What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Do you feel a wave of anxiety at the mere thought of visiting the dentist? You're not alone. Many people experience dental anxiety, which can prevent them from getting the care they need. At Old Town Smiles in Alexandria, VA, we offer a variety of sedation options tailored to your comfort—so you can get the treatment you need without fear or stress.

By using safe and effective medications and methods to help you relax, sedation dentistry transforms your experience into one that feels calm and manageable. Whether you need a simple cleaning or a more complex procedure, we’ll help you feel at ease every step of the way.

Sedation Options at Old Town Smiles

We offer a full range of sedation options to meet the unique needs of each patient—from light relaxation to complete medically-induced unconsciousness. Here’s a closer look at the types of sedation available in our office:

Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

This gentle form of inhalation sedation is ideal for patients with mild anxiety. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and administered through a small nasal mask. It works quickly to help you feel calm and relaxed, and it wears off just as fast—so you can safely drive yourself home afterward.

Combination of Nitrous Oxide with Oral Anxiolytics

Looking for a deeper level of relaxation without involving an IV? We offer a special combination of oral sedatives administered with or without nitrous oxide. You’ll take a prescribed oral medication about an hour before your visit (sometimes the night before), and then receive nitrous oxide during your appointment (if desired). Together, these medications enhance each other’s effects, making it easier to drift into a deeply relaxed, almost sleep-like state. You’ll need someone to drive you home, but the experience is smooth, safe, and very effective for those with higher levels of anxiety.

IV Sedation

For more advanced procedures or deeper anxiety, we offer IV sedation administered by a board-certified medical anesthesiologist. Sometimes called “twilight sedation,” this method helps you quickly enter a deeply relaxed state, though you’ll still be breathing on your own and won’t be fully unconscious. You won’t remember much of the appointment, and you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. This is a great option for treatments like wisdom tooth extraction or more extensive dental work.

Hospital-Grade General Anesthesia

For patients with extreme dental phobia, special needs, or those undergoing long or complex procedures, we also offer general anesthesia in our office—an incredibly rare and convenient option in Northern Virginia. With this type of sedation, you’ll be fully asleep, using both IV medication and a breathing tube with ventilator support. Our board-certified medical anesthesiologist will monitor your safety throughout the entire visit, so you can rest assured you're in expert hands. This type of sedation is hospital-grade, with all the same medications and equipment you would find in a hospital, done in the convenience and discretion of our office.

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

No matter which option you choose, sedation dentistry comes with powerful benefits that make your experience easier and more positive:

• Eases Dental Anxiety: Feel calm, relaxed, and confident heading into your visit.
  
  
• Increases Comfort: Most patients report little to no discomfort, even during complex procedures.
  
  
• Saves Time: Sedation allows us to complete more treatment in fewer visits.
  
  
• Improves Oral Health: When fear is no longer a barrier, it’s easier to get the care you need and keep your smile healthy.
  

Feel at Ease with Sedation Dentistry in Alexandria, VA

At Old Town Smiles, Dr. Seema Ahmed and Dr. Mohammad Barra are proud to offer sedation options that truly prioritize your comfort and peace of mind. Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply want to feel more relaxed during your visit, our team is here to help.

Call us at (703) 836-7000 or [contact us online] to schedule a consultation and learn more about how sedation dentistry can help you. We’ll walk you through your options and work with you to create a personalized, fear-free experience—from start to finish.