Sedation Dentistry
Arlington VA

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Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is the practice of introducing sedation to your procedure. There are various forms of sedation that are available to us, as well as different levels of sedation dentistry. These various types and these different levels of sedation all have their benefits when chosen for different situations.

Anyone visiting our office is a candidate for sedation dentistry. Please ask our staff to see if sedation dentistry is beneficial for you and your experience. Cherrydale Family Dental is proud to provide the comprehensive family care you need to improve your dental health and we are committed to making sure your experience at our clinic is always a positive one.

The entire caring team at Cherrydale Family Dental is conscientious in our efforts in working patiently with all members of your family, from infant to teenager to parents to grandparents. Patience is a desirable quality in our fast-paced society today. Our team finds enjoyment in healthy smiles of all ages. If you have any questions regarding sedation dentistry and your family, simply call Cherrydale Family Dental at 703-243-8288. You can find us at 4399 Old Dominion Drive, Arlington, VA, 22312.

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The Various Levels of Sedation

There are several sedation options for us to choose from, which include local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation.  The best option will be dependent on the severity of the procedure being performed. We will discuss the several choices prior to beginning and how they will help you feel comfortable and less anxious during your appointment.

  • Mild Sedation: If our goal is simply to relieve your anxiety, then this will be our preferred choice. Mild sedation usually relieves your anxiety level and will also decrease the level of discomfort experienced.  In some cases, it can even eliminate any pain all together.
  • Medium Sedation: Medium sedation will be the better option if your procedure is more intense or invasive. During medium sedation, you are in a much deeper state of relaxation. It is not uncommon that you will experience some amnesia because of this option.  If this level is used for your sedation dentistry procedure someone will have to drive you home upon completion.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

The benefits of sedation dentistry are quite substantial. One of the most obvious benefits to sedation dentistry is the reduction of dental anxiety you will experience during your procedure. Sedation dentistry literally helps us remain in preventative maintenance program versus reacting.  Often patients put off scheduling appointments with their dentist because the thought of having work done is anxiety provoking. This procrastination only allows problems and issues to develop. Sedation dentistry helps alleviate these concerns.

Sedation dentistry will also remove or significantly reduce your tooth and gum sensitivity, which in turn will reduce your gag reflex.

Finally, sedation dentistry allows us to work faster and more effectively, which means your procedure will be completed quicker and you can start your road to recovery.

The Different Types of Dental Sedation Available

The sedation options offered at Cherrydale Family Dental can be classified as one of two types: conscious sedation and general anesthesia.  During your procedure using conscious sedation, your consciousness is merely depressed. General anesthesia, on the other hand, means that you are completely unconscious for the entire procedure.  As a result of this state of mind you will be unable to feel anything during the procedure and will have no memory of the procedure.

The methods available for administering the sedation to you include the following:

  • Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is the mildest sedation option, the most common and quite easy to work with. The process for administering Nitrous Oxide involves using a mouthpiece. As the Nitrous Oxide is applied, you will simply enter a relaxed state. This process reduces both any pain and anxiety that is often associated with simpler dental procedures and has a shorter life span.
  • Oral Sedation: A slightly more intense form of sedation is Oral Sedation. This method involves the delivery of an anxiety medication to induce a state of deeper calm in you.  This orally delivered medication can last for several hours after the procedure. Therefore, you are not allowed to drive immediately following your procedure.
  • IV Sedation: IV, or Intravenous Sedation, is the most intense form of sedation we offer. During the IV Sedation, you are put into a state of unconsciousness. It will not be uncommon for you to experience some amnesia both before and after the procedure.  As before with the Oral Sedation procedure, you will not be allowed to drive after the procedure.

Some Dental Procedures Will Suggest Sedation Dentistry by Nature

Certain procedures, such as surgical tooth extractions, root canal treatment, implant placement, and periodontal surgery, will most likely require some level of sedation dentistry. Along with these, the use of sedation for other dental procedures is oftentimes decided at the discretion of our staff. We may decide to provide sedation for procedures that may be more intensive, or we may decide to provide sedation dentistry for you if you express extreme anxiety.

Associated Costs

Like most dental procedures, what is covered depends on your individual insurance plan. Most insurance plans cover sedation dentistry procedures. Contact your dental insurance company before your appointment to understand your coverage options. Make sure to bring this information to your consultation to review with us prior to determining your treatment plan. We also offer Care Credit, so speaking with our financial coordinator to assess your options is another helpful step.

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Quality Dental Care for ALL Family Members

At Cherrydale Family Dental, 4399 Old Dominion Dr., Arlington, VA, we work patiently to develop trusting and long-standing relationships with all our patients. We understand dental anxiety and we care about you and want you to become a trusting member of our family. We will contribute and participate in preventative practices to help you maintain good oral health to the best of your ability. We will always look forward to seeing you and discussing what is best for you and your smile. Please contact us at 703-243-8288 to discuss the benefits of sedation dentistry and to improve oral health and your quality of life.

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Modern dentistry techniques, affordable prices and financial options make it easier than ever for you to have a bright and healthy smile. We are currently accepting new patients and we would love to help you get the smile you’ve always dreamed of.

Call us at (703) 243-8288 to book an appointment OR easily using the button below.