Experience Dentistry Free from Stress and Anxiety
We offer a range of anesthetic and minimal sedation options to make your visit as comfortable as possible. Your sedation plan is tailored to your needs and guided by the recommendation of your dentist or specialist.
Types of Sedation
Local Anesthesia
This common method uses a topical gel followed by a precise injection to numb the treatment area. You’ll feel pressure but no pain, ideal for routine dental work.
It’s commonly used during procedures such as a composite filling or a gentle dental extraction to keep you pain-free.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Delivered through a nasal mask, nitrous oxide helps you stay relaxed and at ease while remaining fully awake. It’s often paired with local anesthesia to provide a calm, stress-free dental experience.
Patients undergoing treatments like root canal therapy or placement of a dental crown often choose nitrous oxide for extra relaxation.
The Benefits of Dental Sedation
Minimal sedation is a flexible option that helps patients feel at ease, no matter their unique challenges. Here’s how sedation dentistry can improve your experience:
Ease Dental Anxiety
For many, the thought of a dental visit is more stressful than the treatment itself. Sedation helps calm your nerves, so you can receive the care you need without fear or hesitation, whether your anxiety is mild or more severe.
Make Long Appointments Feel Shorter
If you’re scheduled for a longer procedure, sedation keeps you relaxed and comfortable. Many patients say the time seems to pass quickly, and with deeper sedation, it may feel like the appointment was over in a flash.
Customized to Your Comfort
Sedation is not just about reducing anxiety; it’s also about addressing individual needs. If you have a sensitive gag reflex, chronic restlessness, restless leg syndrome, or if local freezing simply doesn’t work well for you, nitrous oxide sedation can make your treatment more comfortable. It’s an adaptable solution that helps ensure everyone can receive the dental care they need without undue discomfort.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when administered by a trained professional, dental sedation is safe. Before your procedure, we carefully review your medical history, medications, and any health concerns to ensure sedation is appropriate and tailored to your needs.
You’ll feel relaxed, calm, and slightly drowsy, some patients notice a light tingling sensation. While you’ll stay awake, you may remember little or nothing about the procedure afterward, making the experience much more comfortable.
Yes, you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home after sedation. It’s important to rest and allow the effects to fully wear off before resuming your normal activities.
This depends on the type of sedation used. For nitrous oxide, light meals are usually fine. For deeper sedation, you may need to avoid food and drink for several hours beforehand. Your dentist will give you specific instructions.
Yes, sedation can be used for a wide range of procedures, from cleanings to surgeries, based on your comfort level and medical needs.
What Our Patients Are Saying
For more than 15 years, we've earned our 5-star reputation as one of the most trusted dental care providers for residents of Midlothian, North Chesterfield, Bon Air & the Greater Richmond area. We love our patients, and it seems they love us too!
- Google reviews
- Video testimonials
New Patients Are Welcome
Hawkins Family Dentistry
- Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Wednesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
- Thursday: 7:00am - 2:00pm
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
Midlothian, VA, USA,
23113