Sedation in Virginia Beach, VA

Learn More About

Sedation

Several methods of anesthesia are available. The method of anesthesia that is chosen for or by a patient depends upon the nature of the surgical procedure and the patient’s level of apprehension.

Sedation Options

Nitrous Oxide
Oral Conscious
IV Sedation

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide is a sweet smelling, non irritating, colorless gas which you can breathe. Nitrous oxide is safe; the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide. Patients are able to breathe on their own and remain in control of all bodily functions. The patient may experience mild amnesia and may fall asleep not remembering all of what happened during their appointment.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Oral Conscious

A mixture of nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oxygen is administered through a nasal breathing apparatus. The patient remains conscious in a relaxed condition. Nitrous oxide has a sedative and analgesic (pain- controlling) effect.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

IV Sedation

Intravenous sedation or “IV sedation” (twilight sedation) is designed to better enable you to undergo your dental procedures while you are very relaxed; it will enable you to tolerate as well as not remember those procedures that may be very uncomfortable for you. IV sedation will essentially help alleviate the anxiety associated with your treatment. You may not always be asleep but you will be comfortable, calm and relaxed, drifting in and out of sleep – a “twilight sleep”

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Learn About the

Benefits of Sedation

Utilizing one of our various forms of sedation can help patients to feel more at ease with their treatment and allow the procedure to go as smoothly as possible.

  • Pain-free procedure
  • Patient-comfort
  • Eases anxiety or apprehension
  • Safe - our doctors are highly trained and participate in continual education and licensure renewal for anesthesia administration
  • Quick recovery time

Treatment Safety & Process

To administer general anesthesia in the office, an oral surgeon must have completed at least three months of hospital based anesthesia training. Qualified applicants will then undergo an in office evaluation by a state dental board appointed examiner. The examiner observes an actual surgical procedure during which general anesthesia is administered to the patient. The examiner also inspects all monitoring devices and emergency equipment and tests the doctor and the surgical staff on anesthesia related emergencies. If the examiner reports successful completion of the evaluation process, the state dental board will issue the doctor a license to perform general anesthesia. The license is renewable every two years if the doctor maintains the required amount of continuing education units related to anesthesia.

Again, when it comes to anesthesia, our first priority is the patient’s comfort and safety. If you have any concerns regarding the type of anesthesia that will be administered during your oral surgery procedure, please do not hesitate to discuss your concerns with your doctor at the time of your consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sedation safe?

Sedation dentistry treatment is generally considered safe when administered by a qualified oral surgeon or dentist. Before undergoing sedation, your oral surgeon will review your medical history, including any medications you are taking and any pre-existing conditions you may have. This information will help determine the most appropriate type and level of sedation for you.

The sedation process is carefully monitored throughout the procedure to ensure your safety. Your vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, will be closely monitored to ensure they remain stable.

While sedation is generally safe, there are some risks associated with it, as with any medical procedure. These risks can include allergic reactions to the sedation medication, respiratory depression, and rare complications related to the administration of the sedation.

It's important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your oral surgeon before the procedure. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information about the specific sedation techniques they use and address any specific concerns you may have.

Sedation dentistry treatment can be a valuable option for patients who experience dental anxiety or fear. By understanding what to expect during the procedure and discussing your concerns with your oral surgeon, you can make an informed decision about whether sedation dentistry treatment is right for you. Remember to follow your oral surgeon's instructions for pre- and post-operative care to ensure a safe and comfortable experience.

How long does dental sedation last?

The duration of dental sedation can vary depending on the type of sedation used and the length of the procedure. Mild sedation, such as nitrous oxide (commonly known as laughing gas), wears off quickly after the procedure is complete. You will typically be able to resume your normal activities shortly after the treatment.

Moderate sedation, which is often achieved through the use of oral medications, can last for a few hours. The effects of the sedation may take some time to wear off, so it's important to have someone accompany you to and from the dental office if you choose this option.

Deep sedation, usually administered intravenously, can last for several hours. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure, as the effects of the sedation can linger for a while.

Your oral surgeon will provide you with specific instructions regarding post-operative care and any restrictions you should follow after the sedation. It's important to follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery.

Am I going to feel anything under sedation?

If you're considering sedation dentistry, it's natural to have concerns about whether you will feel anything during the procedure. The goal of sedation dentistry treatment is to provide a comfortable and relaxing experience for patients who may have dental anxiety or fear. Depending on the level of sedation used, you may experience different sensations.

With mild sedation, such as such as nitrous oxide, you will likely remain awake and aware during the procedure, but you will feel more relaxed and less anxious. You may not feel any pain or discomfort, as local anesthesia can be used in conjunction with sedation to ensure your comfort

For moderate sedation, such as oral sedation, you will be in a deeper state of relaxation. While you may still be conscious, you may not remember much about the procedure afterward. You are likely to feel very relaxed and may experience a dream-like state.

With deep sedation, such as IV sedation, you will be in a state of unconsciousness. You will not feel anything during the procedure and will have no memory of it afterward. This level of sedation is typically reserved for more complex or invasive procedures.

It's important to discuss your concerns and preferences with your oral surgeon before the procedure. They will be able to recommend the most appropriate level of sedation based on your individual needs and the nature of the dental treatment you require.