Sedation Dentistry for Multiple Treatment Appointments
By Joe McIntyre, DDS on January 15, 2022
It is common for patients to experience some minor apprehension when they visit a dentist for an exam and cleaning. But when patients undergo multiple dental services in one visit, they may have more severe anxiety or difficulty sitting still for a longer duration of time. Sedation dentistry can help patients feel more comfortable during their appointment.
At Smiles for Life Dental Care in Staunton and Bridgewater, serving the greater Harrisonburg, VA, area, we offer sedation dentistry for multiple treatment appointments.
When Is Sedation Appropriate?
Most patients are accustomed to undergoing routine dental exams and professional cleanings; the results of these appointments include cleaner looking teeth and fresher breath, so most people find them to be worthwhile.
But when serious dental issues are identified during an exam, patients may need to undergo multiple treatments or treatment on different areas of the mouth, which can lengthen the appointment time.
Rather than splitting treatment into two or more sessions, many patients opt to undergo sedation dentistry to alleviate any anxiety they may have about their dental appointment. An added benefit is that sedation can make it easier for patients to sit comfortably and keep their mouth open for a longer period of time. Sedation may be used when patients get:
- All-on-4 Dental Implants
- Dental Bridges
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Fillings
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Gum Contouring
- Gum Treatment
- Implant-Supported Bridges
- Implant-Supported Dentures
- Inlays and Onlays
- Root Canal Therapy
- Tooth Extractions
What Types of Sedation Dentistry Do You Offer?
With advanced training from the Dental Organization for Conscious Sedation, our dentists can safely administer conscious sedation options. At Smiles for Life Dental Care, we provide the Harrisonburg area with two sedation options:
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide is an effective option that helps patients feel relaxed and happy when they are under its effects. It is dispensed through a mask that is placed over the nose during treatment. The safe gas mixture can be dispensed and inhaled at regular intervals to keep patients feeling comfortable throughout treatment.
One of the great benefits of nitrous oxide is that it offers shorter-term sedation effects. Soon after patients start breathing in regular oxygen again, the effects of the nitrous oxide dissipate, and patients can return to their normal activities.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This type of sedation refers to the use of anti-anxiety medication, in a pill form, to help patients feel calm and comfortable during treatment. We will prescribe the proper dosage of medication, and you will take your pill or pills about 30 minutes before your appointment. By the time you arrive to our office, you should be feeling relaxed and happy.
Oral conscious sedation is a great option, but it does have a downside. You will need to have a ride to and from your appointment since it isn’t safe to driving while under the effects of these medications. After your appointment, you should return home. You may feel drowsy and take a nap while the effects of the medication wear off.
Local Anesthesia
While nitrous and oral conscious sedation induce feelings of relaxation, they don’t affect pain levels. To ensure that you don’t experience any discomfort, we administer numbing solution to the treatment areas. When paired, local anesthesia and conscious sedation result in a more pleasant dental experience.
Contact Our Practice
To learn more about your options, send us a message or call us at (540) 828-2312 to schedule an appointment at one of our Harrisonburg offices in Staunton and Bridgewater.
