Sedation dentistry can make the experience of going to the dentist more comfortable, particularly for patients with dental anxiety. CHS Dental offers both nitrous oxide and IV sedation, which makes sedation dentistry possible for routine care and more complex cosmetic procedures.
While sedation is standard for some procedures, some patients benefit from using sedation even during routine dental cleanings and checkups. It may be an option worth discussing for:
If you want to discuss whether sedation dentistry is right for your care, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kusek.
We offer nitrous oxide and IV sedation. Dr. Kusek is IV-sedation certified, which is not common for general dentists.
Also known as laughing gas, nitrous is a gas that you breathe in through the nose throughout the duration of your dental visit. It is a fast-acting sedative that can help you feel calm and relaxed. You’ll remain awake and aware, able to hear and communicate with Dr. Kusek throughout your treatment. After your procedure, the gas will be turned off and switched to 100% oxygen to flush your system. The effects of the nitrous oxide will wear off in just a few minutes.
IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation in which medication is delivered intravenously during your dental visit. You will be awake but deeply relaxed and sleepy. You may not remember the procedure once the medication wears off. The effects of IV sedation last much longer after the medication is administered, so you will need to clear your schedule for the rest of the day and have someone drive you home and look after you after your procedure.
IV sedation is generally recommended for more complex restorative cases, patients with severe dental anxiety, and long appointments that combine multiple procedures. Because Dr. Kusek holds a post-doctoral IV sedation certification, CHS Dental is able to provide this option to our patients in Mount Pleasant.
Your sedation dentistry experience will vary depending on the type of sedation Dr. Kusek recommends.
Consultation – During your consultation, we’ll discuss your health history and dental care needs to determine the right course of action
Treatment Plan – We’ll recommend the type of sedation that’s suited to your needs based on the treatment you need done, your health history, and your personal preferences.
Pre-Appointment Instructions – If you are using IV sedation, we will recommend that you do not eat or drink anything except water for several hours prior to your appointment. You will also need a trusted friend or relative to drive you to and from your appointment.
Your Appointment – During your appointment, Dr. Kusek will walk you through the procedures you’ll be having so that you know exactly what will happen when you are under sedation. With IV sedation, your appointment may last for several hours and include multiple procedures.
Aftercare – You will be given specific aftercare instructions for both your sedation and the procedures you had done. If you only had nitrous oxide, you should be able to get back to your normal routine quickly. IV sedation will require a longer, supported recovery with the help of a trusted adult.
Follow-Up – After your appointment, our office will follow up within the next few days to ask how you’re feeling and if there are any issues with your recovery. If needed, we’ll schedule a follow-up visit to continue your treatment.
Dr. Kusek, DDS attended the University of Nebraska School of Dentistry and has been practicing since 2017. He’s been the sole dentist at his own practice here at CHS Dental since 2021. Dr. K is a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, a credential held by roughly the top 6% of general dentists in the U.S. and Canada, and an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is about more than managing pain and anxiety. It’s about creating a comfortable patient experience from start to finish. At CHS Dental, we have invested in treatment options like GBT with air polishing for gentler cleaning appointments, same-day crowns for faster and more convenient care, and digital smile design for predictable, customized cosmetic dental treatment. With unhurried appointments and a collaborative patient care approach, we make every patient feel welcome, comfortable, and confident in their care.
Dental sedation is not always covered by insurance, as it may be viewed as elective or non-essential for certain procedures. However, it may be considered medically necessary for patients with certain medical conditions that would make normal treatment otherwise unsafe or those undergoing complex procedures like dental implants.
CHS Dental accepts all major insurance plans, and we are happy to check your coverage for sedation dentistry and other procedures.
Because IV sedation certification is not a common credential for general dentists, we see patients from right here in Mount Pleasant as well as those traveling from the surrounding communities of Charleston, Daniel Island, Isle of Palms, West Ashley, and East Cooper.
If you’re ready for a more comfortable, relaxed dental care experience, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kusek at CHS Dental today. Call (843) 884-2021 or schedule your appointment online.
Comfort is the point of sedation, so most of what you'd normally notice — the sounds, the pressure, the sense of time passing — fades into the background. With nitrous oxide, you stay awake and aware but relaxed. With IV sedation, most patients remember very little of the appointment afterward. Dr. Kusek will talk with you beforehand about what you're likely to feel, so there are no surprises on the day.
Nitrous oxide is the lighter of the two. You breathe it through a small mask, it takes effect quickly, and it's a good fit for routine visits when you'd simply like to feel calmer. IV sedation goes deeper and is delivered through a vein, which lets Dr. Kusek adjust it during your appointment. It's often the better choice for longer visits, implant placement, or if dental anxiety has kept you from care for a while. Dr. Kusek holds a post-doctoral certification in IV sedation, a credential most general dentists don't carry.
"Sleep dentistry" is a term people often use when searching for sedation, and the two usually mean the same thing, but it can be a little misleading. Sedation relaxes you deeply; it isn't general anesthesia, and you're not unconscious. With IV sedation you may feel as though you slept through the visit, though you'll be able to respond to Dr. Kusek throughout. Additionally, "sleep dentistry" sometimes refers to treatment for sleep apnea, which is not a service we offer.
Often, yes. Plenty of patients who feel uneasy about cleanings find that nitrous oxide makes the visit an easy one. Our hygiene appointments also use Guided Biofilm Therapy air polishing, which is gentler than traditional scaling and polishing, so some patients find they need less support than they expected. Whether sedation makes sense for your cleaning is a conversation worth having at your first visit; bring it up and Dr. Kusek will give you an honest answer.
Absolutely, and you're not alone. Life gets busy, and many patients come to us after time away from the dentist. There's no judgment here. We'll start with a gentle exam, show you what we see, and explain your options clearly. Depending on how much buildup there is, your cleaning may take a little longer or be spread over more than one visit. Our goal is to help you get back on track at a pace that feels comfortable.
It depends on your plan and on the procedure the sedation accompanies. Coverage for sedation is usually tied to the treatment itself rather than billed on its own. We accept and file all major insurance, including out-of-network plans, and our team is glad to check your specific benefits before you commit to anything.
Our team will confirm your appointment within one business day, verify your insurance benefits, and answer any questions — at no obligation.
