Oral Sedation Dentistry In Sterling VA

We Offer Sedation Dentistry In Sterling, VA

Sedation dentistry is an option for dental patients that uses a sedative medication to help the patient feel more relaxed and less anxious. It can be used for many different purposes, including dental work like fillings, extractions, or root canals. Some patients also request sedation during a routine cleaning to ease the anxiety of the dental experience. Sedation dentists are trained to administer sedatives in a dentist’s office with high levels of care and professionalism.

PK Cosmetic & Family Dentistry offers sedation dentistry at Sterling, VA. We want all our patients to feel comfortable and free from fear when visiting the dentist.

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry helps the patient feel more relaxed and less anxious during treatment. We know that not everyone loves going to the dentist, and sometimes even those with healthy teeth feel nervous at their appointments. Our dentist will analyze your medical history before administering any anesthesia. Our team offers two sedation dentistry options for easing patient anxiety during procedures: oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide. Both options work well, so you’ll feel safe no matter what type of care you choose, and our dentist will help you decide which is the best form of sedation for you.

With general oral conscious sedation, patients are awake while receiving treatment, but they may feel drowsy. They usually feel a deep state of relaxation. This dental sedation helps take away some worry about alertness or awareness during your visit, and you can feel relaxed and pain-free.

Our dentist’s other sedation option in Sterling, VA, offers is nitrous oxide (also called laughing gas). This sedative is an inhalant that helps you relax and opens up the airways, making it easier for anxious patients about their dental experiences. You’ll be able to breathe easy while resting or receiving treatment and still experience relief from any pain throughout your visit.

Oral Conscious Sedation

Anxiety shouldn’t stop you from getting the dental care that you need. If fear makes it hard for you to take action, our oral sedation option can be an excellent choice to help alleviate those symptoms, so we’re sure everything goes smoothly during treatment. With this oral, medication-based form of relaxation therapy, patients remain awake and can speak and move freely. Most patients don’t remember anything about their appointment but feel like they’ve taken a nap.

Most oral sedation is taken about an hour before your dental appointment and wears off entirely within two hours. For this reason, you will need someone to escort you to and from your appointment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is another option for sedative dental care. It’s easy to administer and safe for all ages. It provides a relaxing feeling, and anxiety is lessened. Nitrous oxide is administered through a nosepiece, which delivers a constant oxygen and nitrous oxide stream. Patients with severe nasal allergies or congestion should not use laughing gas as it could lead to difficulty breathing.

Once your dental treatment is completed, the effects are completely reversed within 5-10 minutes as a steady stream of only oxygen is administered. It is entirely safe, and there is no need for someone to drop you off or pick you up. You can drive safely back to work or home following your appointment.

Benefits of Sedation During a Dental Procedure or Regular Dental Care

Sedation dentistry provides many benefits for patients during dental procedures:

  • Reduces mild to severe anxiety symptoms, allowing patients to be fully relaxed
  • Masks pain for patients who have sensitive teeth or gums
  • Patients can sometimes get all treatments done during one dental visit
  • Will enable patients who cannot sit down for an extended time during dental care to be deeply relaxed
  • Patients who have had bad experiences with dentists can have a great sense of relaxation

Patients may experience anxiety when they think about their dental procedure, especially if it is invasive or lengthy. Sedation dentistry can help you relax and reduce the stress of worrying before and during your appointment by providing two options for sedation, including oral sedation with prescription medication to take beforehand or nitrous oxide gas administered in-office.

We Offer Sedation Dentistry to Patients in Sterling, VA

Contact PK Cosmetic and Family Dentistry in Sterling, VA, today to learn more about how our team of experts can offer you peace of mind when undergoing your following dental procedure. We also provide various family dentistry services, including general preventative dentistry, implant dentistry, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, and dental emergencies.

New patients can request appointments online or call us at 703-421-8988.