Dr. Matthew Gerald offers sedation dentistry in Vienna, VA. Dental sedation is a general dentistry treatment method we can use during procedures to help our patients relax and 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 use sedation for more in-depth procedures, such as tooth extractions and cases that include extensive dental work.
Dental sedation is also prevalent when patients need multiple dental procedures in one sitting.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry is usually a solution for patients who fear the dentist. Dental anxiety occurs on a spectrum. Some patients are only triggered by certain sounds or dental tools, while others can’t set foot in the dentist office at all. Patients too fearful to get regular dental care have more extensive dental problems. When this occurs, you must come to the office for longer, making it a difficult cycle.
Sedation calms patients enough to get the regular dental care they need. If you’re calm enough to get preventative care, you can avoid the need for intensive dental procedures that cost more and take longer. However, if you need extensive dental care due to neglect, sedation can also calm you enough to restore your smile.
In general, sedation is ideal for patients who need intensive dental procedures or who undergo multiple procedures in one sitting. It’s hard to comfortably sit in a chair for a long time without fidgeting or wanting to move, which can make dental care take longer because it’s harder for the dentist to work. Sedation helps patients relax and sit still for a long time.
It can be difficult for patients with movement disorders to get dental care. Dentistry requires sharp dental tools and delicate work in the mouth. Involuntary movements can risk injury by the tools. They also make it difficult for the dentist to work, as they never want to hurt you. Sedation relaxes these movements so that you can get dental care safely.
It’s very uncomfortable for patients with a bad gag reflex to get dental care. It can even lead to vomiting on dental staff if it gets bad enough. Not only this, but the gag reflex fights the dentist as they’re trying to work. Sedation relaxes the gag reflex, allowing patients to get comfortable care that’s quicker and more efficient.
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. We do our best to accommodate every patient. 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’s office is a judgment-free zone. You can trust us to work one-on-one to help you get dental care. 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.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
We use two different types of sedation at our office. The first is nitrous oxide, better known as laughing gas. You breathe in the gas throughout the procedure through a cannula or mask. The gas takes effect and dissipates quickly, making it the only sedation option where you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. It only takes a few breaths to both feel and lose the effects.
This is the milder form of sedation we offer. It produces a euphoric effect, so you’ll be relaxed and happy throughout the procedure. You’ll still be aware of everything going on, and you’ll be able to answer any questions the staff asks. This is usually safe to be used on children as well.
Oral conscious sedation is a deeper form. You take a prescribed pill about an hour before coming to the office for your appointment. This sedation lasts for hours, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. The medication is usually an anti-anxiety medication based on your specific needs and medical history.
Oral sedation won’t completely put you to sleep, either. You’ll be groggy and relaxed but may still be able to answer questions and talk to the staff. Since it’s deeper sedation, you may fall asleep during the procedure or have amnesia, where you can’t remember parts of the procedure.
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. We will answer all 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. Never drive while still under the effects of sedation.
How do doctors wake you up from anesthesia?
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’s common to feel a little groggy.
Do you talk during conscious sedation?
Patients who are under conscious sedation can still respond verbally and tell us how they are feeling. However, you may permanently lose your short-term memory of the procedure 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?
Sedation dentistry can provide a comfortable and relaxed experience for those who have dental phobias. However, there are some risks and complications with this type of treatment. These include an increased risk of adverse reactions to the medications and an increased risk of respiratory depression. A patient may experience symptoms including dry mouth, a headache, nausea, and vomiting.
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 discomfort during the procedure.
This is because conscious sedation does not provide complete pain relief. It reduces the sensation of pain so that it is more tolerable. The effects of local anesthesia are what prevent you from feeling pain. In most cases, the anesthesia will dissipate within an hour, though you might feel numb after the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
Call today to discuss sedation dentistry with Dr. Gerald in Vienna. Do you or a loved one have dental anxiety? Ask our dental team about stress-free dental sedation. We do our best to provide a pleasant dental experience.
You can schedule a dental appointment with our team online or 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.