Dr. Matthew Gerald offers our patients sedation dentistry in Vienna, VA. Dental sedation is a general dentistry treatment method that we can use during procedures to help our patients relax. It allows them to receive anxiety-free dental care.
For patients with dental fear or anxiety, we can utilize sedation dentistry so they feel comfortable during their procedures. Sedation dentistry is a safe and proven way to treat patients even if they do not have fear or anxiety. We also utilize sedation for more in-depth procedures such as tooth extractions, and in cases where the patient needs multiple dental procedures in one sitting.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
The benefits of dental sedation are vast and help make dental treatment attainable. Not only does it work on patients who suffer from a fear of the dentist, but it can also work on patients who suffer from severe gag reflexes.
Using dental sedation, we are able to:
- Help patients overcome fear and anxiety
- Offer safe and high-quality treatment
- Schedule fewer appointments for care
- Help dentists to work efficiently
- Provide pain-free care
- Eliminates sore muscles and joints from tensing up
Sedation dentistry can help people who are anxious about visiting the dentist, have a fear of needles, or have difficulty sitting still during dental procedures. You can trust us to help you get the dental care that you need without feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
Sedation Dentistry in Vienna, VA for Dental Anxiety
If you or a loved one have dental fear or anxiety, please contact our dental office before your next appointment so that we can accommodate you. We will only recommend dental sedation after evaluating your specific needs. Dr. Gerald will gather your medical history and listen to your fears to help determine the right treatment for you.
Our dentist office is a judgement-free zone. You can trust us to work one-on-one with you to help you get the dental care you need. In addition to utilizing dental sedation, we will keep you well informed on everything we do. We have learned that when patients know what to expect, their anxiety and fears go away.
Common Types of Dental Sedation
There are two main types of sedation dentistry that we use to calm and relax patients: Oral-conscious sedation and Nitrous Oxide sedation. These sedation options are safe for most patients.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Like its name, oral conscious sedation allows patients to be conscious during their treatment. You are able to interact with the dental staff but will be in a deep state of relaxation. Additionally, you won’t be able to remember the procedure. We administer oral conscious sedation in pill form. You will take it about an hour prior to your treatment. It usually takes 30 to 60 minutes to take effect. With this type of sedation, you will need a ride to and from your appointment.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide can sometimes make patients giggly or happy as well as relaxed. The dentist administers Nitrous oxide through a cannula placed under your nose or a mask placed over your mouth. This type of dental sedation takes effect and wears off quickly, so patients are able to drive themselves to and from their appointment.
Dental Sedation FAQs
At Our Family Dental Office, we understand that visiting the dentist can be a daunting experience for some. That’s why we strive to create a judgment-free zone where you can feel comfortable and at ease. Our experienced dental professionals will work one-on-one with you and answer all of your questions before we begin any treatment. Put your mind at ease with the following answers to some common sedation questions.
How long does it take for sedation from the dentist to wear off?
The effects of dental sedation typically subside 24 hours after the procedure. We recommend asking a friend or family member to drive you and pick you up from your procedure, to ensure that you do not drive while still under the effects of sedation.
How do doctors wake you up from anesthesia?
After the procedure is over, the anesthesiologist will administer the opposite dose of medication to bring you out of anesthesia. In the operating room or the recovery room, you will gradually gain consciousness. When you first come out of sedation, it is common to feel a bit groggy and disoriented.
Do you talk during conscious sedation?
Patients who are under conscious sedation can still respond verbally and relay any concerns they may have about the procedure’s pain level. There is a chance that a person’s memory of the procedure will be permanently lost after conscious sedation. A possible side effect of conscious sedation is feeling sleepy for a short period after the dental procedure.
What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
While sedation dentistry can provide a comfortable and relaxed experience for those who have dental phobias, there are some risks and complications with this type of treatment. These include an increased risk of aspiration, an increased risk of adverse reactions to the medications, and an increased risk of respiratory depression. Other symptoms that a patient may experience include dry mouth, a headache, nausea and vomiting after the sedation wears off.
Do you feel pain during conscious sedation?
You shouldn’t experience any pain, but you might feel some pressure. While you remain conscious and aware of your surroundings, you may experience some degree of discomfort during the procedure. This is because conscious sedation does not provide complete pain relief, but rather reduces the sensation of pain so that it is more tolerable. The effects of local anesthesia is what prevents you from feeling pain. The anesthesia will dissipate within an hour in most cases, though you might feel numb for a while after the procedure.
Call today to discuss sedation dentistry in Vienna, VA with Dr. Gerald. Do you or a loved one have dental anxiety? Ask our office about stress-free dental sedation. Schedule a dental appointment with our team online. You can also call our Vienna, VA dental office at (703) 721-4796. Please let our team know if you have any more questions or concerns and we will gladly assist you.