Stay comfortable and in control with sedation dentistry—relax through your visit while getting the care you need to keep your smile healthy long-term.
Does going to the dentist fill you with dread? You are not alone. Dental anxiety is one of the most common reasons people put off care they need, sometimes for years at a time. Whether it is a fear of needles, the sound of dental instruments, or a difficult experience in the past, anxiety can stand between you and a healthy smile. The good news is that you do not have to push through it on your own.
At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, we understand that anxiety is real, and we take it seriously. As part of our dental services in Durham, we offer oral conscious sedation to help you feel calm, comfortable, and in control during your visit. Dr. Will Church and our team are committed to creating a welcoming environment where your concerns are heard before any treatment begins, and where getting the care you need never has to feel overwhelming.
Oral conscious sedation is one of the most widely used approaches for helping patients manage anxiety during dental treatment. Unlike general anesthesia, this method allows you to remain awake and responsive throughout your appointment.
Before your visit, we prescribe a sedative medication that you take by mouth. By the time you arrive at our office, the medication is already working, and most patients feel deeply relaxed before they even sit in the chair. You will remain conscious and able to respond to questions or instructions, but the anxious edge is gone. Many patients describe the experience as feeling drowsy, calm, and at ease. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, oral sedation using medications in the benzodiazepine class is among the most commonly employed techniques in dentistry for managing patient anxiety.
Because the medication takes time to kick in and will remain in your system afterward, there are a few things to keep in mind. You will need to arrange for a trusted adult to drive you to and from our office, as you will not be safe to drive yourself. We also ask that you avoid food and drink for a period of time before your appointment, which we will communicate clearly when you schedule. During your visit, we will monitor you throughout the procedure so that you remain comfortable and safe the entire time.
Oral conscious sedation is a great fit for a wide range of patients, and it is not reserved only for those with severe anxiety. Many people benefit from it for a variety of reasons.
It may be right for you if you experience any of the following:
That said, sedation is not right for everyone. During your consultation, Dr. Church will review your medical history, current medications, and overall health to determine whether oral conscious sedation is the safest and most appropriate option for you. Patients who are pregnant, have certain respiratory conditions, or take specific medications may need an alternative approach.
One of the biggest advantages of oral conscious sedation is how much it simplifies the dental experience for patients who have been avoiding care. Instead of dreading the chair, you can arrive knowing that your appointment is going to be manageable. Because you are relaxed and cooperative, our team can often accomplish more in a single visit, which means fewer appointments overall.
Another benefit is time distortion. Many patients report that their appointment felt much shorter than it actually was, which is especially helpful for longer procedures. If you have been putting off general dentistry care like cleanings, exams, or fillings because of anxiety, oral conscious sedation can be the solution that finally gets you back on track.
At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, our approach to patient comfort goes beyond medication. Dr. Church takes time during every consultation to understand what you are anxious about and why. This is not a practice that hands you a pill and moves on. We want to know your history, your concerns, and your goals so that we can build a plan that makes sense for you. That kind of personalized attention is part of what sets our approach apart.
If you are considering a more comprehensive transformation, oral sedation can also make longer appointments more comfortable, whether you are exploring porcelain veneers, restorations, or other treatments that require focused, extended time in the chair.
Patient safety is always our top priority. Oral conscious sedation is considered very safe when administered and monitored appropriately. Before we ever prescribe a sedative, we conduct a thorough health review to confirm that you are a suitable candidate. On the day of your appointment, we monitor your vital signs continuously so that our team can respond quickly to any changes.
It is important to follow all pre- and post-appointment instructions carefully. Skipping the preparation steps can affect how the medication works and may create unnecessary risk. We will walk you through everything in advance so there are no surprises. If you have questions about our technology or the monitoring equipment we use to keep patients safe, we are happy to walk you through it during your consultation.
Dental anxiety should not keep you from the care you deserve. At Church Family Dentistry & Cosmetics, Dr. Church and our team are here to make your experience as comfortable as possible, whether you need a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure. With oral conscious sedation, you can finally get the treatment you have been putting off and leave feeling good about it.
If you are ready to take the first step toward stress-free dental care, we would love to help you get there. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ask whether oral conscious sedation is right for you.
Experience the difference that advanced technology and compassionate care can make. At Church Dentistry, we’re committed to providing Durham residents with exceptional dental care in a comfortable, modern environment. Whether you need a routine cleaning, cosmetic enhancement, or complex restorative work, our team is here to help you achieve optimal oral health and the confident smile you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover why patients throughout Durham trust us with their smiles.
When you visit Church Family Dentistry, you’re in the hands of a dentist who approaches every appointment with genuine curiosity about your goals — not just your teeth. Dr. Will Church combines advanced training from UNC with a deep passion for cutting-edge dental technology, creating an environment where patients feel heard, valued, and confident in every decision they make about their care.
Quality dental care should be accessible to everyone. At Church Family Dentistry, we work hard to make treatment fit your budget — whether you have insurance, prefer financing, or simply want flexible payment solutions.
While we are proudly out-of-network, we file PPO benefits on your behalf to maximize your savings. We accept and process most major dental insurance plans — Medicaid, Tricare, and VA are the only exceptions.
We offer multiple financing options so care stays within reach — from simple out-of-pocket costs to larger treatment investments. Apply in minutes and get a decision quickly.
We happily accept Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Use your pre-tax dollars for any dental procedure — from routine cleanings to cosmetic treatment and implants.
Questions about your coverage? Call us at (919) 220-6553 — we’re happy to verify your benefits before your appointment.
At Church Family Dentistry, every patient’s experience matters deeply to us. Hear firsthand why Durham families trust Dr. Church with their smiles.
Church Family Dentistry is conveniently located in Durham, NC — right next to Duke Regional Hospital, with comfortable operatories overlooking beautifully wooded surroundings.
Address
2711 N Duke St #B
Durham, NC 27704
Phone
(919) 220-6553
Schedule Online
Request an Appointment
| Monday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Taking the first step toward a healthier, more confident smile is simple. Call our Durham office or request an appointment online — we’re here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan that fits your life.
Whether you’re a new patient or returning for care, Dr. Church and his team will take time to truly understand your goals before recommending any treatment.
The content on this website has been reviewed by Dr. Will Church for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment outcomes vary based on individual needs and clinical factors. Contact Church Family Dentistry at (919) 220-6553 for personalized care or dental emergencies.
