Sedation Dentistry

Sedation Dentistry

blond woman - sedation dentistry
A dental procedure may make some people anxious. This is nothing out of the ordinary. It is the fear of the unknown; the fear of pain; anxiety associated with the aftermath of the treatment, etc. 

However, you can now undergo root canal treatment, oral surgery or implants—without any pain or memory of the procedure. This can be achieved with the help of sedation dentistry. 

Sedation dentistry is safe, effective and comfortable. You’ll have no memory of pain, noise or discomfort, or the time it took to complete the procedure.

Sedation dentistry can benefit you if:
  • You experience fear/anxiety at the dental facility
  • You find it hard to sit still for longer periods
  • Your body doesn’t get or stay numb for the required time after the anesthesia is administered

What does sedation dentistry mean?

With sedation dentistry, patients can undergo a number of dental procedures without any discomfort. It is particularly opt by patients grappled with severe anxiety and fear during dental checkups. Advantages of sedation dentistry include:
  • No fear or anxiety experienced during treatment
  • No sense of sound or smell
  • No recollection of the dental procedure
  • No idea of time spent under sedation

Are you nervous about being sedated?

Don’t be. We’re licensed practitioners and work with years of experience. 

We take care of our patients, ensuring safe and comfortable procedures. Our staff is trained to be respectful as well as professional at all times. Before the procedure, we will walk you through the entire experience. At this point, feel free to ask us questions. We’ll make sure that you understand every aspect of it.

You have nothing to be nervous about.

What options do you have?

These procedures are regulated by health laws. Our dentist will administer the treatment at one of the three sedation states:
  • Mild Sedation — Also called anxiolysis, it is the least sedated form. It is mostly recommended for patients who only experience mild anxiety, and in longer, more complex procedures.
    The sedative is mostly administered orally and you will remain partially awake or sleepy for the most part. Whatever be the case, you’ll be fully relaxed and in a state where you can breathe without help. Typically, patients recover from sedation in only a few hours. Mild sedation can also be offered inhalation route. Nitrous oxide is administered to help you relax during the procedure.
  • Moderate Sedation — Patients with reasonable anxiety often opt for this form of sedation. It is also beneficial if you’re undergoing longer and complex dental procedures.
    It is a type of conscious sedation, utilizing light IV for this purpose. Patients remain awake during the treatment, but are deeply relaxed.
    We recommend that you come along with a parent, friend, spouse or another person if you opt for conscious sedation. It can take more than a few hours before the effect wears off. It will be unsafe to drive during this time.
  • Deep Sedation — Patients go between conscious and unconscious states during the treatment. You will have no recollection of the procedure.
    It is recommended to have someone accompany you to the appointment. It can be unsafe to drive as sedation may take a few hours to wear off.

How is it administered?

As mentioned above, there are routes through which sedatives can be administered: orally or through inhalation.

Oral method: It is a routinely used method in sedation dentistry. It’s easy, comfortable and doesn’t use any needles. You’re offered a prescription tablet to take one hour before the scheduled appointment. It will relax you before you reach the dentist’s office. 

Do you feel like sedation dentistry will be a better option for you? Then contact us today for a consultation. We are here to help find the right sedation type and administration route for you!

Sedation dentistry isn’t just for people who are terrified of undergoing a dental procedure. It is also a desirable option for those looking for a way to relax during a painful dental session.

When it comes to sedation, however, a lot can go wrong. This is why our AAD and AACD-certified sedation dentistry is popular among dental patients in Alexandria.


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We will get in-touch with you as soon as possible. If this is a dental emergency, please give us a call at 703.299.9899

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"Highly recommend the Alexandria Center for Dentistry for your family.  I was so impressed by the whole experience.  A warm, friendly staff, and top of the line dentists.  I actually enjoy going to the dentist office for the first time in my life."

- Mike S.

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"Dr. Lynch and his staff are the best. Past situations have caused me to have bad dental anxiety and not trust dentists but everyone here is so compassionate and understanding. They make me feel welcomed, cared for and put me to ease to their best ability. Dr. Lynch is also very thorough on his plans and only wants what is best for you and your situation. The work he has done has been wonderful. I also live about 45 minutes from his office, but he is worth every mile in my opinion!"

- Rachel H.

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"This was my first visit to Dr. Lynch and I was worried, as my other dentist was wonderful. Dr. Lynch immediately impressed me with his enthusiasm, clear explanations, sure hands and painless touch. I had four crowns  prepped, so this was an enormous amount of work for one session. I had a lot of local anesthesia but I did not feel even one of the injections! Great job!
Thank you for your skill and professionalism."

- Jennifer K.

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"I am a very scared and nervous patient and from the first phone call with Dr. Lynch they put me at ease. He's an incredible sedation dentist and I'm so happy I found him. Sedation is not easy but the staff helped put me at ease!!"

- P. F.

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