Sedation Dentistry in Dumfries, VA & Washington DC
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental procedures that will correct a range of cosmetic issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Sedation Dentistry for Dental Phobia
For many people, the thought of having a dental procedure performed is anxiety-provoking, so much so that they will actually avoid seeking the care they need. At Dental Serenity™, we are committed to providing our patients with personalized care in a calm and friendly environment to make your visit as comfortable as possible. One of the ways we do this is by offering dental sedation, which is designed to help you remain calm and have a positive experience during your procedure so you can receive the care you need.
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures, from common treatments like fillings or root canal therapy, cosmetic treatments like veneers or teeth whitening, restorative procedures like dental implants to replace a missing tooth or teeth, and emergency care. If you are interested in learning more about the quality services we offer, or if you would like to learn more about dental sedation offerings, contact our office today.
Contact Dental Serenity
At Dental Serenity™, we offer a comprehensive range of dental procedures that will correct a range of oral health issues, including a gummy smile, recessed gums, discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, missing teeth, gaps in teeth, teeth that are disproportionately stained, overcrowding, and more.
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Dental sedation is safe for most patients, although individuals who have obstructive sleep apnea or who are clinically obese are at higher risk of developing complications and should consult with their doctor before having sedation administered. To ensure that you are a viable candidate for dental sedation, it is important that you share your medical history and any changes that may have occurred recently, including changes in medications you are currently taking. It is also important that you feel comfortable asking any questions you have, such as what dose is appropriate for you, is the dose is recommended by the FDA, and the qualifications and experience of our staff in administering sedation. Our number one goal is to ensure that you are as calm and comfortable throughout your procedure.
What is the Cost of Sedation Dentistry?
Dental sedation is not typically covered under insurance plans, although the total cost of the procedure you are having that requires dental sedation may be. If you do have dental insurance, your final bill will be determined by your dental insurance coverage, co-pay requirements, and annual deductibles.
Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We also offer interest free financing through Lending Club, and CareCredit, or you may consider joining our Dental Serenity Membership Club to save money on treatment and simplify your payments for preventative care. To learn more about Dental Serenity Membership Club, click on the following link: https://dental-serenity.illumitrac.com/
For your convenience, we accept all forms of credit and debit cards, including Discover, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Dental Sedation Types
There are a range of dental sedation types that can be administered, ranging from mild, moderate, or heavy. Our clinic frequently uses nitrous oxide for dental sedation because it is a safe and effective method for helping patients relax during procedures with minimal side effects. Nitrous oxide is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide that is administered through a small mask placed over your nose. After breathing through this mask for a few minutes, you will begin to feel more relaxed and calmer, and remain in this state throughout the procedure. Unlike heavier forms of dental sedation, which are typically administered through an IV, you will remain conscious throughout the procedure and be able to communicate with our staff. Once the procedure is complete, the mask will be removed, and the effects of the sedation will quickly go away. One of the added benefits of using nitrous oxide for your dental sedation is that once the effects have worn off, you will be able to drive yourself home, unlike other sedation types, which will require that you arrange for someone else to drive you.
Oral sedatives can also be effective in helping reduce patient’s anxiety and remain calm throughout the procedure. Oral sedation is typically taken one to two hours prior to your procedure. Common oral sedatives include a small dose of Halcion for minimal sedation or a larger dose if moderate sedation is necessary. At this level of sedation, you may become groggy to the point of falling asleep, but most patients will remain awake. Sedation can also be administered intravenously, as doing so provides more immediate results and can be adjusted throughout your procedure as needed.
For patients having complicated, invasive, and lengthy oral surgical procedures, deep sedation and general anesthesia will likely be necessary. This level of sedation will result in you being almost or completely unconscious throughout your procedure, and unlikely to remember anything during and shortly after the procedure is performed. Following administration of deep sedation and general anesthesia, it is common to feel groggy and slightly disoriented for some time following the procedure. As such, it will be necessary to arrange for someone else to drive you home.
Dentistry with a Gentle Touch
At Dental Serenity™, we understand that visiting the dentist can cause concern and anxiety, which is why we do everything we can to ensure that your experience is an enjoyable one. To help provide you with as enjoyable an experience as possible, our office is fitted with free high-speed wireless internet, flat screen TVs in all of our treatment rooms, soothing music to put you in a relaxed state, aromatherapy, and neck massagers in our waiting room. We are also committed to providing you with services when you need them most, which is why we offer early morning and late evening appointments throughout the week.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our sedation offerings, contact us today. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible delivered in a comfortable and calm environment by professionals who are committed to ensuring that you receive the personalized care you deserve!