxiety?

Yes, that is one of the main reasons patients choose it. Oral sedation can calm nerves before routine care, and IV sedation is often a better fit when fear has delayed treatment or the procedure is longer. We help you choose the level that matches your needs.

How is sedation dentistry used for implant treatment?

It is especially helpful for full arch implant placement, multiple extractions, and bone grafting, since those appointments can take longer. IV sedation lets us work efficiently while you stay relaxed, and that can reduce the number of visits needed for your treatment plan.

What does sedation dentistry cost?

The cost depends on whether you choose oral sedation or IV sedation and how long your treatment takes. We review all of that with you before care begins, keep the details transparent, and can discuss payment options available if you need them.

Have more questions?

Contact our team and we'll be happy to provide you with the information and answers you need.

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MEET OUR DOCTOR

Expert Surgery From a Doctor Who Understands

At Old North Dentures and Implants, we focus exclusively on implant dentistry and full-mouth restoration, taking the time each case truly deserves. Our quality-over-quantity approach means you receive personalized attention from a doctor who genuinely understands what you’re going through.

Dr. Robert Long

DDS

Before becoming an implant dentist, Dr. Long was a patient himself. Growing up with a severe nine-millimeter underbite, he underwent double jaw surgery and spent three months on a soft-food diet. That experience shapes how he approaches every consultation today, with genuine empathy that can’t be taught in residency.

After earning his DDS from the University of North Carolina, he completed a hospital-based residency at Augusta University under internationally recognized mentors. He has logged over 600 hours of advanced implant training, including the AAID MaxiCourse and ORCAA full arch program. With five years of private practice in the Triangle and thousands of surgical procedures, Dr. Long brings both surgical precision and lived understanding to every patient he treats.

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What Our Patients Say

Real Stories From Patients Who Found Their Confidence Again

Our patients share how we’ve helped them regain confidence, comfort, and the freedom to smile again. Their stories reflect the personalized care, exceptional experience, and lasting results you can expect.

I highly recommend Dr. Long! I’ve trusted him with my dental care for years, including implants, crowns, and wisdom teeth procedures, and every experience has been excellent.He is professional, caring, and takes the time to explain everything clearly so you understand your treatment options and feel comfortable throughout the process. He makes complex procedures feel much more manageable. Dr. Long’s commitment to doing things the right way along with his authenticity sets him apart from other dentists.

E Comrey

3 months ago

It’s been great partnering with Dr. Long, and providing his implant restorations. We love working with him because his attention to detail and accuracy is incredible! He uses great materials and always wants what’s best for his patient. You will be in great hands with Dr. Long!

Adam Ahokas

5 months ago

Dr. Robert Long is an exceptional dentist who combines professionalism, expertise, and genuine care for patients. From the first appointment, I was impressed by how thorough and attentive he was in explaining the treatment process and addressing every concern with patience and honesty.What stood out most was the attention to detail and the commitment to making sure I was comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Long is clearly very skilled and knowledgeable, and it gave me a great sense of confidence knowing I was in such capable hands.I truly appreciate the high level of care I received and would highly recommend Dr. Long to anyone looking for a dentist who is both highly competent and compassionate.

6 months ago

I’ve had the privilege of working with Dr. Long for over five years, even before he opened his own practice, and I can say without hesitation that he has played a significant role in preserving my trust in truly ethical, patient-centered dentistry.Dr. Long consistently demonstrates a rare combination of professionalism, integrity, and genuine compassion. He takes the time to listen, treats every patient with respect, and approaches his work with a level of honesty that is increasingly hard to find—recommending only what is truly necessary and always prioritizing the patient’s best interest.What stands out most to me is the exceptional quality of his implant work. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand the precision, care, and expertise he brings to every case, and the results have been nothing short of outstanding.It is an honor to know and work alongside a clinician of his caliber, and I would recommend him with the highest level of confidence.

Christian Sinondon

8 months ago

Dr. Long is a great person and thorough dentist! Dr. Long always gives his honest professional opinion and care!

Miller Harris

8 months ago

I’ve worked with Dr Long for 4 years I would trust him with all my work!

Sade Jeffers

8 months ago

Join the Patients Who Smile with Confidence Every Day

Experience personalized dental care designed to help you achieve your dream smile.

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Durham's Most Advanced Dental Implant Technology

You deserve treatment planned with millimeter precision. We use cone beam CT scanning to map your jaw in three dimensions, intraoral scanners to capture digital impressions without messy materials, and in-house 3D printing to fabricate same-day temporary teeth. This integrated digital workflow shortens your treatment time and reflects our commitment to quality over quantity in every implant case we handle.

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Quality Implant Care Close to Home

Our Durham office is easy to reach from anywhere in the Triangle, serving patients from Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and surrounding communities. We have made every aspect of visiting us straightforward, so life-changing implant care is always within reach.

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Visit our blog to explore topics like dental implants, various treatment options, and oral health tips. Our expert dentists share insights on everything from healing periods and bone graft procedures to comprehensive mouth restoration, helping you make informed decisions about your dental care.

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Sedation Dentistry in Durham, Nc

Relaxed, Closely Monitored Care for Anxious Appointments