Sedation Dentistry

Anesthesia & Sedation Dentistry

Oral surgery has continued to evolve over the years, continually incorporating the latest techniques and newest procedures to treat various dental conditions. As procedures and techniques become available to more effectively treat conditions, sedation dentistry also becomes necessary to ensure patient comfort. For example, prior to the creation and use of dental implants, patients who lost all of their teeth would be fitted for dentures. The placement of dentures requires no anesthesia because it is not an invasive process. On the other hand, dental implant surgery is a more invasive process, which requires the use of anesthesia. Dental implant surgery is more invasive because it inserts a dental implant in place of the missing tooth, providing a long-lasting solution to that missing tooth. As patients opt for more up-to-date procedures and more effective treatments, the use of sedation dentistry has also evolved.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry uses a form of anesthesia, which ensures patient comfort while Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team perform surgery. While the main use of sedation dentistry is to ensure that patients do not feel pain or discomfort during their procedure, anesthesia is also suggested for patients who have a severe fear or anxiety of dentists or oral surgery or for patients who have difficulty sitting still for long periods of time.

 

What Types Of Anesthesia Are There For Sedation Dentistry In DC?

There are several kinds of dental anesthesia available, including nitrous oxide, IV sedation, local anesthesia, and general anesthesia. Nitrous oxide, which is more commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a form of anesthesia that is inhaled. With laughing gas, a nose mask will be applied, and nitrous oxide and oxygen will be administered. While you are still awake with laughing gas, a feeling of euphoria takes effect and significantly relaxes you. IV sedation, also known as intravenous sedation or twilight sleep, is administered and leaves the patient fully unaware of any details of their oral surgery.

For less invasive procedures, a local anesthetic may be applied. An example of local anesthesia is Novocain, which blocks painful symptoms in a localized area where the anesthetic is applied via a needle.

Finally, general anesthesia causes the patient to be fully asleep throughout the procedure. Some procedures require IV sedation or general anesthesia due to the invasiveness of the treatment. We can help you understand the differences between each anesthesia and which is right for you and your particular needs during your sedation dentistry consultation in DC.

Anesthesia During Oral Surgery: An Overview

Administration Of Anesthesia

What Are The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry?

The most obvious benefit of sedation dentistry is that patients can receive oral treatments or surgeries without feeling any pain or discomfort during the procedure. Sedation dentistry also allows Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team the maneuverability they need when performing oral surgery, as they will not have to worry if you are uncomfortable. Additionally, sedation dentistry is ideal for patients with anxiety about dentists or those who cannot sit still for long periods of time.

What Should I Expect After Sedation Dentistry In DC?

Your recovery from anesthesia depends on which type of anesthesia is used during your procedure. For those who receive local anesthesia like Novocain, patients typically experience mild numbness for 30-60 minutes following their procedure. Laughing gas, IV sedation, and general anesthesia also require a period of time in the recovery room where you regain awareness. Following these types of anesthesia, you will not be able to drive yourself home or operate heavy machinery. Most patients typically take a nap when they arrive home, waking up feeling much more refreshed.

 

How Can I Get Started With Sedation Dentistry?

Dr. Pashapour and his staff at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery would be happy to discuss the details of sedation dentistry with you. To schedule an appointment in Washington, DC or Arlington, please call our office at 703-566-1990 or request an appointment online.

Professional Memberships

American Board Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Middle Atlantic Society Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons Virginia Society Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons Greater Reston Chamber Of Commerce Arlington Chamber Of Commerce American Association Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons The American College Of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons American Dental Association Northern Virginia Dental Society Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation

Educational Background

Georgetown University The University of Pennsylvania School Of Dental Medicine Drexel University College Of Medicine University Of Medicine & Dentistry Of New Jersey

What Our
Patients Say ...

Oral Surgeon Dr. Ali Pashapour Best Oral Surgeon Washington DC