Sedation Dentistry in Woodbridge, VA
Our Woodbridge, VA area patients that struggle with severe fears and anxieties about visiting the dentist can relax knowing that here at Woodbridge Comfort Dental Care, we are proud to offer various sedation dentistry techniques. Sedation dentistry comes in varying forms and helps to reach different levels of consciousness or sedation depending on the patient and the procedure.
Who Needs Sedation Dentistry?
Patients with fears strong enough to prevent them from even visiting the dentist in the first place can greatly benefit from sedation dentistry.
Sedation dentistry is also helpful for patients who are unable to relax and sit still in the dentist’s chair and patients with an extremely low threshold for pain.
If you have very sensitive teeth or a weak gag reflex, sedation dentistry can control these as well.
Additionally, for patients who come in for a lot of work in one single appointment, sedation dentistry is used to put them at ease for an extended period.
We even use sedation dentistry with our young patients, as it’s common for kids to be unable to cooperate or sit still.
Types of Sedation
Sedation can be given in various ways. These are the four main kinds we use at Woodbridge Comfort Dental Care—inhaled, oral, intravenous, and general anesthesia.
- Inhaled Sedation
Colloquially known as laughing gas, inhaled sedation is given to the patient with an oxygen mask. This is the most minimal level of sedation available, and the patient stays awake. It wears off fast, and the patient is permitted to drive themselves home if necessary.
- Oral Sedation
For minimal to moderate levels of sedation, a pill can be taken approximately one hour prior to the start of the procedure to help the patient relax. The patient stays awake but may feel so relaxed that they fall asleep during the procedure.
- Intravenous Sedation
Intravenous sedation is administered directly into the veins, and the body reacts very quickly to it. IV sedation allows your dentist to easily control how much sedation you are receiving.
- General Anesthesia
In order to put the patient to sleep and achieve a fully unconscious state, special medications that are highly controlled are given intravenously.
Other Services
Crowns
Sometimes a tooth becomes so damaged by decay or physical trauma that it needs to be reconstructed.
Dentures
Partials and dentures may take a little time to get used to, but after a few weeks, they should feel extremely comfortable.
Extractions
Although permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, there are many reasons why someone will need to have one removed.
Implants
Whether you lose teeth due to decay or in an accident, it is imperative that they get replaced.
Invisalign®️
Over four million people in the United States get braces each year, a quarter of which are adults.
Orthodontics
If your teeth are malpositioned or misaligned, you might find it hard to smile or speak to other people freely.
Cosmetic Dentistry and Veeners
If you don’t like your teeth, a dentist who does cosmetic dentistry can use one of several options to change how they look.