Sedation Dentistry Virginia Beach

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Most dentists extend sedation options to patients undergoing invasive procedures such as tooth extractions and other types of oral surgeries. At Mill Dam Dental Care, we are certified to offer sedation options for all types of procedures, including routine dental cleanings. This is particularly helpful to those who suffer from any level of anxiety, oral sensitivities, or physical or mental conditions that make visits to the dentist more challenging.

We offer a variety of sedation solutions to help you feel more comfortable during your visit. From being fully asleep to relaxed but conscious – consult with us, and together we can determine what type of sedation is best for you or your loved one.

Who Can Benefit From a Sedation Dentist?

If you feel nervous before a visit to the dentist, you’re not alone – most people experience some form of dental anxiety in their lives. In some cases, the anxiety is so intense that patients avoid seeking the care and treatment they need. From the fear of pain and discomfort to having sensitive teeth or negative past experiences, there are a host of reasons people of all ages experience dental anxiety. Some patients even feel self-conscious about their dental issues or suffer from existing anxiety or stress disorders. Sedation dentistry can provide peace of mind to those who are distressed about their appointment.

Patients who have sustained previous head or neck trauma, experience sensory issues, or those who suffer from physical or mental conditions that make visits to the dentist more challenging, can benefit greatly from sedation dentistry. For example, sedation makes it possible for our special needs patients to receive the routine care and treatments they may need without causing an overwhelming experience.

We consider a variety of factors when deciding whether a person is a good candidate for sedation. Some dental procedures can be rather uncomfortable and cause distress, and our goal is to make each individual as comfortable as possible during their visit. When taking into account a patient’s anxiety level or mental or physical sensitivities, using sedatives during a dental procedure also helps our team work more quickly and efficiently.

Sedation Options

Your comfort is of utmost importance – in addition to local anesthetics, we offer three types of sedation to suit your specific needs.

Inhaled Minimal Sedation

This type of sedation is a great option for those with mild to moderate levels of anxiety. With this type of sedation, patients inhale a small amount of nitrous oxide gas, which provides a relaxed feeling while still being awake. Many patients prefer this type of sedation, because it wears off very quickly, and you can get home on your own after your procedure.

Oral Conscious Sedation

 Oral Conscious Sedation is a more intensive sedative that is administered in tablet or liquid form before the start of the procedure. In addition to helping with relaxation, it causes a modest amount of drowsiness. Because you won’t be completely asleep, you’ll be able to comprehend what is going on around you and respond. It is also more affordable than IV Sedation.

IV Sedation

This type of sedation is the best option for those who experience severe anxiety or suffer from a medical condition that makes dental visits challenging. Patients are put completely to sleep, and so unaware of anything that is happening during the procedure. The sedative is delivered intravenously and begins to work in just a few minutes.

How to Deal With Dental Anxiety

Does your blood pressure rise at just the thought of being at the dentist? Maybe your mouth is sensitive, or local anesthetics don’t work for you? You’re not alone. For many people, a trip to the dental office can be extremely stress-inducing. Maybe it’s the sound of the instruments, a memory of an unpleasant past procedure, or just the fear of the unknown. If you’re feeling stressed about going to the dentist, sedation is an excellent solution. You can get the care you need while knowing that you’ll be relaxed or even sleeping through the procedure. 

Do I Qualify for Dental Sedation?

As previously mentioned, we offer several different types of sedation, and we want to make sure that we choose the best option for your needs. We take a look at many different factors to determine whether a patient should be sedated or not. Sedation is often the right choice for those who struggle with dental phobias or who have had traumatic dental experiences in the past. Other patients that may benefit are people with conditions that react negatively to stress, such as asthma or epilepsy, or those who are on the autism spectrum. You also may qualify if you get fatigued after having your mouth open for extended periods of time, or if you have a strong gag reflex. 

The Good News for Dental Patients

Mill Dam Dental has various options to help you with your dental stress and anxiety. Regardless of your reasons for needing or wanting to be sedated, there are paths to a more comfortable and relaxed appointment. Many people put off dental appointments because they are struggling with stress or anxiety, but this can have negative consequences for your health in the long term. Talk to us today to learn more about your sedation care options. 

Mill Dam Dental Care – Sedation Dental Experts in Virginia Beach

At Mill Dam Dental Care we pride ourselves in offering both high-quality dental care and a comfortable experience. We understand that visits to the dentist can often be stressful, which is why we’ve become the leading provider of sedation dental procedures in Virginia Beach.

Dr. Leidy has received special training in sedation dentistry from some of the nation’s leading dentistry experts throughout his career, to include the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Southern California. When Dr. Leidy opened Mill Dam Dental Care, he was committed to offering multiple types of sedation to suit patients’ individual needs. As a result, our entire team is trained for sedation procedures – we also take the regulations set forth by the State of Virginia about the use of sedatives very seriously and strictly adhere to all associated guidelines.