Dental anxiety is a common problem among Americans, making it difficult to schedule or show up to your dentist appointment. Dental fear is powerful and can make someone endure the discomfort or pain from infected or damaged teeth rather than see the dentist.
Fortunately, for patients in Northern Virginia, Ridgetop Dental Group offers sedation dentistry to reduce dental fear and make your dentist office experience more pleasant.
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Me?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to provide a more relaxing experience for patients experiencing dental anxiety or dental phobia. You may benefit from this type of dentistry if you avoid dental visits due to fear or even if you:
- Aren’t able to sit still in a dentist chair
- Need a large amount of dental work completed
- Have a low pain threshold
Types of Sedation Dentistry
Opting to use sedation dentistry is a personal choice. Patients can choose a sedation method with the help of their Ridgetop Dental Group dentist. We will evaluate your oral health and medical history before recommending the most suitable sedation option for you. Your safety is our priority and patients are constantly monitored while sedated.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas,” is an effective sedative that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a mask that fits over your nose. It does not put you to sleep. You will still be able to carry on a conversation with the dentist, but it does help you feel more calm and comfortable. The effects of nitrous oxide wear off soon after the mask is removed, and you should be able to drive yourself home after the procedure.
IV Sedation
IV sedation is administered through the vein, so it goes to work more quickly. This method allows the dentist to continually adjust the level of sedation, and it allows you to be either almost or completely “out” during your procedure. Ridgetop Dental Group is one of the few dental practices in the area to offer IV sedation.
General Anesthesia
A board-certified anesthesiologist administers your general anesthesia in the comfort of our Reston, VA dentist office. General anesthesia will put you into a sleep-like state for the duration of your dental treatment. Patients will require an escort home after treatment.
Sedation Dentistry with Ridgetop Dental Group
We strive to make sure all of our patients feel comfortable at Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA. Our relaxing atmosphere combined with our professional and friendly staff have helped hundreds of patients feel more comfortable at the dentist. But if you’re still not convinced, sedation dentistry might be for you! Contact our office online or call us for more details and to schedule your appointment.