Does the thought of walking through your dentist’s office make you feel anxious? Do you have trouble sitting still or keeping your composure in the dental chair? If your anxiety is keeping you from getting your cleanings and examinations done, it can put your oral and overall health at risk. Luckily, your sedation dentist in Northern Virginia is all too familiar with patient anxiety. That’s why they pursued additional training to help you stay relaxed. No longer will you put your oral health at risk.
Keep reading to learn more about oral conscious sedation and what the process entails.
WHAT IS ORAL CONSCIOUS SEDATION?
In dentistry, oral conscious sedation is a treatment designed to relax patients before they receive any form of dental care. Whether it’s a root canal or a routine cleaning, you can benefit from the use of sedatives from your sedation dentist in Northern Virginia. Once the sedation starts to take effect, you’ll feel far more relaxed and prepared to accept the treatment you need.
Furthermore, oral conscious sedation is not just for patients who experience anxiety during treatment. It’s also great for patients who have:
- A low pain threshold
- A strong gag reflex
- Particularly sensitive teeth
If you need extensive dental work done or live far away from the office, you’ll also benefit from sedation dentistry. Let’s take a moment to learn more about the process.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?
Your dentist in Northern Virginia uses oral sedation to temporarily relieve your anxiety. This method is an easy and effective solution to relieve anxiety before treatment. After your dentist views your medical history and determines that you’re eligible for sedatives, you’ll be prescribed a pill to ingest prior to your appointment. Make sure to fast for up to 12 hours beforehand as food can influence the effects of sedatives.
While it depends on the dosage, the effects of oral sedatives are mild to moderate. Your dentist will determine which is best for you based on your medical history and your level of anxiety. However, the higher the dose, the less you’re likely to remember details your visit. During treatment, you’ll still be able to tell the dentist how you’re feeling, allowing the staff to do whatever you need to improve your comfort level.
Make sure you have a friend or family member available to drive you back from your appointment as the effects from oral sedation can last for several hours after treatment. Avoid operating a vehicle or resuming normal activities until the sedative has worn off.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Did you know that 40 million Americans suffer from dental anxiety? With oral sedation, you and millions of other patients can avoid conditions like:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Oral infections
Since early prevention is the key to catching disease, sedation dentistry can help you stay on top of your oral and overall health every six months. Your dentist will also be able to catch early signs of oral cancer or other diseases that have markers in the mouth.
Don’t let anxiety get in the way. Schedule an appointment with your sedation dentist in Northern Virginia today!
