Sedation Dentistry Specialist

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a solution to dental anxieties in which your dentist uses sedation to help you relax during your appointments. Sedation allows many adults and children to endure dental appointments and procedures they may have missed out on otherwise.

Your dentist at Fairfax Corner Dental works with you to find the optimal type and level of sedation. The most common types of sedation include:

• Nitrous Oxide, or Laughing Gas: A common, safe gas that puts you at ease
• Enteral (or Oral) Sedation: A pill or liquid that helps you relax
• IV Sedation: A more potent sedative injected right into your vein
• General Anesthesia: Inhaled gas that puts you to sleep

Most sedation options allow you to maintain consciousness but avoid nervousness. However, general anesthesia may be necessary for severe dental phobias and more extensive oral surgeries.

Am I a good candidate for sedation dentistry?

If your anxieties about going to the dentist cause you to avoid your appointments, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Your dentist at Fairfax Corner Dental assesses your physical readiness for sedation before proceeding.

Your dentist may require clearance from your doctor before administering any sedatives, especially if you have a heart condition or sleep apnea. He or she also takes a thorough medical history and exam to make their own assessments.

Typical candidates for sedation dentistry include those who:

• Would rather endure dental pain than go to the dentist
• Have a low pain tolerance or very sensitive teeth
• Have a difficult time sitting still for long periods
• Need extensive dental work done in one sitting

During which treatments do dentists use sedation?

Adults and children who have severe dental phobias may need sedatives during regular cleanings. However, sedation is typically used for more involved procedures and oral surgeries that cause anxiety.

Talk to your provider at Fairfax Corner Dental about your sedation options if you’re worried about any of the following:

• Wisdom tooth extraction
• Root canal
• Cavity filling
• Crown or bridge placement
• Dental implants

If you avoid going to the dentist even though you know you need to go, Fairfax Corner Dental offers sedation options to make your visit more comfortable. Call or click to schedule an appointment today and get the dental care you need.