If going to the dentist makes you nervous, you aren’t alone. At Coastal General Dentistry, we understand that dental anxiety is real. We want our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable during their visits. For those who have dental anxiety or fear, we offer sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach, VA.
Sedation is a general dental service we offer to relieve anxiety, especially during longer procedures or oral surgeries. It’s also helpful for patients with special needs or dental phobias. Sedation ensures a safe and comfortable experience. It’s easier for anxious patients to get the care they need with our advanced sedation dentistry.
Dr. Cappy Sinclair, Dr. Brad Trotter, Dr. Clayton Willinger, Dr. Craig Luskey, and our team have the extensive experience you need. We know how important it is for patients to feel at ease during treatments. Whether it’s a complex procedure or just routine care, we can safely provide sedation to make your visit stress-free.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help you relax and stay calm during dental treatments. Some people even fall asleep while under sedation, which is why it’s sometimes called “sleep dentistry.” This type of care is perfect for those who have extreme dental anxiety or a fear of the dentist.
Sedation dentistry in our Virginia Beach office offers many benefits, such as:
- Reduced Anxiety: Sedation helps calm fear and anxiety, making it easier for you to stay still during the procedure. You won’t feel pain or discomfort.
- Faster Treatment: Because you are relaxed, your dentist can work more quickly, which can also help reduce recovery time.
- Less Physical Stress: Sedation prevents physical reactions to fear, such as a fast heartbeat, sweating, or gagging.
- Minimal Memory of the Procedure: You are unlikely to remember much of your appointment, which helps reduce fear in future visits.
- Pain-Free Experience: Sedation can make your dental care more pleasant. You may even be more willing to come back for regular checkups without requesting sedation next time!
If you or someone in your family feels anxious about dental visits, let us know before your next appointment. Our team will help you find the right sedation option to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
Is Sedation Right For You?
Before using sedation, we will ask about your medical history and current medications. Conditions like sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, or obesity may affect how we proceed with sedation. For safety reasons, we don’t recommend sedation for pregnant women. Older patients who are prone to memory issues, like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, may also need special consideration.
If you have a strong gag reflex, dental fear, or a history of bad experiences with dental care, sedation may be a good option for you. Don’t let fear keep you from taking care of your smile. Contact us today to learn how sedation can help you feel relaxed and receive the treatment you need.
Common Types of Dental Sedation
Here are the common types of dental sedation we offer. Our team in Virginia Beach will help you find the best option for your needs.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Also called laughing gas, this is the mildest form of sedation. You stay awake and alert while breathing a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask over your nose. The gas helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier to handle treatments. Its effects are short-lived, and it’s safe for all ages when supervised. This option allows you to drive yourself home after your appointment.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This option is stronger than nitrous oxide and is good for longer or more involved dental procedures. You take a pill before your treatment, which helps you relax. While you stay awake, you won’t feel pain. Since it takes time to wear off, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
This type of sedation is delivered through a vein and helps reduce anxiety during longer treatments like root canals or wisdom teeth removal. You will feel deeply relaxed and experience no pain. You might be able to talk to the dentist, but you will likely forget much of the procedure. IV sedation is administered and monitored by our experienced team to ensure your safety and comfort.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the strongest form of sedation. You are completely unconscious during the procedure. We might suggest this option for more complex surgeries or if you have severe anxiety that makes it hard to stay calm during treatment.
We usually combine sedation with local anesthesia. This means you won’t feel pain in your mouth during the procedure, even if you have mild discomfort elsewhere.
Patient Review
Why Choose Coastal General Dentistry for Sedation Dentistry?
Experienced Team. Dr. Cappy Sinclair is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and trained at the prestigious Dawson Academy. Dr. Mark Reichley is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and a former U.S. Navy dental officer. Their extensive training ensures your sedation experience is safe and effective.
Patient-Centered Care. We take the time to understand your concerns and tailor your experience accordingly. Our team offers a compassionate, non-judgmental approach that puts even the most anxious patients at ease.
Convenient Location. Our office is conveniently located at 919 First Colonial Rd. Suite B, serving patients from Great Neck, Kings Grant, Lynnhaven, and all surrounding Virginia Beach neighborhoods.
Comprehensive Care. From routine cleanings to complex oral surgeries, we offer a full range of services under one roof.
How to Stay Comfortable at the Dentist
In addition to sedation, here are some ways your dentist in Virginia Beach can help you feel more at ease during your visit:
- Communicate: Let us know your questions or concerns. We are here to explain your treatment and address any fears you have.
- Bring a Friend: Having someone with you in the waiting room can help ease your anxiety.
- Bring Comfort Items: A stress ball or fidget toy can help distract you during treatment. You can also listen to music or a podcast with headphones. If you are sensitive to noise, noise-canceling headphones are a great option.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Breathing exercises can help calm your nerves before your visit. Meditation can also help you relax.
- Make a Signal: Agree on a nonverbal signal with your dentist, such as raising your hand, to let them know you need a break. This will help you communicate with the dentist while he works on your teeth.
- Take a Tour: If you are new to our office, you can schedule a tour before your appointment. This will give you a chance to meet our team and see our treatment rooms.
A little anxiety is normal, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting dental care. Skipping regular visits can increase your risk of infection. If you are worried about your dental problems, don’t be. Your Virginia Beach dentists are here to help, not to judge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sedation dentistry and how does it work?
Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It calms the nervous system through options such as nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, or general anesthesia. This allows patients to remain calm or even fall asleep, depending on the level chosen.
Is sedation dentistry safe for people with dental anxiety?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe and effective for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety. Dentists evaluate your medical history before recommending the appropriate sedation method to ensure safety and comfort throughout the procedure.
What types of sedation are used during dental procedures?
The most common types include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation in pill form, and intravenous conscious sedation. Deep sedation and general anesthesia are used for more complex cases, allowing patients to be completely unconscious during the procedure.
How long does sedation from dental procedures last?
Nitrous oxide wears off within minutes, allowing you to drive home after treatment. Oral and IV sedation can last several hours, and patients may need assistance and rest while the effects wear off completely.
Who is a good candidate for sedation during dental treatments?
Ideal candidates include patients with high levels of dental fear, a low pain threshold, a strong gag reflex, those undergoing lengthy procedures, or patients with special needs. Our team will evaluate your medical history to determine the best approach.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?
If you receive nitrous oxide, you can usually drive yourself home. For oral conscious sedation or IV sedation, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. The sedative effects can last for several hours after your procedure.
Schedule a Worry-Free Consultation
Do you feel anxious about going to the dentist? Sedation dentistry in Virginia Beach can help you feel calm and get the care you need. Let us know if you have any special requests before your next visit.
Call us at 757-216-9914 or request an appointment online anytime. If you have any concerns or questions, we are happy to help at your next visit. We proudly serve patients from Great Neck, Kings Grant, Lynnhaven, and all across Virginia Beach.