Considering Sedation Dentistry?

A recent study revealed that nearly half of the U.S. population (48%) is unhappy with their teeth. Yet, we all know that one person who can’t stop raving about their new smile. They’re the ones excitedly sharing how their sedation dentist transformed their dental experience—getting all their work done in a single appointment while they were completely asleep. “It didn’t hurt at all!” they say. “I’ll never be afraid of the dentist again.”

They conquered their fears, and you can too.

How? …thanks to sedation dentistry at Loudoun Dental Associates.

Sedation dentistry is designed specifically for patients who are otherwise nervous, anxious, or downright scared of a visit to the dentist. (Does this sound like you? You’re not alone; it’s estimated that as many at 15 percent of Americans are anxious about, or fearful of the dentist.) As your local dentist, our primary goal is to keep your oral health in tip top shape, yes, but also to make you feel as comfortable and as safe in our office as possible.

So if you’ve ever found yourself afraid of a trip to the dentist, if you’re prone to panic attacks, or even if you simply find it difficult to sit in one place for long periods of time, read more:

How does sedation dentistry work?

The simplest explanation is this: Your South Riding dentist will administer medication to help you relax in the dental chair. The method is sometimes referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’, but this isn’t entirely accurate, because the patient is usually awake — but sedated — during the dental visit.

Sedation can be administered four ways:

Oral sedation is employed most commonly in the practice of sedation dentistry, and will leave patients relaxed and drowsy, but aware. If your South Riding dentist deems it necessary, dosage levels can be increased to produce moderate sedation.
Inhaled sedation involves nitrous gas combined with oxygen in a mask placed over the patient’s nose. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. (This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home.)
A patient who undergoes intravenous sedation will receive sedative medication through an IV placed in his; he will often have no memory of the dental work done.
Deep sedation will render the patient almost entirely unconscious.

Will I feel any pain?

No. That’s the biggest, and best reason to choose sedation dentistry at Loudoun Dental Associates. Most Loudoun Dental Associates patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during, and will experience only minimal pain in the days following.

Can sedation be used for cleanings and exams?

While sedation dentistry is used primarily for more extensive and complex dental work, it can be an option during your cleaning and/or exam if that would make you more comfortable.

Sedation dentistry offers numerous advantages, making dental visits more comfortable and manageable for many patients. Here are the key benefits:

Anxiety and Fear Relief: Sedation helps alleviate dental anxiety and fear, making it easier for patients who dread dental visits to undergo necessary treatments without stress.
Pain-Free Experience: Sedation ensures that patients feel no pain during their procedures, providing a more relaxed and comfortable experience.
Time Efficiency: With sedation, dentists can often complete multiple or complex procedures in a single appointment, reducing the number of visits required.
Minimized Gag Reflex: Sedation can suppress the gag reflex, making it easier for the dentist to work efficiently, especially in areas that might trigger discomfort.
Enhanced Cooperation: For patients with severe anxiety, young children, or those with special needs, sedation improves cooperation, making the dental procedure smoother.
Faster Treatment: A relaxed patient allows the dentist to work more quickly and efficiently, leading to shorter procedure times.
Reduced Memory of the Procedure: Many patients don’t remember the procedure afterward, which is particularly beneficial for those with dental phobia or traumatic dental experiences.
Comfort During Long Procedures: For lengthy or multiple treatments, sedation ensures the patient remains comfortable throughout, without feeling restless or fatigued.
Customizable Sedation Levels: Dentists can adjust the level of sedation based on the procedure and patient’s needs, from mild relaxation to full unconsciousness.
Increased Patient Satisfaction: Sedation dentistry often leads to higher patient satisfaction, as individuals can maintain their oral health without the associated stress and discomfort.

Sedation dentistry can be a game-changer for those who avoid dental care due to fear, pain, or discomfort, ensuring they receive the necessary treatment in a stress-free environment.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

Not everyone is a good candidate for sedation. Before beginning any treatment, your dentist will review your medical history and discuss the sedation process at length to determine if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

At Loudoun Dental Associates, we make every effort to ensure that your dental work — restorative or routine — is completed in the most comfortable manner possible, and in many cases, this means sedation dentistry.