FOR YOUR COMFORT
We try to make your experience with us
as comfortable as possible. Using the
latest techniques like lasers and sedation
dentistry, we can take most of the pain
and discomfort out of a dental
appointment, and even make the
experience relaxing.
SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation dentistry has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of our patients. Some people know us as “the sedation dentists” because it was what they heard about sedation that brought them to our practice. Here are some common questions we get about sedation dentistry:
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation is a safe and effective technique that helps patients be completely relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments. We use oral sedation, which means our patients are gently sedated with a small pill. Many patients prefer this to getting a needle in the arm with IV sedation.
Who is sedation for?
Sedation is right for anyone who wants a comfortable and relaxing dental experience. It is especially useful if you:
- have dental fears which make you delay or avoid dental treatment
- have had a bad experience at the dentist in the past
- can't get comfortable at the dental office
- can't stand the sights, sounds or smells of a dental office
- can't sit still during a dental appointment
- have problems getting numb, making appointment very painful
- need a lot of work done and don't have time for several appointments
- are embarrassed about the condition of your teeth.
- have a bad gag reflex
- have extremely sensitive teeth
- hate needles and shots
What if I am embarrassed?
You don't need to be embarrassed anymore. We see patients like you every day. Some of our patients haven't been to the dentist in ten or twenty years or more. We will never criticize you or make you feel bad about the condition of your mouth. We are here to help.
What does sedation feel like?
You'll be sedated just enough to be unaware of the treatment, as if you were snoozing. In fact people tell us the whole experience feels like a dream. When it's over you'll feel refreshed, with little or no memory of what was accomplished.
What is a sedation appointment like?
Our doctors will give you a small pill to take an hour before your appointment. Your companion will bring you to the office, where we will start monitoring your vital signs. Then we will assess whether you need any more medication. Once you are relaxing comfortably in the dental chair, we'll cover you with a warm blanket. We'll begin the dentistry once you are totally relaxed. Before you know it, the appointment will be over!
What happens after the appointment?
You may still feel a little sleepy. We'll keep you in the office until you're ready for your companion to take you home. You can't drive and your companion needs to stay with you for the rest of the day. It's best to just take it easy. We do encourage you to eat and drink, because this will help you feel better. The next day will just be a normal day.
Is it Safe?
Sedation is very safe, and we monitor your vital signs during the whole appointment. Our whole team has been trained to care for sedated patients. Our dentists are all are ACLS (advanced cardiac life support) certified and all staff members are BLS (basic life support) certified.
INTRA-ORAL CAMERA
One of the most amazing pieces of technology in our state-of-the-art office is the intra-Oral camera. This lets us take detailed pictures of your teeth and mouth so that we can show you exactly where the problems are. Once we identify the challenges, we can show you exactly how the problem can be fixed, and what we expect your finished smile to look like.
LASER DENTISTRY
We use lasers because they can help us perform dental procedures on teeth and gums that are less painful and heal very quickly. This modern technology has made dentistry a much more comfortable experience for our patients.
Providing cosmetic dentistry, conscious sedation dentistry and oral sleep dentistry to the Washington DC and Burke, Northern Virginia area.
Washington DC Oral Sedation Dentistry
© copyright 2002 - 2008, Tom Winkler, - McMillan & Winkler Dental Services, all rights reserved
