Sedation Dentistry

A visit to the dentist can cause fear and anxiety. Patients who experience dental phobia may postpone or avoid vital dental appointment, and multiple dental visits are out of the question. Neglecting your oral health can lead to tooth loss, disease, and overall health problems. However, you can overcome dental fear with sedation dentistry.

At our Silver Spring and Chevy Chase dental offices, we offer three kinds of sedation: IV Sedation, Oral Conscious Sedation, and Nitrous Oxide Sedation.

IV Sedation involves a trained anesthesiologist who comes to the office to sedate you. This method allows us unprecedented control over relaxation levels, so we can tailor the sedation to your specific needs. Depending on the amount of sedative you receive, you will feel extremely relaxed, drowsy, or you may fall asleep completely. Typically, patients remain conscious and can respond to questions but do not experience extreme nervousness or discomfort, remembering little about the appointment afterwards.

Oral Conscious Sedation involves a medication taken orally prior to your visit. This method, called oral conscious sedation, allows patients to feel relaxed in the dental chair, while remaining conscious and able to answer the dentist’s questions. Although your dental procedures may take hours, you will feel as if they take only minutes. Some patients become so relaxed that they fall asleep in the dentist’s chair. The effects of the sedative typically subside the following day.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation involves a colorless, odorless gas inhaled through a nasal mask. Many people know nitrous oxide as laughing gas. We will control the amount of nitrous you receive to ensure your safety. Once you begin breathing the gas, you will feel relaxed, so the dentist can perform your dental work while you stay completely comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide subside once we remove your mask, so if nitrous is the only anesthesia you receive, you will be capable of driving yourself home following the visit and can continue your daily activities as normal.

Who should consider sedation dentistry?
You may want to consider sedation dentistry if:

• You are fearful or anxious of dental treatment anddental instruments
• Local anesthetics do not have a numbing effect on you
• You have a sensitive gag reflex
• You suffer from any health issues, such as neck or back pain, which could lead to discomfort while sitting in a dentist’s chair

Sedation dentistry can give you the peace of mind you need in order to undergo dental work. You may enjoy better overall health, an improved self-image, and better quality of life with a healthy, beautiful smile.

Schedule Your Appointment
Extraordinary smiles begin with exceptional dental care. If you live near the DC metro area, call our Silver Spring or Chevy Chase general and cosmetic dentistry offices today to make an appointment with Dr. Dana Keith. We look forward to building a lasting relationships and healthy smiles with you and your family.

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