Comfortable Care for Patients Who Need a Little Extra Support
Dental anxiety is more common than most people realize. If nervousness, fear, or a sensitive gag reflex has kept you from scheduling dental care, you’re not alone—and you have options.
At Shield Dental Care, Dr. Pejman Ghorbani offers multiple levels of sedation dentistry to help you receive the treatment you need in complete comfort. Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or a more involved procedure, our sedation options are designed to match your comfort level so you can relax through every step of your visit.
We serve patients in Burke, Fairfax, Springfield, and throughout Northern Virginia who are looking for a gentler approach to dental care.
Why Patients Choose Sedation Dentistry
Not every patient who benefits from sedation has a dental phobia. Sedation dentistry is also a practical choice for patients who:
- Experience dental anxiety or fear — even mild nervousness can make visits stressful
- Have a strong gag reflex — sedation helps relax involuntary responses
- Need multiple procedures in one visit — sedation makes longer appointments comfortable
- Have difficulty sitting still — helpful for patients with certain medical conditions
- Haven’t visited a dentist in years — sedation eases the return to care
Whatever your reason, there’s no judgment here. Our goal is simply to help you get the care you deserve in a way that works for you.
→ Wondering if sedation is right for your situation? Read: Am I a Candidate for Dental Sedation?
Sedation Options We OfferEvery patient’s comfort needs are different. That’s why we offer multiple sedation levels—so your care matches your comfort, not the other way around.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
The gentlest form of sedation. You breathe it in through a small mask, feel calm and relaxed within minutes, and recover almost immediately after your appointment. You can drive yourself home and return to normal activities the same day.
→ Learn more: Nitrous Oxide: What to Expect
Oral Sedation
A prescribed medication taken before your appointment that produces a deeper state of relaxation. You’ll remain conscious but may feel drowsy and have little memory of the procedure afterward. A companion will need to drive you home.
→ Learn more: Oral Sedation vs. Nitrous Oxide — Which Is Right for You?
IV Sedation
The deepest level of sedation we offer, administered directly into the bloodstream for precise, adjustable comfort. IV sedation is ideal for patients with severe anxiety or those undergoing longer, more complex procedures.
→ Learn more: General vs. IV Sedation Dentistry in Burke, VA
Procedures Commonly Performed With Sedation
Sedation isn’t limited to one type of treatment. At Shield Dental Care, patients use sedation for a wide range of procedures, including:
- Dental implant placement — sedation keeps you comfortable during surgical placement
- Wisdom tooth extraction — especially helpful for impacted or multiple extractions
- Root canal therapy — sedation eliminates anxiety during endodontic treatment
- Deep cleanings (scaling & root planing) — particularly for patients with gum sensitivity
- Multiple restorations in one visit — crowns, fillings, or bridges completed efficiently
- Routine cleanings for anxious patients — even preventive care can be performed under sedation
→ Nervous about a specific procedure? Read: How Sedation Makes Dental Implant Surgery Comfortable
What to Expect on Your Sedation VisitWe make the sedation process straightforward from start to finish:
Before Your Appointment During your consultation, Dr. Ghorbani reviews your medical history, discusses your anxiety level, and recommends the sedation method that fits your needs. You’ll receive clear pre-appointment instructions, including any dietary restrictions.
During Your Procedure Our team monitors your comfort throughout. You’ll remain relaxed—and depending on the sedation level, you may have little to no memory of the visit afterward. Most patients describe the experience as “it felt like five minutes.”
After Your Appointment Recovery depends on the sedation type. Nitrous oxide wears off in minutes. Oral and IV sedation require a companion to drive you home, and you should plan to rest for the remainder of the day.
→ First time? Read: Your Complete Guide to Preparing for Sedation Dentistry
Is Dental Sedation Safe?
Yes. Sedation dentistry has an excellent safety record when administered by a trained provider. Dr. Ghorbani is certified in sedation techniques and follows strict monitoring protocols throughout every procedure.
Before recommending sedation, we review your full medical history—including medications, allergies, and any health conditions—to ensure the safest approach for your situation.
→ Have concerns? Read: Is Dental Sedation Safe? What You Need to Know
Sedation Dentistry for Specific Patients
Children & Teens
Pediatric dental anxiety is common and completely normal. Sedation helps young patients receive necessary care without building negative associations with the dentist.
→ Parents: Read Sedation Dentistry for Kids — A Parent’s Complete Guide
Seniors
Older patients often need longer appointments or have medical conditions that make sitting in the chair difficult. Sedation provides comfort while allowing us to complete more treatment per visit.
→ Read: Sedation Options for Elderly Dental Patients
Patients with Special Needs
We provide accommodating, patient-centered sedation care for individuals with sensory sensitivities, cognitive differences, or physical conditions that make traditional dental visits challenging.
→ Read: Dental Sedation for Patients with Special Needs
Cost & Insurance for Sedation Dentistry
Sedation costs vary depending on the type used and the length of your procedure:
Sedation Type
Typical Range
Nitrous Oxide
$50–$150 per visit
Oral Sedation
$150–$500 per visit
IV Sedation
$250–$900 per visit
Many dental insurance plans cover sedation when it’s deemed medically necessary. Our team will help you understand your coverage and discuss payment options before your appointment.
→ Read: How Much Does Dental Sedation Cost? Insurance & Payment Guide
Take the First Step Toward Comfortable Dental Care
You shouldn’t have to choose between your comfort and your oral health. Sedation dentistry gives you both.
If anxiety, fear, or past experiences have kept you from the dentist, we’re here to help you move forward—at your own pace, with support every step of the way.
Schedule your sedation consultation at Shield Dental Care in Burke, VA today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be completely unconscious during sedation?+
Not with the options we offer. Nitrous oxide and oral sedation keep you conscious but deeply relaxed. IV sedation puts you in a twilight state where you’re responsive but unlikely to remember the procedure. General anesthesia (full unconsciousness) is a separate category we can discuss if needed.
Can I drive myself home after sedation?+
After nitrous oxide, yes. After oral or IV sedation, no—you’ll need a companion to drive you home.
How long does sedation last?+
Nitrous oxide wears off in 3–5 minutes. Oral sedation effects can last 4–6 hours. IV sedation typically wears off within 1–2 hours, though grogginess may continue for the rest of the day.
Is sedation safe for children?+
Yes, when administered by a trained provider with proper monitoring. We carefully evaluate each child’s health history before recommending sedation.