Have you considered sedation dentistry?

You are really kind of afraid to admit it, but you’re afraid of the dentist. It’s been way too long since you sat in the dentist chair; you know there’s a significant amount of work that will need to be done when you finally work up the nerve to go, and your mind is racing: Will it hurt? Is the dentist going to make me feel ashamed or embarrassed?

Okay, to you I’ll say these things:

(1) maybe a little (2) No. Not at all. Not even a little bit.

And (3) have you considered sedation dentistry in Manassas?

Railroad Dental Associates prides itself on providing the highest quality, most compassionate dental care to the people of northern Virginia. And sometimes that means suggesting that our patients consider sedation dentistry. Designed specifically for patients like yourself who are otherwise nervous or anxious about seeing the dentist, sedation dentistry is a means to an end, to return your mouth to tip top condition while also making you feel as comfortable and as safe in our office as possible.

How does sedation dentistry work?

If and when your Manassas dentist determines that sedation dentistry is right for you, a second visit will be scheduled during which he will administer medication to help you relax in the dental chair. You may have heard of this method referred to as ‘sleep dentistry’, but this isn’t entirely accurate; most sedation patients are awake, but sedated (and sometimes heavily) during the dental visit.

Sedation can be administered four ways:

• Oral sedation is employed most commonly in the practice of sedation dentistry, and will leave patients relaxed and drowsy, but aware. If your dentist deems it necessary, dosage levels can be increased to produce moderate sedation.
• Inhaled sedation involves nitrous gas combined with oxygen in a mask placed over the patient’s nose. Your dentist can control the amount of sedation you receive, and the gas tends to wear off quickly. (This is the only form of sedation where you may be able to drive yourself home.)
• A patient who undergoes intravenous sedation will receive sedative medication through an IV placed in his; he will often have no memory of the dental work done.
• Deep sedation will render the patient almost entirely unconscious.

Will I feel any pain?

Would you believe me if I said no? Do! Sedation dentistry appeals to many for this reason. Most Railroad Dental Associates patients feel no discomfort whatsoever during, and will experience only minimal pain in the days following.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry in Manassas Park VA?

You might be! But no, not everyone is a good candidate for sedation. Your Manassas Park general dentist will review your medical history and discuss the sedation process at length to determine if you are a good candidate for sedation dentistry. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation dentistry, or if you wish to schedule a consultation, contact Railroad Dental Associates today!