Everything You Need to Know About Sedation Dentistry

For many people, the idea of being put under sedation may prove itself to be considerably nerve-wracking. The truth is that sedation dentistry is extremely safe and effective when administered properly by a professional. The professional team here at Oakton Dental is here to ensure that your dental sedation goes smooth from start to finish. If you have found yourself wondering if sedation dentistry in Oakton or the surrounding areas of Vienna and Fairfax is right for you, continue reading for more information.

Different Types Of Sedation

Below is a comprehensive account of the different types of sedation used in modern dentistry.

  1. Nitrous Oxide Sedation: This type of sedation is also commonly referred to as “laughing gas”. The patient will inhale a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a mask. The patient remains awake for the entirety of the procedure, and the nitrous oxide solution enables the patient to become much more relaxed. The dentist will control the amount of sedation that their patient receives during the procedure, and after the procedure has been completed, the gas tends to wear off quickly. This enables patients to have the ability to drive themselves home in most cases.
  1. IV (Intravenous) Sedation: The sedation medication is administered through an IV directly into the vein. The medication takes effect quickly, and the dentist has the ability to control the amount of sedation that the patient receives. While the medication takes effect quickly, it does not wear off quickly. After the procedure, the patient will need someone to drive them home, and the patient will need to rest until the effects of the sedation fully wear off.
  1. General Anesthesia/Deep Sedation: This form of sedation places the patient completely unconscious during the procedure. The patient remains unconscious until either the effects of the medication wear off, or the effects of the anesthesia is reversed.

Consult Your Dentist

Everyone reacts to anesthesia differently; while one form of sedation may work wonderfully for one individual, it may not work at all for another individual. Using the wrong form of sedation has the potential to allow the patient to have a negative experience during their procedure, which can lead to the patient developing a fear or anxiety associated with the dentist. Consult your dentist about the method of sedation that would best suit you in order to ensure that you have the best experience possible while undergoing sedation.

Your dentist will also be able to help you find the best way to prepare yourself for undergoing dental anesthesia in Oakton, VA. A detailed and informative list of instructions will be provided to you in order to help you prepare for your procedure. Speak with your dentist to determine if there are any additional precautions that you should take.

While the thought of undergoing sedation can be a bit intimidating and even a bit scary for some people, the process can be extremely positive and enjoyable for those who take the time to ensure that they are properly prepared. Going forward with the information you learned here, you will have a better understanding of sedation dentistry. Our caring team of dental professionals here at Oakton Dental are here to answer any questions you may have; to learn more or to get scheduled for an appointment in our Oakton dental office, give us a call at (703) 938-3405.

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