Sedation Dentistry is a dental procedure wherein a patient is put on a sedated or relaxed state with the help of anesthetics. This procedure is usually utilized whenever a patient will have to take a considerable amount of time in the dental chair, or whenever a patient is anxious or in some cases, whenever treatment will involve some amount of pain.

There are a lot of types of dental sedation procedures that come in different degrees, such as from a semi-conscious and relaxed state, to the unconscious state, all depending on the type of procedure that is being performed.

Here are some of the candidates where sedation therapy is advised:

• The patient has anxiety with dental procedures.
• The patient needs to undergo a procedure that requires more than one session.
• The patient has an underlying condition that requires him/her to be sedated.
• The patient will be undergoing a painful treatment.
• The patient has an intense gag reflex.

Types of Dental Sedation

Oral Sedation – in oral sedation, patients are given oral sedatives, 30 minutes to an hour before the procedure. This type of sedation is usually given to patients with mild to moderate anxiety. Usually, this is combined with local anesthetics because oral sedative does not entirely eliminate the sensation of pain.

Intravenous Sedation – one of the most advanced among the sedation techniques, this is administered to patients with moderate to severe anxiety levels. It is usually preferred compared to oral sedation because its dosage can be adjusted accordingly. It also diminishes the gag reflex, making dental procedures easier to perform. And compared to oral sedation – this form makes the onset of the person’s relaxed or sedated state to be much faster.

Like oral sedation, it does not provide pain relief and must it must be likewise combined with local anesthetics.

General Anesthesia – this is a dental sedation method that renders the patient unconscious. This is usually administered to patients with severe to panic anxiety level.

If you want to discuss these sedation techniques further with Dr. Ghannam and Dr. Lynch or if you want to use them to have more relaxed and pain-free dental procedures, then do not hesitate to give us at Artisan Dental in Burke VA a call. We are always willing to provide you with all the information that you’ll need – as well as provide the most efficient dental procedures.