If the first thoughts that run through your mind when it is time for you to make a dental appointment involve discomfort, fear and panic, you might be a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Dr. J. Alexander Withers understands the importance of good dental care and how dental anxiety keeps some people from getting it.

Dental anxiety is a real condition that many people suffer from. Regardless of how immobilizing yours may be, we do have sedation options that can make each experience in our dental office more relaxing and comfortable. We offer three types of sedation for our patients:

• • Local anesthetics are commonly used for minimally invasive dental procedures. Many individuals choose this option because it allows them to drive to and from their appointments without impairment. Dr. Withers injects a numbing medication into the mouth. During the procedure, patients remain awake. Afterward, it can take several hours for the effects of the anesthetics to wear off.

• • Nitrous Oxide is another popular sedation technique in our dental practice. The sedation is Nitrous Oxide (N2O gas), which patients breathe in through a mask. The gas takes effect within minutes leaving patients feeling completely relaxed and euphoric.

• Oral sedation is ideal for patients who are not comfortable with the use of intravenous therapy and needles for sedation. It is also a good solution for people who low pain tolerances. Individuals who opt for oral sedation will need to have a designated driver to drive them to and from our office. Drowsiness is a common effect that many patients experience for several hours after their appointments are over. Patients take medication by mouth an hour before their procedures. By the time Dr. Withers starts treatment, they feel completely sedated, calm and relaxed.

Sedation options that are available to you are dependent on a variety of factors, including the type of dental work necessary. Typically, for less invasive procedures like cleanings and preventative exams, many patients benefit from nitrous oxide. Oral sedation and local anesthetics are ideal for more extreme and invasive treatments.

We work hard to ensure every second you spend in our dental office is a pleasant and relaxing one. Contact us in Fairfax, VA to learn more about sedation dentistry and to make an appointment to protect your oral health and smile!