If going to the dentist makes you nervous, we can help. At Coastal General Dentistry, we want our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits. For those who have dental anxiety or fear, we offer sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA.
Sedation is a general dental service we offer to help ease anxiety and discomfort, especially for longer procedures or oral surgeries. It’s also helpful for patients with special needs or dental phobias. Sedation ensures a safe and comfortable experience, making it easier for anxious patients to get the care they need.
Our dentists, who have extensive experience in oral surgery, understand how important it is for patients to feel at ease during treatments. Whether it’s a complex procedure or just routine care, we can safely provide sedation to make your visit stress-free.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax and stay calm during dental treatments. Some people even fall asleep while under sedation, which is why it’s sometimes called “sleep dentistry.” This type of care is perfect for those who have extreme dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry in our Virginia Beach office offers many benefits, such as:
- Reduced Anxiety: Sedation helps calm fear and anxiety, making it easier for you to stay still during the procedure. You won’t feel pain or discomfort.
- Faster Treatment: Because you’re relaxed, your dentist can work more quickly, which can also help reduce recovery time.
- Less Physical Stress: Sedation prevents physical reactions to fear, such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, or gagging.
- Minimal Memory of the Procedure: You’re unlikely to remember much of your appointment, which helps reduce fear in future visits.
- Pain-Free Experience: Sedation can make your dental care more pleasant, and you may even be more willing to come back for regular checkups without needing sedation next time.
If you or someone in your family feels anxious about dental visits, let us know before your next appointment. Our team will help you find the right sedation option to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Is Sedation Right For You?
Before using sedation, we’ll ask about your medical history and current medications. Conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or obesity may affect how we proceed with sedation. For safety reasons, we don’t recommend sedation for pregnant women. Older patients who are prone to memory issues, like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, may also need special consideration when it comes to deeper sedation.
If you have a strong gag reflex, dental fear, or have had a bad experience with dental care in the past, sedation may be a good option for you.
Don’t let fear keep you from taking care of your smile. Contact us today to find out more about how sedation can help you feel relaxed and get the treatment you need.
Common Types of Dental Sedation
Here are the common types of dental sedation we offer. Our team in Virginia Beach will help you find the best option for your needs.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Also called laughing gas, this is the mildest form of sedation. You stay awake and aware while breathing in a mix of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over your nose. The gas helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier to handle treatments. Its effects are short-lived, and it is safe for all ages when supervised.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This option is stronger than nitrous oxide and is good for longer or more involved dental procedures. You take a pill before your treatment, which helps you relax. While you stay awake, you won’t feel pain. Since it takes time to wear off, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
This type of sedation is delivered through a vein and helps reduce anxiety during longer treatments like root canals or wisdom teeth removal. You’ll feel deeply relaxed and won’t feel any pain. You may be able to talk with the dentist but likely won’t remember much of the procedure.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the strongest form of sedation. You are completely unconscious during the procedure. We might suggest this option for more complex surgeries or if you have severe anxiety that makes it hard to stay calm during treatment.
We usually combine sedation with local anesthesia. This means you won’t feel pain in your mouth during the procedure, even if you have mild discomfort elsewhere.
How to Stay Comfortable at the Dentist
In addition to sedation, here are some ways we can help you feel more at ease during your visit:
- Communicate: Let us know your questions or concerns. We’re here to explain your treatment and address any fears you have.
- Bring a Friend: Having someone with you in the waiting room can help ease your anxiety.
- Bring Comfort Items: A stress ball or fidget toy can help distract you during treatment. You can also listen to music or a podcast with headphones. If you’re sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones are a great option.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before your visit. Meditation can also help you relax.
- Make a Signal: Agree on a nonverbal signal with your dentist, like raising your hand, so we can pause the treatment if you need a break.
- Take a Tour: If you’re new to our office, you can schedule a tour before your appointment. This will give you a chance to meet our team and see our treatment rooms.
A little anxiety is normal, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting dental care. Skipping regular visits can increase your risk of infection. If you’re worried about your dental problems, don’t be. Our dentists are here to help, not to judge.
Schedule a Worry-free Consultation
Do you feel anxious about going to the dentist? Sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach can help you feel calm and get the care you need. Let us know if you need any special accommodations before your next visit.
Call us at 757-216-9914 or schedule an appointment online. If you have any concerns or questions, we’re happy to help at your next visit.