What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Visiting the dentist’s office, even for a routine oral exam and cleaning, can be a stressful experience for many patients. If you are affected by dental anxiety, sedation dentistry could be the solution. Sedation density utilizes mild sedatives to put patients at ease and help them relax during dental appointments and procedures. Dr. Hanah Pham offers sedation dentistry at Reston Sunrise Dentistry in Reston, VA, so you can receive the dental care you need without the anxiety.

Types of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry enables dental providers to deliver compassionate dental care to patients who might otherwise be too anxious or nervous to receive the treatment they need. Sedation dentistry involves the use of mild sedative medications to reduce anxiety and help patients relax. When patients feel calm and comfortable, they are better able to tolerate various dental procedures and treatments.

We offer three types of sedation dentistry at our office in Reston. They include:

• Nitrous Oxide — Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative gas that is mixed with oxygen. The patient wears a small mask that administers the sedative gas each time the patient inhales. Since nitrous oxide is mild, it typically wears off shortly after the flow of gas is stopped.
• Oral Conscious Sedation — Oral conscious sedation is generally stronger than nitrous oxide and involves placing powdered sedative medications under the tongue. Although patients remain conscious during this method of sedation, they might not remember every detail of the treatment or procedure they underwent.
• IV Sedation — Our board-certified anesthesiologist administers sedative medication through the veins. This method is the strongest form of sedation. It works quickly and allows patients to sleep comfortably while all dental work is completed. The anesthesiologist monitors the patient, as well as titration of the medication through the IV, throughout the procedure.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits, all of which make it easier for patients to better tolerate dental work and experience less fear, nervousness, or anxiety. Some of the main benefits of sedation dentistry include:

Reduced Anxiety — The use of sedatives significantly reduces fear, stress, and anxiety for patients will mild to severe dental phobia. Sedation medications help calm the nerves so patients can relax and receive the dental care they need.

Less Pain and Discomfort — Sedation dentistry helps minimize oral pain and discomfort during dental procedures by increasing patient tolerance to pain.

Fewer Appointments — Patients with dental anxiety cannot always endure undergoing lengthy dental procedures or treatments so multiple appointments might be necessary. Since sedation dentistry helps patients relax, they are usually able to tolerate longer procedures so more complicated dental work can be completed in fewer appointments.

Sedation dentistry is a compassionate approach to providing essential dental care to patients who would otherwise be too nervous or anxious to receive it. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Pham to learn more about how you could benefit from sedation dentistry by calling Reston Sunrise Dentistry in Reston, VA, at (703) 860-4148.