Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry
Not everyone loves going to the dentist for dental services. While we do all we can to promote a positive and relaxing experience at our dental office, extra measures are sometimes necessary. At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we are pleased to offer various levels of sedation dentistry so that every patient has the opportunity for a comfortable and stress-free dental visit.
Sedation dentistry can be used for both children and adults. It is beneficial for those who experience dental fear or anxiety and those who have a sensitive gag reflex or other issues that make it difficult to relax in the dental chair. Our dentists have partnered with a team of board-certified anesthesiologists, which allows us to offer multiple levels of the safest and most effective methods in sedation dentistry. We offer nitrous oxide inhalation and oral conscious sedation as well as IV sedation and general anesthesia in our dental office setting. We take pride in our ability to accommodate patients with mild dental anxiety as well as those who require deep or full sedation to receive the dental care they need and deserve.
Some patients have had traumatic dental experiences, which may have increased their dental anxiety and forced them to avoid dental visits. Procrastinating will only make a dental condition worse. Our goal is to help you overcome your dental fears one gentle step at a time. Optimal oral health cannot be attained without professional dental care.
Sedation Dentistry Options
We know that every patient has unique needs and specific obstacles surrounding dental care, which may include mental or emotional anxiety that is rooted in a past experience or a certain physical limitation. Physical limitations may include a severe gag reflex or disability that can make dental procedures difficult to endure. At Springfield Lorton Dental Group, we are happy to provide a full range of options in sedation dentistry to accommodate each patient. In the comfort of our family-centered office environment, our team can offer the following sedation techniques:
Nitrous Oxide: More commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is one of the preferred options in sedation dentistry. Patients simply wear a small nosepiece to breathe in a colorless, sweet-smelling gas before and during the procedure. Nitrous oxide allows patients to remain in a deep state of relaxation, yet still able to communicate with our dentists if they wish. A highlighted advantage of choosing nitrous oxide is that the effects wear off almost immediately after the mask is removed. Therefore, patients can drive themselves home with no lingering side effects.
Oral Sedation: The use of oral medication allows the patient to experience an anxiety-free appointment and is mostly used for shorter procedures such as single implant placement or even dental hygiene appointments.
IV Moderate Sedation: This is an excellent option for an extremely apprehensive patient who wants to be more sedated for any dental procedure or a patient undergoing a lengthy surgical procedure, such as multiple implant surgery or impacted wisdom teeth removal.
Deep Sedation and General Anesthesia
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Springfield Lorton Dental Group is set apart by our unique ability to offer deep sedation from a team of board-certified anesthesiologists that come to our office for your care. We realize that some patients may demand a deeper level of sedation for their dental procedure. Our qualified anesthesiologists can administer deep IV sedation or general anesthesia (GA), in which you will go into a deep sleep and be unconscious throughout your procedure. Rest assured that we have the equipment and skilled medical team it takes to properly monitor your vital signs and titrate your level of sedation if needed at any point. Patient safety remains paramount.
While most patients qualify for the peaceful and painless experience of being fully sedated at the dentist, some precautions must be considered. For example, if you have diabetes or suffer from asthma or certain heart conditions, you may be given special instructions before your procedure. Each case is reviewed carefully by an anesthesiologist before your dental visit.
If you’ve avoided or delayed going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety, please ask us about sedation dentistry. Depending on your level of need, we can provide sedation dentistry during a routine cleaning or a lengthy procedure. Contact us today for an appointment and give your smile the attention and care it deserves with sedation dentistry from Springfield Lorton Dental Group.