Relax and Smile: Sedation Dentistry at The Foleck Center in Virginia
For many people, a visit to the dentist can be an anxiety-inducing experience. The sounds, smells, and prospects of dental work can trigger feelings of stress and fear. However, at The Foleck Center, you can bid farewell to those worries with their sedation dentistry services. Under the guidance of skilled and compassionate Virginia dentist, Dr. Adam Foleck, you can receive the dental care you need while staying calm and comfortable.
What is Dental Sedation?
Dental sedation, also known as sleep dentistry, involves the use of medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. It’s an excellent option for those who experience dental phobia, have a low pain threshold, or need to undergo extensive dental work. The level of sedation can range from mild relaxation to deep sedation, depending on the patient’s needs and the complexity of the procedure.
IV Sedation Performed by Trained Anesthesiologists — A Level of Care You Won’t Find at Most Virginia Dental Offices
Unlike many dental practices in Virginia that offer only basic sedation options, The Foleck Center stands apart by providing IV sedation administered by licensed, medically trained anesthesiologists. This level of expertise is typically found in hospital-grade surgical centers—and it ensures our patients receive the highest standard of safety, comfort, and precision during more complex or anxiety-inducing procedures.
Our in-house anesthesiologists monitor you throughout the entire process, allowing for real-time adjustments and a smoother, more controlled sedation experience. Whether you’re undergoing dental implant surgery, full-mouth reconstruction, or simply struggle with dental anxiety, IV sedation at The Foleck Center provides a deeper level of relaxation and peace of mind than traditional methods like oral sedatives or nitrous oxide alone.
This elevated approach reflects our commitment to clinical excellence, patient comfort, and surgical-grade dental care—right here in our state-of-the-art offices across Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and Hampton.
Sedation Options
At The Foleck Center in Virginia, Dr. Foleck and his team offer various sedation options to ensure your comfort and peace of mind throughout your dental treatment.
The Foleck Center offers the following sedation dentistry methods:
Oral Conscious Sedation
With the oral conscious sedation method, you’ll take a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. The medication used for oral conscious sedation, typically a benzodiazepine like Halcion or Valium, will induce a state of deep relaxation. You’ll remain awake and able to respond to verbal commands, but you’ll feel incredibly calm and comfortable. Many patients report feeling a pleasant, almost dream-like state during their procedure.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
Also known as “sleep dentistry,” IV sedation involves the administration of medication directly into your bloodstream through an intravenous line. This method provides a deeper level of sedation compared to oral conscious sedation.
IV sedation is often recommended for patients with severe dental phobia, those undergoing particularly complex or lengthy procedures, or those who have difficulty becoming numb with local anesthesia alone. Because the medication is administered intravenously, the level of sedation can be precisely controlled and adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure your comfort.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide , also known as “laughing gas,” is a popular, mild sedative choice for patients who experience moderate anxiety during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective option for those who prefer a lighter form of sedation or for shorter procedures like cleanings or fillings.
What Happens During Sedation (Sleep) Dentistry?
We begin with a consultation to help understand your needs and help choose the right sedation option. At the appointment for your procedure, we’ll administer the sedation as per your request, putting you into a deeply relaxed sleep. The treatment and procedure are performed, and when it is complete you’ll be taken to a recovery room. The recovery room allows you to wake up fully from the sedation before you leave our office. You will need someone with you to bring you from your appointment as it’s unsafe to drive yourself. We can provide sedation at any and every one of your appointments as requested.
If you would like to know more about sedation dentistry and the options that are available to you, call us today and we can answer all of your questions.
Personalized Sedation for Every Patient
At The Foleck Center, we understand that every patient has unique needs and levels of dental anxiety. That’s why we offer a variety of sedation options to help you stay calm and comfortable, whether you need a simple tooth cleaning or a more involved dental procedure. From minimal sedation to deeper levels, we tailor our approach to make your dental treatment as relaxing as possible.
Our sedation techniques include oral sedation, IV sedation dentistry, and inhaled sedation using nitrous oxide—also known as laughing gas. These sedation methods are designed to help you feel at ease while remaining conscious and responsive, depending on the type of sedation you choose. For patients who experience severe dental anxiety, oral conscious sedation and IV sedation can offer a safe and controlled way to get through even the most invasive procedures with ease.
Safe, Monitored Sedation for Lasting Oral Health
Each sedation treatment is carefully monitored by our trained professionals to ensure you’re safe and comfortable throughout your visit. The dentist controls the dosage and level of sedation, allowing for quick adjustments when necessary. Whether you choose conscious sedation dentistry or prefer to remain awake but deeply relaxed, we ensure your safety from start to finish.
Many patients worry about sedation effects, but rest assured that these vary depending on the sedative medication and are usually mild. With nitrous oxide, the effects wear off quickly, while oral and IV options may take longer—requiring you to have someone accompany you home. No matter which sedation option is selected, your comfort and oral health remain our top priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes, sedation dentistry is safe when administered by a qualified and experienced dental professional. We follow strict protocols and guidelines to ensure patient safety during sedation procedures.
Will I be unconscious during the procedure?
With oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide, you’ll remain awake and responsive, although you may feel drowsy and have little or no memory of the procedure. With IV sedation, you may experience partial or full unconsciousness, depending on the level of sedation required.
How long do the effects of sedation last?
The duration of the sedation effects varies depending on the method used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the procedure, while the effects of oral conscious sedation and IV sedation can last for several hours. You’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment.
Can sedation dentistry be used for routine cleanings?
While sedation dentistry is typically recommended for more extensive procedures, such as root canals, extractions, or implant placements, it can also be used for routine cleanings if you experience severe dental anxiety or have a strong gag reflex.
Does dental insurance cover sedation dentistry in Virginia?
Coverage for sedation dentistry varies by insurance plan. Nitrous oxide is often considered elective and may not be covered, while IV sedation may be covered if deemed medically necessary. Our team at The Foleck Center will verify your benefits and provide transparent cost estimates.
Can children receive dental sedation?
Yes, children can safely receive dental sedation under the care of a trained provider. At The Foleck Center, we evaluate each child’s needs and medical history to determine the safest and most appropriate sedation method for their treatment.
Where can I find a dentist in Virginia who offers IV sedation?
The Foleck Center is one of the few dental practices in Virginia with trained anesthesiologists on staff to safely administer IV sedation. We proudly offer advanced sedation dentistry at our Norfolk, Hampton, and Virginia Beach locations.
Enjoy A Stress-Free Smile, Call The Foleck Center Today!
Dental anxiety and fear shouldn’t stand in the way of achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. At The Foleck Center, with convenient locations in Hampton, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach, Dr. Adam Foleck and his caring team understand the stress that dental visits can induce Through their commitment to compassionate care and cutting-edge sedation dentistry options, they provide a safe haven where you can leave your worries at the door and experience the transformative power of stress-free dentistry.
Learn more about our sedation dentistry options by scheduling a consultation.
