Sedation dentistry is a portion of the dental health field that is dedicated specifically to administering medication that helps patients relax and feel at ease during dental work. Before your appointment, your dental team will go over your options with you. They can help you determine which kind of sedation will best fit your needs. If you have never undergone dental sedation, you may be wondering what it feels like. Continue reading to learn what you can expect from three kinds of dental sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Also called laughing gas, this is a mild but effective form of sedation dentistry. A mask is placed over the patient’s nose, and they are administered a small amount of a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen. Though you will remain conscious and alert with nitrous oxide sedation, you’ll be overcome with a deep feeling of relaxation.
Once the treatment is over, you will be administered normal oxygen. This will cause the nitrous oxide to quickly wear off, which means that you’ll be able to drive yourself home after your appointment.
IV Sedation
This kind of dental sedation is used for patients who have severe phobias of the dentist or for procedures where nitrous oxide isn’t enough to keep them comfortable and stress-free. The medication will be administered through an IV directly into a vein on your hand or arm.
Your dentist will be able to adjust the sedation level as needed throughout the procedure. The effects of IV sedation will take some time to wear off completely, so plan to have a trusted friend or family member take you to and from your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
Patients who have severe anxiety or fear revolving around visiting the dentist can benefit from oral conscious sedation. It’s prescribed in the form of a pill that will need to be taken before your appointment.
Since this type of sedation fills you with a feeling of extra relaxation, and a friend or family member will need to drive you to and from your appointment. Additionally, you can expect the effects will gradually fade after a few hours. You will be left with little to no memory of the procedure.
About the Practice
Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery is here to offer patients living in Reston and Alexandria the care they need to keep their smiles looking lovely. They offer patients with a fear of the dentist or other things that cause them to have issues making it through appointments dental sedation to ease their nerves. They can help you determine which form of sedation is best for your needs. If you’re ready to make an appointment with Northern Virginia Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery or want more information on dental sedation, call their Reston office at (703) 912-0052, their Alexandria office at (571) 777-6501, or visit their website.