Sedation Dentistry

Most people get a little nervous at the thought of dental treatment. Dental fear and anxiety is one of the leading reasons people neglect their dental health. If you have been avoiding a needed dental treatment due to dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can help get you through it.

At Tooth Doc Family Dentistry, we want to put every patient at ease to give you the best experience possible each time you visit. Sedation dentistry will allow you to relax during your procedure and leave our office feeling good about your dental treatment.

Gentle, Conscious Sedation

At our Herndon dental office, we offer nitrous oxide treatment to our patients with dental anxiety. Nitrous oxide is a gas that is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose. This form of sedation is very gentle, leaving you completely conscious, aware, and able to interact with our staff throughout your procedure.

Nitrous oxide will make you feel highly relaxed, perhaps a bit giddy. It's not known as "laughing gas" for nothing, after all! Most patients find nitrous oxide treatment very pleasant, and they find their dental procedure goes by quickly, sometimes with little memory of the procedure later. Some patients are even so relaxed they fall asleep!

Convenient and Quick-Acting Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide treatment offers many benefits to our patients. The gas is quick-acting, leaving you relaxed and comfortable within just a few minutes of beginning treatment. The effects also wear off quickly, so you can drive yourself home from your appointment safely.

The level of gentle sedation is ideal for dental procedures, as you remain conscious while undergoing your treatment. You can ask questions, let us know if you need anything, or answer questions asked of you while sedated with nitrous oxide.

Our friendly dental staff will review your medical history to ensure there are no risk factors that may exclude you from nitrous oxide treatment. Your vital signs and well-being will be monitored constantly during your appointment, so you can just relax and get the dental care you need and deserve.

Your Comfort Is Our Priority

We believe the best way to combat dental anxiety, aside from sedation, is through education and understanding. Herndon dentist Dr. Ahmad practices "tell, show, do" dentistry to help you feel more at ease during your procedure. She will take the time to explain the procedure, using photos and x-rays to help you understand what will take place and why it is necessary before starting your dental procedure. You are always welcome to ask questions about any part of your dental treatment.

We also want to ensure you are comfortable during your appointment. We have pillows and blankets available, and soothing music is always playing in our office. If you prefer to listen to your own music, feel free to bring in a music player and headphones to help you relax during your dental treatment.

Don't Let Dental Anxiety Affect Your Oral Health

If you are in need of dental care and have been putting it off due to dental fear and anxiety, contact us today to request a sedation dentistry appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I am afraid of the dentist?

At our Herndon dental office, we understand that many patients experience some level of dental anxiety. You are not alone! Millions of people have the same fears you do.

Our team is both caring and compassionate. We work with our patients at a comfortable pace and let them know that they are always in charge of their appointments so that treatment does not feel quite so stressful. However, we understand that sometimes comfort and compassion are not enough. That is why Dr. Imaney Ahmad decided to offer sedation dentistry for those patients who have trouble relaxing while in the dental chair.

Dr. Ahmad offers two types of sedation dentistry:

Nitrous oxide – Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas as it is sometimes called, is our mildest form of sedation and is safe for most patients – even children! Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask. Dr. Ahmad can control the level of sedation throughout the appointment. It enters and leaves your system quickly without residual grogginess. You will be able to drive a few minutes after your treatment.

Conscious sedation – Oral conscious sedation is our stronger form of sedation and provides relaxation without needles. We administer medication approximately one hour prior to your scheduled treatment. Once the sedative takes effect, you will feel dreamy and relaxed. You will still be able to respond to our questions and will remain conscious, however you will need someone to take you home after treatment because you will be unable to drive.

Meet Our Doctor:

Imaney N. Ahmad, DMD

Dr. Ahmad proudly serves patients in the Herndon, VA area, including Reston and Sterling. Originally from Central Florida, Dr. Ahmad graduated from Temple Kornberg School of Dentistry in Philadelphia, where she obtained her doctorate in dental medicine. There, she gained a solid clinical foundation working on the nation’s largest dental school patient population with a focus on the complex dental needs of the underserved and uninsured in North Philadelphia.

As a practitioner, Dr. Ahmad is a strong believer in preventive dentistry and focuses on helping her patients maintain a healthy oral ...