Conscious Sedation

Dr. Lawrence Singer is Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the George Washington University Hospital. As such, he treats patients with dental phobias or those who need extensive procedures at GWU Hospital or the GWUH Ambulatory Surgery Center. You may choose to have your procedures performed under sedation levels ranging from light sedation to full general anesthesia. The George Washington University team of highly qualified anesthesiologists offers the best anesthesia techniques to facilitate a quick return to your normal routine and lifestyle. Call DC Smiles to schedule your consultation. Dr. Singer will discuss sedation with you, answer your questions, and help you determine the best way to get the dental work you need with complete peace of mind. Another option is to have general anesthesia provided by Horizon Anesthesia at our Alexandria, VA office. You may read more about Horizon's services below.

Horizon Anesthesia

Horizon Anesthesia provides a full range of sedation services, including general anesthesia. Our staff is comprised of all Board Certified Anesthesiologists, physicians who have completed medical school, then gone beyond that training to receive significant, additional training and experience in anesthesia. We have capabilities to perform the full range of anesthesia services listed below. The level of sedation chosen for a particular procedure is based on the procedure, the patient, his/her medical history and the surgeon/dentist preference.

Minimal Sedation (Anxiolysis/Conscious Sedation), LMAC (Local with Monitored Anesthetic Care)

Minimal sedation is a drug-induced state during which patients respond normally to verbal commands and are relatively awake, but relaxed.

Moderate Sedation/Analgesia (Conscious Sedation)

Moderate Sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients respond purposefully to verbal commands, either alone or accompanied by light tactile stimulation. Patients will feel drowsy and may sleep through the procedure, and may or may not remember being in the procedure room. The Horizon anesthesiologist will be monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels, which will be watched closely in order to avoid sudden changes or complications.

Deep Sedation

Deep sedation is a drug-induced depression of consciousness during which patients cannot be easily aroused but respond purposefully following repeated or painful stimulation. Patients will have little or no memory of the procedure. During the procedure, breathing can slow down and patients may sleep until the medication wears off. Supplemental oxygen is also given.

General Endotracheal/LMA Anesthesia

General Anesthesia is a drug-induced loss of consciousness during which patients are unconscious and unresponsive, and not arousable, even by painful stimulation. There are a number of general anesthetic drugs, some are gases or vapors inhaled through a breathing mask or tube and others are medications introduced through a vein. The patient is carefully monitored, controlled and treated by one of the Horizon anesthesiologists, who use sophisticated equipment to track all major bodily functions. A breathing tube may be inserted through the mouth and frequently into the windpipe to maintain proper breathing during this period. The length and level of anesthesia is calculated and constantly adjusted with great precision. At the conclusion of surgery, the anesthesiologist will reverse the process and the patient regains consciousness.

OraVerse®

During a dental procedure, you’re grateful that local anesthesia numbs your mouth and provides you with a comfortable visit. But what about after the appointment? Dental anesthetic usually lasts between three and five hours. Long after you’ve left the office, the lingering numbness takes a toll on your speech, smile, and ability to eat or drink without mishap. You may even find yourself drooling.

OraVerse works to reverse the unwanted effects of numbness after dental treatment so you can return to normal function and enjoy your day. The first and only product that effectively and rapidly diminishes the effects of local anesthetic, OraVerse has been clinically proven to speed up your recovery to full sensation and function after a dental procedure.

Dr. Singer will administer OraVerse through an injection immediately after treatment, so the affected area can feel normal faster. Since you’ll still be numbed, it’s likely you won’t feel the injection, and you’ll soon be able to get on with your day without limitation.

Call our conveniently located Washington, DC, or Old Town Alexandria, VA, dental office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation or second opinion visit. Dr. Singer will assess your current level of oral health, discuss your goals for your smile, and recommend a unique and practical treatment plan specifically for you. Outside of Washington, DC, and Alexandria, VA, we serve Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, Burke, and surrounding areas.