Dental sedation can be administered by our dentists to help you relax and feel comfortable during any dental procedure. Sedation can be administered in combination with local anesthetic for many treatments to help relieve anxiety, make you more comfortable, and also numb the nerve endings in your teeth or gum tissue so that you do not feel pain while we complete treatment.
We recognize that patients of any age can experience dental anxiety, and our goal is to help you overcome those fears. In the process, we are more than happy to provide sedation while building your confidence in the dental chair or making your treatment more relaxing.
If you would like to learn more about dental sedation, please read below. Contact our Leesburg, VA office if you would like to request sedation for your upcoming appointment!
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide sedation is an extremely popular form of dental sedation. Not only is it effective at reducing or completely eliminating anxiety, but it’s also extremely safe for patients of every age.
Nitrous oxide works by helping to induce a state of mild sedation while keeping you mentally alert so that you are still able to respond to verbal commands or questions. This state of conscious sedation allows you to relax and feel less anxious during your dental procedure.
By inhaling the gas through a mask placed over the nose, nitrous oxide works quickly to relax patients, with effects wearing off shortly after the mask is removed. This makes the option safe for any patients needing to drive home after their appointment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation is administered as a pill that is taken by mouth, usually at least an hour before a scheduled procedure. As the medication takes effect, patients may find themselves to be more relaxed and drowsy. Although patients may fall asleep after oral sedation takes effect, they can still be awakened to respond to questions and instructions from the dentist.
Because oral sedation often causes a drowsy effect, patients will need to make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive them to and from the dentist’s office.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is the strongest form of sedative available in our practice. Administered intravenously, this method tends to take effect very quickly and is typically reserved for patients undergoing surgical procedures. IV sedation may make patients feel as if their appointment was very short, as they will typically fall asleep during their treatment.
Having IV sedation leads to lingering feelings of sleepiness that can make driving hazardous. It’s important that patients make arrangements for a friend or family member to drive them home after the end of their appointment.
Keeping Dental Care Comfortable
At Smile Makers Dental Center, we recognize that patients can feel nervous about their dental appointment. Children, teenagers, and adults can become anxious when it’s time to schedule their cleaning or procedure; there is nothing wrong with asking for help to get through the appointment. With our sedation options, we are confident that you will find the dental office to be a relaxing, safe, and comfortable environment.
Our aim is to make you feel as comfortable as possible during your visit, and we will do everything in our power to make you feel at ease. Contact our office today if you would like to discuss our sedation options; we look forward to speaking with you!
