Dental Sedation in Virginia Beach, VA
Sedation dentistry is the practice of using sedatives to help a person relax during dental procedures. At Advanced Sedation Dentistry, it is commonly used to help people with anxiety or fear feel more comfortable receiving dental care. Several types of sedation are used in dentistry, but nitrous oxide is the most popular and effective option. Regardless of which method is used, the goal of sedation dentistry is to give the patient a sense of comfort so they can receive the treatments they need for a healthy mouth.
Types of Sedation
Nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as laughing gas, is appropriate for patients who experience mild to moderate anxiety and can be used in conjunction with other sedatives. The gas is administered through a small mask that fits over the nose and helps to induce a feeling of well-being and relaxation while allowing the patient to remain awake throughout the procedure. A patient may experience some tingling in the hands and feet and may feel a little light-headed, but they can still respond to questions and commands from the dentist.
Oral Sedation
Oral conscious sedation is usually taken as a pill about an hour before the procedure. The oral medication induces feelings of drowsiness, so most patients will fall asleep during the process. They will still be responsive to instructions from the dentist, and they may even be able to converse during their treatment. However, they will often only remember the specifics of their procedure afterward if they were under sedation for more than four hours.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation is the most potent form of dental sedation available and is typically reserved for patients undergoing extensive treatments or who are very nervous during their appointments. During IV sedation, the sedative is delivered directly into the bloodstream via an injection into the arm. Because the sedative takes effect very quickly, the patient might feel the effects as they are being administered the medication. This is the deepest level of sedation offered by a dentist, and it renders the patient completely unconscious for the duration of the procedure.
Twilight Sedation
Twilight sedation keeps you awake and responsive but in a deeply relaxed, even euphoric state throughout your visit. It isn't meant to put you to sleep — you'll stay lucid and comfortable from start to finish.
Learn more about Twilight Sedation →Deep Sedation
Deep sedation (general anesthesia) keeps you unconscious for the entire procedure, with vital signs monitored throughout. You're unlikely to remember the treatment afterward. It's typically used for dental implant placement, oral surgery, or patients with a strong gag reflex or other concerns.
Learn more about Deep Sedation →Advantages of Sedation Dentistry
Your dentist will carefully monitor you throughout the treatment to ensure your safety. Many patients opt for sedation dentistry because it has the following advantages:
Reduce fear and anxiety, so you can get needed care without dreading the visit
Allow for more complex treatments to be completed in one visit, minimizing time in the chair
Provide pain relief during treatment, so procedures feel comfortable from start to finish
Eliminate any memory of the procedure afterward, which can ease anxiety about future visits
Improve the patient experience overall, from check-in to recovery
Help you to be more compliant with your dental treatments in the future, since a comfortable first visit builds trust
What Are the Benefits of Sedation Dentistry?
Reduced Anxiety
Many people avoid going to the dentist because of fear or anxiety. Unfortunately, ignoring a toothache or other dental problems can result in serious long-term consequences like tooth loss. With sedation dentistry, you can get the help you need without having to worry about feeling anxious or scared. Sedative medications also make it easier for dentists to perform their work.
Less Discomfort
Because sedation dentistry allows you to relax during your visit, you won't feel any pain or discomfort from the treatment. Instead, you'll look forward to your procedure and come out of it feeling great.
Easier Treatments
Many patients who undergo sedation say their treatment was easier than they anticipated, since the medications relax patients so they feel little to no pain during treatment.
Who Can Get Dental Sedation?
Sedation dentistry is recommended for patients that stress or worry about visiting the dentist. This way, they can get the dental care they need without any anxiety. Our dentist may also recommend sedation for more complicated procedures that require you to remain still for long periods of time.
If you've been putting off going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear, then you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry.
Experience the pinnacle of dental excellence at Advanced Sedation Dentistry, where our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class dental care sets us apart. Elevate your oral health journey by visiting our state-of-the-art facility located at 616 Virginia Beach Blvd #102, Virginia Beach, VA, 23451. For personalized assistance and to schedule your appointment, call us at (757) 769-7155. Your path to optimal dental wellness begins with us.