Sedation Dentistry
It is possible to undergo complex dental treatments like a root canal, extraction, or oral surgery and have no recollection of the time it took, the discomfort or the noise. We are excited to provide our patients with the option of comfortable, safe and effective sedation dentistry. Patients who should consider sedation dentistry have:
- A fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
- A hard time sitting still for long periods of time
- A hard time getting (and staying) numb from anesthetics
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is a process used to establish a relaxed, easy and calm state through the use of sedatives. Sedative drugs (tranquilizers, depressants, anti-anxiety medications, nitrous oxide, etc.) can be administered in a variety of ways.
Oral sedation dentistry is now the most common technique used to quell patient fears. The technique is easy and requires no needles. Best of all, the medications create such a comfortable experience that most patients do not remember the visit; it is as if they slept through the treatment. In reality, oral sedation dentistry maintains a level of consciousness in the patient for safety and cooperation. Note that sedation is different from anesthetic injections. Although some forms of sedation (such as nitrous oxide gas) may raise your threshold for pain, most dental treatments still require a local anesthetic injected in the mouth, even when sedation dentistry techniques are performed.
Regardless of the type of sedation dentistry you receive, it is important to have a responsible caregiver accompany you to the procedure (and drive you there if you must take oral medication before arriving for your appointment). The caregiver should drive you home after the procedure is complete and stay with you for an additional two to four hours at home.
Patients who have used sedation dentistry while undergoing a dental procedure will tell you it is a simple, relaxing way to experience dentistry.
Contact our dental office and make an appointment. We are here to help: (703) 318-8200
