Sedation Dentistry
Professional Sedation Dentistry in Virginia Beach
Mill Dam Dental Care is the sedation dentist Virginia Beach residents trust for important dental procedures. Our highly qualified team uses safe and effective sedation techniques to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable. Sedation dentistry is an excellent choice for anyone who struggles with dental anxiety, though it may not be the right option for every patient.
We understand that anxiety can cause many people to delay dental care, which can lead to more serious problems later. That is why we offer a range of sedation solutions to make every visit as stress-free as possible. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we focus on providing exceptional dental care in a calm and supportive environment.
When is Sedation Dentistry the Right Approach?
Sedation dentistry is often the right choice for patients who find dental visits stressful or overwhelming. Many people experience dental anxiety, discomfort, or tension when receiving care, and sedation helps create a more worry-free appointment. Choosing sedation can make longer or more complex treatments easier to manage and ensures that patients can receive the care they need in a single visit. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we consider each patient’s overall comfort and well-being, making sedation a valuable tool for providing a positive and stress-free experience.
Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry
Sedation dentistry makes dental care more comfortable for patients facing challenges that make it hard to get the care they need. Some common situations where sedation can be particularly helpful include:
✔️ Strong gag reflex that interferes with treatment
✔️ Fear of needles or dental instruments
✔️ Claustrophobia or discomfort in the dental chair
✔️ Dental anxiety that makes it difficult to receive care
✔️ Extensive or lengthy dental procedures
✔️ Special needs patients who require extra support
We provide instructions and ensure a smooth recovery after treatment if deeper sedation is used.
Our Sedation Options
Our team will review your medical history and recommend the most appropriate sedation option for your needs. We offer three types of sedation designed for different levels of comfort:
✔️ Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral sedation provides a simple, affordable way to reduce anxiety. It is taken as a tablet or liquid about 30 minutes before your appointment. You remain awake and aware but feel significantly more relaxed, making it easier to get through your procedure.
✔️ IV Sedation: This option delivers medication through an IV, quickly putting you into a deeper state of relaxation or sleep. It is ideal for patients who need a highly adjustable level of sedation or do not respond well to oral medication. IV sedation is suitable for a wide range of procedures.
✔️ Inhaled Minimal Sedation: By administering nitrous oxide gas through a mask, this method helps patients with mild to moderate anxiety stay calm while remaining fully awake. Its effects wear off almost immediately after treatment.
For safety reasons, patients receiving oral or IV sedation will need an adult to drive them to and from their appointment.
Dr Leidy, Experienced Sedation Dentist in Virginia Beach
Dr. Leidy has advanced training in sedation dentistry, studying with leading dental experts at the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Southern California. Since opening Mill Dam Dental Care, he has made patient comfort a priority at every appointment. Dr. Leidy is certified to administer sedation for all types of dental procedures, and his team is trained to ensure patients feel comfortable during every visit. Dr. Leidy is also a Fellow of the American College of Dentists, reflecting his commitment to safe, high-quality care.
Sedation Dentistry - Virginia Beach, VA
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Working Hours
Visit us during our regular office hours for comfortable, quality dental care.
Monday To Thursday
8am – 4:30pm
Friday – Sunday
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Inside Mill Dam Dental
Discover how Dr. Jeffrey R. Leidy and his team provide individualized care.
Smile Gallery
A closer look at our team, our patients, and the care we provide every day.
Meet the Team Behind the Smiles.
From the front desk to the treatment chair, we approach every part of your visit with care. At Mill Dam Dental, you’ll always be treated like family.
Dr. Jeffrey R. Leidy, DMD
D.M.D., M.A.G.D., D.ABDSM, F.A.C.D.
Lauren
Office Manager, Clinical Assistant
Christina
Dental Assistant
Janis, RDH
Dental Hygienist
Judee
Administrative/Clinical Assistant
Cheryl
Dental Hygienist
Chelsea
Dental Assistant
Jennifer
Administrative Assistant
FAQs – Sedation Dentistry
It’s normal to want to understand as much as possible about a treatment before moving forward. When you know what to expect, you can feel confident that it’s the right choice for you.
Are there patients who cannot receive sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry may not be appropriate for everyone. Patients with certain medical conditions, those who are pregnant, or individuals who take specific medications may need to avoid or adjust sedation options. A thorough review of your overall health and medical history will allow our team to determine whether sedation is a safe choice and which option, if any, is best for you.
Is dental sedation safe for everyone?
Yes, when administered by experienced dental professionals like our team at Mill Dam Dental, sedation is considered very safe. Before any sedation appointment, we carefully review your medical history, current medications, and overall health to select the method that is best for you. Our goal is to keep you comfortable while maintaining the highest level of safety and monitoring throughout your visit.
Can I choose deep sedation for a simple procedure?
Yes. Even for straightforward procedures, patients have the option to receive the level of sedation they feel most comfortable with. Our team carefully monitors every patient to ensure safety while keeping you relaxed throughout your visit.
Which level of sedation is the least expensive?
Oral conscious sedation is typically the least expensive sedation option. It is a cost effective alternative to IV sedation and works well for patients with dental anxiety. The medication is taken before your appointment to help you feel relaxed and drowsy. Without fully putting you to sleep, it will allow you to remain responsive during treatment.
Will I still feel pain with sedation?
Sedation is designed to help you feel relaxed and comfortable during your procedure. In addition to sedation, we use local anesthesia to numb the treatment area, so you should not feel pain during your visit. Our team carefully monitors you throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort at all times.
Which dental procedures are long or complex enough to consider sedation?
Sedation dentistry is often helpful for longer or more involved procedures, such as multiple tooth extractions, dental implants, full mouth restorations, or complex restorative work. Sedation can also be a good option for patients who experience dental anxiety or have difficulty sitting comfortably for extended periods of time.
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