If fear or anxiety has kept you from the care you need, let’s change that. Schedule a sedation dentistry consultation today!

Sedation Dentistry in Cary, NC

patient of the day at signature smiles in cary nc Does going to the dentist make you feel anxious? If so, you’re not alone. That’s why we offer safe, personalized sedation options to help you feel calm and comfortable throughout your visit. Our goal is to create a stress-free experience that puts you completely at ease.

We proudly offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia with a licensed anesthesiologist, so you can choose the level of support that feels right for you. Every option is administered with your safety as our top priority, and we’ll walk you through everything before we begin.

Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?

Dental sedation is a great option for:

Complex or lengthy procedures
Patients with high levels of dental anxiety or phobia
Patients with special needs
Those who have difficulty sitting still for extended periods

Dr. Archie Cook, Jr. and our team focus on your safety and comfort.

Sedation Dentistry: What to Expect

We’ll start with a consultation to discuss your medical history, level of anxiety, and the type of procedure you need. From there, we’ll help you choose the safest, most effective sedation option for your situation.

On the day of your appointment, Dr. Archie Cook, Jr. and our team will monitor you closely from start to finish. If you’re receiving oral sedation or general anesthesia, you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the office. You’ll be given full aftercare instructions and support from our team.

Call Our Sedation Dentist in Cary, NC

At Signature Smiles, we believe everyone deserves dental care that feels safe, supportive, and stress-free. Sedation dentistry in Cary, NC, is designed to meet you where you are and help you feel fully at ease, whether you're a little nervous or extremely anxious.

Ready to experience dental care without the fear? Schedule a consultation today with Dr. Archie Cook, Jr.

Why Choose Sedation Dentistry?

If dental anxiety, sensitive teeth, or past negative experiences have kept you from getting the care you need, sedation dentistry in Cary, NC, can be exactly what you need. Here are just a few of the key benefits of dental sedation.

Reduces Anxiety and Fear

Sedation helps calm nerves before and during your appointment, making it easier to face dental care without stress. It’s especially helpful for patients with dental phobia, a strong gag reflex, or sensitivity to sights, sounds, and smells.

Makes Long Procedures Feel Short

Sedation can make longer or more complex treatments, like multiple fillings, extractions, or full mouth restorations, feel more manageable. We can even complete multiple procedures in one visit.

Improves Your Overall Experience

When you’re calm and comfortable, your visit is more positive, and that can lead to better long-term habits. Many patients who use sedation find they become more confident and consistent with their dental care over time.

OUR TEAM

Dr. Archie Cook, Jr. DDS

Dr. Archie Cook, Jr. DDS
Dentist and Practice Owner

Dr. Archie Cook, Jr. is the founder and lead dentist at Signature Smiles, where he blends skill, precision, and personality to deliver care that’s both leading-edge and deeply personal. A proud graduate of North ...
Dr. Amber Myers DDS

Dr. Amber Myers DDS
Associate Dentist

Dr. Amber Myers is a North Carolina native, born in Greenville and raised in the Raleigh area. She obtained her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2011 and has since been ...

Our Sedation Dentistry Options

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This light sedation is inhaled through a small mask and wears off quickly after your appointment. You’ll stay awake but feel calm and relaxed during treatment—perfect for mild anxiety or shorter visits.

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before your procedure to help you feel deeply relaxed and even drowsy. Many patients remember very little of the appointment afterward. You'll need someone to drive you home, but it’s a great option for moderate anxiety or longer treatments.

IV Sedation

IV sedation offers a deeper level of relaxation than nitrous oxide or oral medication. The sedative is delivered directly into your bloodstream through a small IV, allowing it to take effect quickly and be carefully adjusted throughout your visit.

General Anesthesia with a Licensed Anesthesiologist

For patients with severe dental anxiety, special needs, or those undergoing complex procedures, we offer full sedation administered by a licensed anesthesiologist. You’ll be fully asleep and monitored the entire time for a safe, worry-free experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sedation dentistry is very safe for both children and older adults when administered by experienced professionals. Signature Smiles offers several sedation options tailored to your comfort level, medical history, and the type of procedure you need.

Our sedation dentists in Cary, NC, provide:

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) — This is a mild sedative that helps calm nerves and wears off quickly. It’s ideal for children and adults alike.
Oral sedation — Oral sedation is a pill taken before your appointment to help you feel deeply relaxed while still awake.
IV sedation — IV sedation offers deep relaxation and comfort, with little to no memory of the procedure.
General anesthesia — For more complex or extensive procedures, we coordinate care with a licensed anesthesiologist who comes directly to our Cary dental office.

For children who feel anxious in the dental chair or require multiple procedures, nitrous oxide is often an effective way to make visits smoother and more positive. For older adults, especially those with medical conditions or heightened dental anxiety, oral sedation or general anesthesia can make treatment more comfortable and stress-free.

