Sedation Dentistry in Fairfax Corner, VA

If you’ve put off going to the dentist because of fear, anxiety, or any other reason, you can rest assured that we’ll take good care of you. Our dentists are trained in treating patients with dental phobias, gag reflexes, and other problems that may have caused you to have a bad experience at another dental office.

We can even arrange to have you sleep through the entire procedure. We work with a board-certified anesthesiologist who will come to our office to administer general anesthesia so you can doze through your visit and wake up when it’s over.

Sleep Dentistry: Sleep Through Your Procedure

How would you like to fall asleep and wake up with a new smile? Our patients who opt to receive general anesthesia simply lie back and relax while a highly-experienced anesthesiologist administers general anesthesia. The patients will feel nothing and have no memory of the experience. They simply wake up when the dental work is complete.

Sleep dentistry is a preferred solution for people who have one of these conditions:

• Severe dental phobia
• Severe gag reflex
• Extremely sensitive teeth
• Can’t get numb through novacaine or a topical anesthetic
• Hate the smell, sound, or activity associated with dental and medical offices
• Need a lot of dental work done during one visit

If you would like to find out if sleep dentistry would be the best solution for you, please call our team at (703) 997-0928 to schedule an appointment. We’ll answer all of your questions, discuss your options, and then move forward with the best way to ensure your comfort during your visit.

Other Methods for Ensuring Your Comfort during Dental Treatment

There are several other types of sedation and anesthetics we can use to ensure your comfort during your visit to Smiles at Fairfax Corner. Chances are, you’ve probably had one or more of these in the past.

Local Anesthetic

Most people have had novacaine or another local anesthetic during a dental appointment. It blocks the nerves in the area of the tooth so the patient does not feel pain during the treatment.

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is frequently referred to as laughing gas. It’s a safe and effective sedative that even small children can inhale through a mask that fits gently over the nose. It helps people feel calm and relaxed, and yes, it can even make them want to giggle. The patient remains alert through the entire procedure, can follow directions, and can respond to questions. Best of all, the effects of the nitrous oxide wear off within minutes of the mask being removed. There are no lingering after-effects or restrictions on activities.

Oral Conscious Sedation (Prescription Medication)

Oral conscious sedation is the formal name for pills designed to decrease anxiety. You may be familiar with these already; some of the brand names include Valium^®, Ativan^®, and Halcion^®. The patient takes the prescription medication before the appointment, as directed by our dentist.

These types of prescription pills do not put people to sleep, but do help them relax. It can help dull the senses so noises, smells, or having the dentist work in close proximity to the patient does not bother them as much.

Since people react differently to these types of medications, you may need to have somebody drive you to and from your appointment. Our team will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Intravenous Sedation / Twilight Sedation in Fairfax Corner

Our periodontist at Smiles at Fairfax Corner is skilled at delivering sedation through an IV. Intravenous sedation is frequently used for shorter procedures. It is administered directly into the bloodstream and takes effect quickly. IV Sedation is sometimes referred to as twilight sedation; the person may stay awake but feel groggy, or may doze in a light sleep. Either way, the sedative ensures the person has a comfortable, pain-free visit.

If you and your dentist determine that IV sedation is the best method to ensure your comfort, you’ll need to arrange to have somebody drive you home from your dental appointment. It can take a few hours for the effects to wear off.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Our top priority is your comfort and well-being. Please call our team today at (703) 997-0928 to schedule an appointment to discuss the dental services we can provide to you. We look forward to meeting you.