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Sedation Dentist
Washington DC

Sedation Dentistry

Have you ever avoided getting a necessary dental treatment out of fear? Do feelings of anxiety and nervousness start to creep in the moment you think about going to the dentist? Do you arrive at the office with sweating palms and a pounding heart? If so, you are not alone.

Sedation dentistry refers to the administration of sedation during a dental procedure. There are various types of sedation that the staff at DC Dental Spa may choose from, and there are also different levels of sedation dentistry. The various forms and levels of sedation all have their specific benefits and are each appropriate for different situations.

Every patient can be a candidate for some level of sedation dentistry. Please ask our staff to see if sedation dentistry might help you. Our clinic is proud to provide the comprehensive care you need to improve your dental health and is committed to making sure your experience at our clinic is a positive one.

Our committed and caring team at DC Dental Spa are quite attentive when it comes evaluating whether sedation dentistry is beneficial for you. We exercise both the latest in advanced technology and along with our friendly atmosphere it helps us evaluate your situation. Call 202-333-9282 for your initial consultation and let us help you determine if a level of sedation dentistry might compliment your next dental procedure.

The Levels of Sedation

There are several sedation options to choose from, which include: a local anesthetic, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and intravenous sedation.  The best option for you is dependent on the type of procedure being performed. We can discuss these options to give you a choice to help you feel more comfortable and less anxious during your appointment.

  • Mild Sedation: If our goal is simply to relieve your anxiety, then this is the preferred choice. Mild sedation will lessen your anxiety level, but it can also decrease the level of discomfort experienced.  In some cases, it can even eliminate any pain all together.
  • Medium Sedation: Medium sedation will be a better option if the dental procedure is more intense or invasive. During this medium sedation, you are in a much deeper state of relaxation. It is not uncommon that you might experience some amnesia because of this option.  Someone will have to drive you home following the procedure if you have this level.

The Types of Dental Sedation Available

The sedation options we offer are classified as one of two types: either conscious sedation or general anesthesia.  During a dental procedure using conscious sedation, your consciousness is just merely depressed. With general anesthesia, in contrast, it means that you are completely unconscious for the length of the procedure.  You will be unable to feel anything during the procedure and will have no memory of the procedure.

The methods available at DC Dental Spa for providing sedation to you include:

  • Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is the mildest sedation option. It is also the most common. The process for administering Nitrous Oxide involves the use a mask or mouthpiece.  As the Nitrous Oxide is applied, you enter a relaxed state. This process reduces both the anxiety and the discomfort that is associated with your dental procedure.
  • Oral Sedation: A more intense form of sedation is Oral Sedation. This involves the application of anxiety medication to induce a state of deep calm for you.  This sedation can linger for hours after your procedure. You will not be allowed to drive immediately following the procedure.

The Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can have many benefits. Beyond the reduction or elimination of discomfort and pain, sedation can also alleviate the anxiety you feel in association with these procedures.  Sedation dentistry also removes or significantly reduces tooth and gum sensitivity, which in turn can reduce your gag reflex. Also, the use of sedation allows us to work in a more efficient manner, because you are relaxed and pain free. One of the most obvious benefits to sedation dentistry is the extreme reduction of anxiety experienced during the procedure.

Sedation dentistry is also beneficial because it can help reduce anxiety. You may be putting off scheduling appointments with DC Dental Spa because the thought of having work done is anxiety provoking. Sedation dentistry helps us with these concerns, allowing you and us to focus on good preventative oral health care.

Procedures Suggested

Some procedures, such as surgical tooth extractions, implant placement, root canal treatment, and periodontal surgery, you will most likely will benefit from sedation dentistry. The use of sedation for other procedures is oftentimes decided at our discretion based on our joint evaluation with you. We may decide to provide sedation for procedures that are more intensive, or we may decide to provide sedation if you are extremely anxious.

The Cost of Sedation Dentistry

The final cost of your sedation will be determined by a variety of factors, including what type of sedation is used and the dental plan coverage you have. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks and we do help with payment plans.

If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, our staff will be happy to help.

High Quality Care You Can Trust

At DC Dental Spa our downtown office will address these scenarios and will work to accommodate your busy schedule. Our entire staff understands anxiety and shares in your positive results and satisfaction. We enjoy the gratification that comes with the ongoing development of lasting relationships with all our patients. We respect the trust that you place in us. We are very thoughtful, patient, and compassionate about exercising preventative overall dental health and delivering the enjoyment that comes with your healthy smile. Visit us today at DC Dental Spa, 730 24th St. NW, Suite 9, Washington, DC, 20037, or call 202-333-9282 for an evaluation and consultation if you are experience dental anxiety and we can discuss the levels of sedation dentistry and see what might be best for you in addressing your dental care.

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