We always take the time to review your medical history, medications, and any concerns before recommending a sedation plan.

Let Your Worries Melt Away

Call us today to learn more about sedation dentistry in Cary, NC, or to book your appointment.

We’re pleased to offer a wide range of sedation dentistry options in Cary, NC.

Our options include:

Nitrous Oxide: This mild form of sedation provides deep relaxation during your treatment and wears off immediately afterward.
Oral Sedation: This pill, taken before treatment, is stronger than nitrous oxide. You may not recall most of your appointment.
IV Sedation: This is the third most powerful sedation option because it delivers medication directly through an IV. As with oral sedation, you may not recall your
General Anesthesia: We administer this medication under the directions of a licensed anesthesiologist. You will sleep through your treatment.

Nitrous oxide wears off after we remove the nasal mask, but the other options require a friend or loved one to transport you to and from your appointment due to lingering effects.

Also, the dentist will review your medical history to ensure that sedation is a safe option for you.

Sedation dentistry is ideal for patients who feel anxious or afraid. It can also benefit those with a strong gag reflex or special needs.

Are You Considering Sedation Dentistry in Cary?

If you would like to learn more or schedule an assessment with our dentist, call us today.

We offer a dental savings plan for the uninsured.

Yes, we offer a wide range of sedation dentistry options in Cary, NC, including sleep dentistry, which involves general anesthesia delivered via IV by a licensed anesthesiologist.

We monitor you closely during your procedure and can adjust your sedation as needed.

With sleep sedation, you’ll not remember your treatment as you’ll be fast asleep.

Sedation Dentistry Options at Signature Smiles

We offer the following sedation options:

Nitrous Oxide
Oral Sedation
IV Sedation
General Anesthesia

Each is more powerful than the next, with nitrous oxide being the least potent form of sedation and general anesthesia being the most potent. With our more potent options, it’s important to have transportation from our dental office. We also strongly recommend not making important decisions on the day of treatment or operating heavy machinery.

Your Cary dentist will evaluate you and take a health history to ensure that sedation dentistry, in any form, is a safe and suitable option for you.

For Sleep Dentistry in Cary, NC, Contact Us

For more information about sedation dentistry or to schedule a consultation with the dentist, call us today. You can also request an appointment online.

Ask a member of our dental team about our dental savings plan, financing options, and current dental specials.

Yes! Patients can have procedures done under general anesthesia with a licensed anesthesiologist right here at Signature Smiles.

General anesthesia is ideal for patients with:

Severe dental phobia, anxiety, or fear
Mental, physical, or behavioral special needs
A complex treatment plan that includes several treatment procedures
Difficulties sitting for long periods of time
Time constraints in their schedule for completing treatment

We also offer other levels of dental sedation to meet your needs:

Nitrous oxide — Also called laughing gas, this is the lightest level of sedation we offer. It's safe for adults and children and doesn't tend to leave lingering side effects.
Oral sedation — This is a deeper level of sedation delivered through medication taken an hour before your procedure. Due to the nature of the medication, it's not safe to drive after oral sedation.
IV sedation — Also called "twilight sedation," medication is delivered intravenously, and you feel as if you're sleeping but are still responsive. You'll need to arrange transportation to and from your appointment and plan to take the rest of the day to recover after IV sedation.

Do You Have Questions about Dental Sedation in Cary?

Talk with our team at (919) 443-6134 for more information.

In addition to our friendly, dedicated dentists and team, who create a welcoming, safe, and comfortable environment for our patients, we offer several types of dental sedation at our Cary, NC, dental office. Here's what you should know.

Sedation Dentistry at Signature Smiles

We offer four levels of dental sedation at Signature Smiles:

Nitrous oxide — This is the lightest level of sedation we offer that's safe for adults and children. It's delivered through an inhalation mask, and it is safe for adults to drive and continue with normal activities after their appointment.
Oral sedation — This is a higher level of sedation delivered through medication taken an hour before your procedure. Due to the nature of the medication, you'll need transportation arranged for your trip to and from your appointment.
IV sedation — Also called "twilight sedation," medication is delivered intravenously, and you feel as if you're sleeping but are still responsive. You'll need transportation arranged and plan on a full day of rest and recovery afterward.
General anesthesia — This is complete sedation where you are actually sleeping. The sedation is monitored the entire time by a licensed anesthesiologist.

Would You Like to Learn More about Sedation Dentistry?

Contact our team at (919) 443-6134 for more information or to book an evaluation with one of our dentists.

BLOGS

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Sedation Dentistry Options in Cary

We offer varying degrees of sedation to meet your specific needs, everything from relaxation gas to general anesthesia.

Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is a safe gas delivered through a nasal cannula. ...