Sedation Dentistry
Dentist Downtown Washington, DC
 There are several reasons that you may need to be sedated during a dentist visit. Our team is familiar with different reasons for sedating and types of sedation. Our team at Capital Dental Center will go over what kind of sedation options are best for your visit. If you need to discuss your options for sedation, we can go over those options with you. Come see us today at our office where we can discuss it with you.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation is lowering the conscious awareness of the patient with regard to their environment. It can be achieved in various ways and ultimately lowers the anxiety and stress the patient experiences while going through dental procedures.
The most typical reason for sedation dentistry is for surgery, but sedation can be used when working on sensitive mouths as well. Anytime that you need to be relaxed for a dentist visit, being sedated may be an option for your visit. Sedation is not always necessary to complete a dental procedure, but it can be an option with our team.
Types of Sedation Available
When considering sedation, there are several options that we have that you can choose from. Whether you need to be more relaxed for treatment or completely under for a surgical procedure, our professionals can help. We will go over the different methods for sedation and what they mean for your visit.
Nitrous Oxide
The mildest kind of sedation is nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas. After placing a mask with the gas, we can control how much you receive. This kind of sedation wears off quickly and many patients can drive home after the appointment.
Oral Sedation
Another mild kind of sedation is oral sedation, typically given in pill form. Some people may fall asleep while feeling the effects but can be woken up with a shake. The effects of this kind of sedation take some time to wear off completely.
IV and General Anesthesia
For heavier sedation options, our team may consider using an IV or general anesthesia. Using an IV allows us to control how much you will be sedated. With general anesthesia, you cannot feel anything during the procedure and cannot be woken up before the anesthesia wears off without the use of drugs. These types of sedation are common for surgeries.
Who is a Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?
When visiting the dentist, you may consider sedation for several reasons. The most obvious reason that people use sedation is for surgery. Sedation is common during any kind of surgery and dental surgery is no exception. Whether the surgery you are going through is wisdom teeth extraction or bone graft, we will go over your sedation options to ensure that you do not feel anything during surgery.
Sedation can also be used when you are being treated with a sensitive mouth. This can be the result of an infection or other oral problems. Sedation under these circumstances will not put you under the way that sedation for surgery will. Instead, you will be awake, but you will still feel less pain than if you were not sedated.
Other likely candidates for sedation dentistry include someone who experiences significant anxiety or fear about dental visits, has a low pain threshold, or requires extensive dental work. It is also suitable for patients with a strong gag reflex, difficulty sitting still for long periods, or those with special needs. Additionally, sedation dentistry can be beneficial for patients with a history of traumatic dental experiences or those undergoing complex procedures that might be lengthy and uncomfortable.
Preparing for Sedation
Proper preparation is crucial for the safety and effectiveness of dental sedation. Key steps include:
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Informing the dentist of any medical conditions, allergies, and current medications.
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Following fasting instructions before the procedure, especially for IV sedation and general anesthesia.
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Arranging for someone to drive you home post-procedure.
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Planning for rest and avoiding important decisions or machinery operation for at least 24 hours.
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Wearing comfortable clothing and bringing a companion if needed. |
Sedation dentistry offers a range of options to ensure patient comfort and manage dental anxiety. By understanding and preparing for each sedation type, patients and dental professionals can work together for a safe and effective dental experience.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a trained and experienced dental professional. We assess each patient's medical history and current health status to determine the appropriate type and level of sedation. Continuous monitoring of vital signs throughout the procedure ensures patient safety. Common sedation methods, such as nitrous oxide, oral sedatives, and intravenous sedation, have established safety records and are widely used to help patients feel comfortable and relaxed during dental treatments.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
There are many benefits of sedation dentistry. Among the top benefits are:
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Anxiety Relief: Ideal for patients with extreme dental phobia.
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Discomfort Minimization: Reduces discomfort during extensive procedures.
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Efficiency: Allows multiple procedures in one session without patient distress. |
Don't Let Anxiety Keep You From the Dentist
Dental anxiety is a common issue for many patients, often making dental visits and procedures stressful. Fortunately, sedation dentistry has become a crucial tool in modern dental practice, offering comfort and ease for those who experience fear or anxiety. This approach ensures patients remain relaxed and comfortable, even during oral surgeries, by using various medications and techniques to induce relaxation.
We are very familiar with the different reasons and methods for sedation. If you need to go over your sedation options before visiting us, we can go over your options and find the best sedation method for your visit for the specific procedure you will be undergoing. Call Capital Dental Center at 202-978-8778 and schedule a meeting with us. We will go over all of your sedation options. |
