Frequently Asked Questions about Sedation Dentistry
Serving Arlington, Fairfax County and Northern Virginia with Relaxation Dentistry. Call: (703)790-5533
Learn More About Dr. Siegel's Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Siegel now offers oral conscious sedation. Finally, a solution for those of you who are apprehensive about dental work or feel that a dentist visit always hurts.
» View Dr. Siegel's introduction to Sedation Dentistry
Sedation Dentistry Q & A with Dr. Siegel
- What is oral conscious sedation?
- Is oral sedation safe for everyone?
- Can I go back to work after my appointment?
- Will I have a bad memory of all this dental work?
- Am I asleep during the entire procedure?
- How long can I be sedated?
Questions and Answers about oral sedation dentistry
Q. What is oral conscious sedation?
A. Oral conscious sedation allows people to undergo all types of dental treatment while in a totally relaxed and comfortable state. This is achieved by use of oral pills and nitrous oxide gas. While the patient is deeply relaxed they are never asleep or unconscious. This is contrasted to IV sedation where the patient has IV medications injected in them. There is no use of IV needles in conscious oral sedation.
Q. Is oral sedation safe for everyone?
A. Your dentist needs to do a complete medical and dental evaluation on you in order to determine if you are a good candidate for oral sedation. This may be done in an initial consultation appointment.
Dr. Siegel has chosen not to utilize Oral Sedation with children or pregnant women.
Q. Can I go back to work after my appointment?
A. No, once you have completed you appointment you must have a companion drive you home and watch you for a certain amount of time. You cannot take a taxi home and must be accompanied by a trusted friend and or family member. Remember that while you may feel great after your work is done you still are under the effects of the medication and cannot operate a motor vehicle, any dangerous machinery and should avoid carrying out tasks that require manual co-ordination such as climbing stairs, exercising etc.
Q. Will I have a bad memory of all this dental work?
A. No, one of the nice benefits of the medication you receive will be that you should have little or no memory of the dental visit. This is especially nice for the fearful and apprehensive patient.
Q. Am I asleep during the entire procedure?
A. No, oral sedation dentistry does not put the patient asleep or unconscious. The patient is awake at all times, but is in a totally relaxed state. The patient is comfortable, relaxed and totally co-operative for the dentist. This allows the dentist to accomplish his work in an efficient manner.
Q. How long can I be sedated?
A. The dentist will choose your oral medication based on the amount of work he intends to accomplish and the length of time he estimates this will take. One of the great advantages of oral sedation is the patient will have no concept of the length of time they are in the dental chair. Therefore, a longer appointment can be scheduled to accomplish greater amounts of work in fewer appointments. This is a more efficient and less time consuming way of doing dental work.
Helping Apprehensive Patients
As a dentist, it is crucial to reach out to individuals who have been too afraid to come into our office. Millions of Americans fear the dentist, and that means that millions are jeopardizing their oral health. Dr. Siegel has spent the last 30 years building a reputation as a gentle, caring and understanding dentist.
With oral sedation dentistry, Dr. Siegel can now offer pain-free procedures to patients who were simply too afraid to come in. Now it's your turn...
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