At Softouch Dental Care, led by fellowship-trained dentist Dr. Michael Chung, we offer sedation dentistry as a comfortable, stress-free solution.
Before you decide to pursue this option, it helps to know exactly what to expect. Here are five important facts to keep in mind.
1. Sedation Dentistry Comes in Different Forms
Not all sedation is the same. Depending on your needs and specific procedure, your dentist may recommend:
- Nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) for mild relaxation.
- Oral sedation for a deeper, more calming effect while still being awake.
At Softouch Dental Care, we’ll discuss your comfort level and treatment plan to determine which type works best for you.
2. You’ll Still Be Safe and Monitored
One of the greatest advantages of sedation dentistry is that you’re always under careful supervision. Vital signs — heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc. — are consistently monitored. This ensures you’re safe from start to finish.
3. It Can Make Time Fly By
Many patients say their treatment feels like it only lasted a few minutes. Sedation helps you stay relaxed and can make lengthy procedures seem much shorter. That means less stress, fewer appointments, and a more pleasant experience overall.
4. Recovery Time Is Usually Quick
With lighter forms of sedation, you’ll be able to return to your day fairly quickly — sometimes immediately. Deeper sedation may require a friend or family member to drive you home, but you’ll typically feel back to normal within a few hours.
5. The Benefits Often Outweigh the Risks
Sedation dentistry does carry some risks, such as temporary grogginess or mild nausea. However, when performed by a skilled professional like those at Softouch Dental Care, these risks are minimal. Most patients agree that the benefits of reduced stress and increased comfort make sedation an excellent choice.
Explore Your Sedation Dentistry Options
If dental anxiety has been keeping you from a healthy, confident smile, sedation dentistry might be the solution you’ve been looking for. At Softouch Dental Care in Oakton, VA, we provide safe, personalized sedation options. Call us today at 703-319-6990 to schedule your consultation.
