Dental Sedation 101

For individuals of all ages, even routine dental procedures can be nerve-wracking experiences. For these patients, sedation dentistry offers the opportunity to undergo dental treatment in a comfortable, relaxed state.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Often mislabeled as sleep dentistry, sedation dentistry or dental sedation uses medication to help patients relax during their dental procedure. Many patients suffering from dental anxiety or phobia may find dental sedation to be a helpful addition to their upcoming procedure. As the medication is safe for almost all patients, it can be utilized throughout almost any procedure, such as routine cleanings as well as extensive surgical procedures.

Dental Sedation Options

There are varying levels of dental sedation, each of which are recommended based on the patient’s needs as well as their upcoming procedure. These levels include:

Minimal sedation: This light sedation is frequently recommended to children or patients undergoing routine cleanings. Often administered in the form of nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, minimal sedation allows patients to remain completely conscious yet relaxed during their procedure. As the medication wears off relatively quickly, patients are able to drive home by the end of their appointment.

Moderate sedation: Administered orally as a pill, patients undergoing moderate sedation remain conscious and responsive throughout their procedure. However, many often do not remember the details of their procedure. As a result, moderate sedation is an ideal option for individuals suffering from dental anxiety or phobia or patients undergoing more complex procedures.

Deep Sedation: Also known as intravenous sedation, the medication used in this form of dental sedation is administered intravenously under the close eye of a specially trained sedation professional. Similar to moderate sedation, patients remain conscious yet many feel as if they are asleep. Deep sedation is frequently recommended for individuals undergoing surgical procedures as it allows the dentist to complete a number of procedures during one session.

General Anesthesia: Unlike other forms of sedation which can be completed in the dentists’ office, general anesthesia requires that patients are admitted to a hospital or surgery center where a certified anesthesiologist can monitor the individual’s vital signs. General anesthesia is often reserved for extensive procedures, such as facial reconstruction or TMJ surgery. 

Considering Dental Sedation? Contact Us Today

At the oral surgery practice of Dr. Snehal Patel, our team is proud to offer a variety of sedation options for our Northern Virginia patients. For more information about the different uses of dental sedation, contact Lorton Springfield Dental Implants and Oral Surgery today. With two offices conveniently located in Lorton and Springfield, our oral surgeon can help you determine which sedation option best suits your needs.