Do you suffer from dental fear or anxiety?
At Brighter Smile Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our team is committed to helping receive the dental care they need in a safe and comfortable environment. Dr. Zahra Kavianpour is an experienced dentist who offers high-quality care for patients with dental fear. Dr. Kavianpour and our team work with you to understand your needs and create an atmosphere where you feel comfortable and safe.
We offer a complete range of dental sedation options for patients of all ages. Our team will work with you to determine which form of sedation is right for you. If you would like to explore sedation dentistry options, visit our Sterling, VA dental practice.
Sedation Dentistry in Sterling, VA
We dedicate ourselves to your safety as well as your comfort. We want to you to feel confident about the care you are receiving. If you are not comfortable, then it makes the experience terrible for you and it more difficult for us to do our job.
Patients of all ages can benefit from sedation dentistry. However, it is important to work closely with our team, so we can recommend the best form of sedation for your needs. Sedation not only benefits the patient, but it also benefits the dentist. They are able to work more efficiently and concentrate on the job at hand. The many benefits of sedation dentistry include:
- Patients can receive the care they need without fear or worry
- Better cooperation and communication between dentist and patient
- Allows your dentist to work efficiently and carefully
- Improved treatment outcome
- A comfortable experience at the dentist
- You May have little to no memory of your treatment (depends on the type of sedation)
Is Sedation Dentistry Right For Me?
Our team may recommend dental sedation for a range of different reasons. Further, our team will evaluate your needs and review your medical history before recommending the appropriate type of sedation.
- Patients with a strong gag reflex
- Those with a low pain tolerance
- Fear of drills, needles, or loud noises
- Tooth sensitivity
- Need to undergo multiple treatments in one office visit
- For patients with special needs
- Movement disorder
- Anxious or fearful patients
Types of Sedation
At Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, your safety, comfort, and overall experience at our office are important to our team. Because of our dedicated team, all of your needs will be met. To determine which form of sedation is right for you, our team will review your medical history, perform a complete oral exam, and may coordinate with your primary care doctor.
Nitrous Oxide: This form of sedation is commonly referred to as laughing gas. You breathe it in through a nasal mask that will remain on during your entire appointment. This will help patients remain relaxed and comfortable throughout their visit. The effects of nitrous oxide diminish quickly after treatment, so, in many cases, patients can drive themselves home.
Oral Conscious Sedation: If a deeper relaxation is needed, a dentist may recommend oral conscious sedation. With this sedation method, you will need to take a pill before your scheduled dental appointment. It allows patients to remain calm and can be a viable solution for patients with dental fear. You will need a ride to and from your dentist appointment as the effects will take place shortly after you take the pill and will take a few hours to wear off.
General Anesthesia: Sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, general anesthesia allows patients to sleep during their dental treatment. This form of sedation puts patients in an unconscious state and is ideal for patients who may need complex treatment. General anesthesia can take up to 24 hours to fully diminish so it is imperative that patients coordinate a ride home after their procedure.
Sedation Dentistry FAQs
Sedation dentistry is a wonderful way to get the dental care you need if you suffer from dental anxiety or if you skip dentist appointments for other reasons. Read through our sedation dentistry frequently asked questions section if you would like to learn more about it.
What patients need sedation dentistry?
Patients who consider sedation dentistry often have a variety of reasons for this choice, such as phobias of dental procedures, a bad past experience with dentists, sensitive nerves, a small mouth, or a general anxiety disorder. Ask your dentist if you want to know more about sedation dentistry. Just because you don’t have dental fear doesn’t mean that sedation dentistry isn’t an option for you.
Are there side effects related to sedation?
Side effects of sedation are usually headaches, nausea, and drowsiness. They usually go away shortly after the procedure. This is common for anyone who has had a procedure requiring sedation and is not a concern for 24-48 hours post your procedure.
What should I do after sedation?
Sedation levels vary from patient to patient, so it is important to make sure that you have someone around to help you for 24 hours after your operation to ensure you are safe. Don’t drive for 24 hours after sedation. Other side effects usually aren’t felt. Usually, patients sleep after being sedated.
How long does it take for sedation to wear off?
The sedation will gradually wear off during the course of the day after the operation. Patients start to feel better between 6-8 hours after the operation. Most patients are able to return to their normal work and activities within 24 hours of the procedure.
Schedule a Dental Sedation Consultation
Have you been avoiding the dentist near you due to dental fear? Dr. Kavianpour and our team can work with you to help you feel comfortable and provide you with the treatment you need to improve your smile. If you would like to explore your dental sedation options in Sterling, VA. Visit our team at Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics. If you would like to learn more, call 703.444.3412 or request an appointment online.