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Sedation Dentistry – Virginia Beach, VA

Complete Relaxation During Dental Visits

Do you typically feel anxious about visiting your dentist? Are you generally afraid of the sights and sounds of a dental office? Whether this is due to a bad experience or you simply have a difficult time feeling comfortable during treatment, our team can provide you with sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach. By taking an oral conscious sedation pill, you’ll be able to undergo any essential services while remaining entirely stress-free throughout your appointment. While you’ll technically still be awake, you likely won’t even remember your treatment when it’s over! Keep reading or give us a call today if you wish to learn more.

Why Choose Smile by Design of Virginia Beach for Sedation Dentistry?

Don’t Let Anxiety Impact Your Oral Health

a man in Virginia Beach worried about getting dental care

Did you know that around 75% of adults in the United States tend to experience anxiety or fear before and/or during a visit to their dentist? There are various reasons why you might feel this way, ranging from a bad past appointment to a dislike for the smell of the environment.

While this is understandable, you don’t want to allow this to prevent you from undergoing essential dental care. The longer you hold off on getting necessary treatments, the more likely you’ll experience complications in your mouth and the higher the cost of services in the long run. Fortunately, with oral conscious sedation, you can be sure to get the treatment you need while remaining as calm and comfortable as possible!

Oral Conscious Dental Sedation

a person holding a pill used for oral conscious sedation

Our team utilizes oral conscious sedation as the method to help patients stay relaxed during their visit. This treatment is ideal for those with moderate dental anxiety. After your initial consultation, we’ll prescribe you an antianxiety medication that you will be instructed to take before your dental procedure. This will allow you to feel calmer before arriving at our office. Although this form of sedation won’t “put you to sleep,” most patients don’t even remember their appointments afterward.

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What is Oral Conscious Sedation?

Woman holding a pill and water

For patients who are particularly anxious, nervous, or have a strong gag reflex, oral conscious sedation often is an ideal solution. There are no masks or needles involved! Once we have looked over your medical history, medications, and any allergies that you have, we can determine whether oral conscious sedation is a good option for you. If so, your dentist will prescribe you a small pill that needs to be taken before your appointment. The effects of this treatment are long-lasting and will kick in by the time your appointment comes around.

How Does Oral Conscious Sedation Work?

Woman relaxed in the dental chair

Once the effects kick in, you will feel deeply relaxed. Oftentimes, patients don’t even remember their treatment. You will remain conscious throughout your procedure, so you will still be able to answer questions and respond to instructions. We will monitor you throughout the entire procedure to make sure that you are safe and comfortable.

Aftercare for Oral Conscious Sedation

a person driving a friend after they underwent sedation dentistry

Since oral conscious sedation is a powerful method of relaxation, you should expect to feel groggy or euphoric after your treatment. For this reason, you’ll need to arrange for a friend or family member to bring you to and from your appointment. It’s also best if you take the day off from work or school, as you’ll likely not be able to continue your normal daily activities. Every patient is different, but the majority of them require at least 12 hours of rest before they start to feel back to normal.

Are You a Good Candidate for Oral Conscious Sedation?

Illustration of dental anxiety

Oral conscious sedation has become very popular. It is particularly beneficial for patients who:

  • Have dental anxiety or fear
  • Are receiving multiple treatments at once
  • Struggle with becoming numb with local anesthesia
  • Have a sensitive gag reflex
  • Struggle sitting still
  • Have had negative past dental experiences

Am I a Good Candidate for Sedation Dentistry?

a patient smiling before undergoing sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach

The best way to determine if you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry is to visit our team for an initial consultation. We’ll look over your oral health, medical history, and specific needs before deciding if oral conscious sedation is for you. In many cases, you might be eligible for this treatment if you: