Fear of the dentist has frequently ranked among the top phobias in the United States. Dental anxiety makes even a simple cleaning seem impossible. Patients always receive comfortable, low-stress care from us. Sedation dentistry is one way we help! Many people fear the dentist. Dental discomfort may differ in intensity from person to person. Generally, dental anxiety is at the milder end of the spectrum, with dental fear in the middle and dental phobia at the extreme.
We Can Help You Overcome
We can help you cope no matter what triggers your dental anxiety. The first step is to have a conversation with your dental team. We can frequently reduce or eliminate triggers like flavors or sounds you are sensitive to. Let us know if you need breaks during your procedure. Discussing your concerns can reduce their impact. By creating a more relaxing environment, we can help reduce dental anxiety. A comfy blanket, sunglasses, and headphones can help you relax at the dental office. Some patients, however, need extra help to overcome their dental anxiety. Sedation may be an option.
Different Types of Sedation
Sedation covers a variety of experiences like dental anxiety. Various levels of sedation are available including nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. We've all heard of laughing gas. Nitrous oxide doesn't usually make people giggle. Nitrous is an odorless gas that is combined with oxygen and inhaled through the nose for a feeling of relaxation and mild sleepiness. Using this method is quick and easy. Nitrous is not metabolized. What you inhale is exactly what you exhale. After we cut off the gas at the end of the procedure, there is no lingering effect after a few minutes. Get your nitrous, get your dental treatment done, and get back to your day! Kids can also use it. If Nitrous doesn't quite meet your needs, oral sedation may be a better choice. To induce a twilight experience, your dentist can provide you with pills. Usually, patients fall asleep in this level of sedation. However, they can still talk and answer questions. Patients in a drowsy, comfortable state are better able to cope with moderate anxiety or to undergo a more involved procedure. Sedation on IV is our highest sedation level. This version of sedation leaves you completely unconscious. If you need long or complicated procedures or have severe dental anxiety, this is a good option. Come in, catch a nap, and you won't even know you were there!