The Myths of Sedation Dentistry

The Myths of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is often misrepresented. Some see it as unnecessary or even harmful. Others just can’t tell whether it’s right for them. For patients who fear the dentist, it’s one of the most practical and efficient forms of treatment available. Even those who do just fine at the dentist’s office may not be aware of potential benefits.

If you’re curious about sedation dentistry but are unsure what to believe, read on to learn about and debunk some of the most common sedation myths.

Sedation Dentistry Makes You Unconscious

While it’s true you will be in a twilight state under sedation, you will still be conscious and capable of responding to simple commands. Many people think of sedation and general anesthesia as interchangeable terms when, in fact, the two techniques couldn’t be any more different. Sedation dentistry makes you feel drowsy enough that you don’t feel any discomfort or anxiety while you receive treatment.

You Can Only Receive Sedation for Complex Procedures

Sedation dentistry is very safe and can be used for even the simplest procedures. Patients who are unable to receive a dental cleaning due to their anxiety benefit from sedation techniques like nitrous oxide or IV sedation. On the other hand, more invasive procedures like wisdom teeth extraction can be combined sedation in pill form. If you’re interested in sedation options to improve your patient experience, contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implant Oral Surgery today!

Sedation is Only for Patients with Dental Anxiety

Sedation dentistry became well-known due to the many benefits it carries for dental anxiety patients; however, sedation is also effective on individuals who do not exhibit any fear. Patients with disabilities may be sedated to keep them calm during treatment while those with a sensitive gag can receive treatment more comfortably.

Particular procedures, like dental implants or veneers that are on the cusp of being more invasive, usually involve sedation practices instead of general anesthesia as a better way for dentists to monitor their patients.

The Side Effects 

As with any dental procedure, there is some risk involved with sedation, but with proper care and diligence, you may have some side effects. At most, you will remain drowsy after your treatment, but any sensation will wear off in a matter of hours. And to always better prepare, it’s better to have a trusted friend or family member bring you to and from your appointment if you know you will receive sedation.

Your dentist will also explain recovery details so that you know what to expect after receiving sedation. As long as you follow your dentist’s instructions, you shouldn’t experience any issues.

Learn More About Sedation By Scheduling an Appointment!

If you have questions about sedation dentistry or would like to find out whether the technique is right for you, contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implant Oral Surgery and schedule an appointment!

Benefits of Having Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

Benefits of Having Your Wisdom Teeth Extracted

As dental patients enter their teenage years, they may eventually have a discussion with their dentists about wisdom teeth. The wisdom teeth are positioned behind the second molars at the back of the jawline, which is why they are sometimes referred to as third molars. Typically, these teeth emerge in your teenage years to early twenties -- several years after previous permanent teeth have stopped growing.

Potential Issues Caused by Wisdom Teeth

For a large percentage of dental patients, complications of emerging wisdom teeth cause the need for their removal. The most severe of these complications is impaction, which is when teeth become lodged in the gums or bone and are unable to completely move into place. Impaction occurs largely because wisdom teeth often grow in at a different angle than the rest of the teeth in the jawline. In addition, the space available for the wisdom teeth to erupt is so small that there often isn’t enough room for them to fit comfortably.

When the wisdom teeth become impacted, they must be removed, or oral health problems can develop and become bothersome. Partially emerged molars create spots where bacteria and plaque are trapped and difficult to remove, leading to decay and risk for gum disease. Impaction also creates jaw and tooth pain. Without removing the impacted wisdom teeth in a timely manner, a patient can experience uncomfortable and distracting oral health issues.

Partial and Full Impaction of Third Molars

There are several ways wisdom teeth can become impacted. The most common type is a mesial impaction, where the tooth is positioned at an angle directly facing second molars; its trajectory makes it impossible to fully emerge. Horizontal impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth grow in completely sideways, while a vertical impaction occurs when the wisdom teeth grows in properly, but there isn’t enough space to emerge in a patient’s current alignment. 

While the above are the most common instances of trapped third molars, there are several other less common ways wisdom teeth can become impacted. Distal impaction occurs when the teeth grow toward the back of the mouth – the opposite of a mesial impaction. Soft tissue impaction and bony impaction take place when the wisdom tooth starts to grow into the gum line, then eventually through the gum line, where a portion of the tooth can actually be seen.

Ask our Team about Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Lorton-Springfield Dental Implant & Oral Surgery, our dedicated professionals want to help you understand the benefits of wisdom teeth extracted, especially in the case of impaction and pain caused by eruption of third molars. If you live in the Springfield or Lorton area, we have offices in each location. Give us a call today for a consultation!