Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry may be a good option for patients who have dental anxiety or dental phobias. The dentists at All Pro Dental Care serve residents in Fairfax, VA and the Merrifield area, providing experienced and gentle care for all types of dental treatments.
Sedation Dentistry Q & A
What Type of Patients May Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
A number of people who worry about visiting the dentist may benefit from sedation dentistry. People with a major fear of dental visits, those who have had past bad dental experiences, patients who have difficulties in achieving sufficient levels of numbing, patients who have an uncontrollable gag reflex, people who have highly sensitive teeth, and people who need to have a dental treatment that will take a long time may all find that sedation dentistry will be a good fit for them. In short, any type of stress or anxiety that a patient associates with the dental appointment can often be managed with this gentle and safe type of sedation.
How Does the Medication Affect You During Treatment?
Most patients will take the oral sedation as soon as their appointment begins, usually by allowing a pill to dissolve under the tongue. Sometimes sedation dentistry is referred to as "twilight sleep" dentistry because patients will typically begin to doze lightly as the medication takes effect. The majority of patients continue to sleep lightly during the whole procedure, and many people have no memory at all of the procedure once it is over.
What Should You Do to Prepare for Sedation Dentistry?
The dentist will provide you with a specific list of preparations, which will usually include: avoiding food and liquids the night before the procedure, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and other medications for a day before the procedure, and the avoidance of smoking for a day prior to the dental appointment. It is also important to arrange for a ride to the dentist, and a ride home from the dentist appointment. While you will be awake once the procedure is over, you will likely still be a bit groggy, and will not be able to drive yourself home after having this type of sedation.
