You’re Not Alone!

Many people experience dental anxiety. In fact, dental fear is cited as the number one reason why people avoid seeing the dentist. It is estimated that as many as 75% of US adults experience some degree of dental fear, from mild to severe. At the extreme, a person who experiences dental phobia may never see the dentist. Others may force themselves to go, but the visit is clouded in anxiety.

People who are fearful of dental care often fall into a “cycle of avoidance,” in which they avoid care until a dental emergency requiring invasive treatment occurs. This, in turn, reinforces their fear of dentistry. But it doesn’t have to be this way. New treatment options are available for people who experience any level of dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry can mean any type of sedative given by pill, elixir, intravenous, inhaled or otherwise, that relaxes patients for dental procedures.

Inhalation Sedation

One common anxiety-reducing medication used in dentistry is nitrous oxide (laughing gas), which is inhaled through a small mask worn on the nose and causes feelings of relaxation and dissociation. The use of laughing gas has successfully helped many anxious patients relax.

Laughing gas is one option that we offer to allow you more comfort during certain procedures, but it’s not intended to put you to sleep. You’ll still be able to hear and respond to directions, but don’t expect to be fully lucid. While inhaling laughing gas, you may experience a range of feeling from heightened sense of relaxation to a full-body euphoria. We are able to adjust your medication level to reach an optimal point of relaxation for you. The effects of the gas wear off quickly enough to driveyourself home after your procedures.

IV Sedation

Intravenous (IV) sedation is administered directly into your arm or hand. It’s often referred to as “conscious sedation” as opposed to general anesthesia. With IV sedation, you will breath on your own and are still respond to your dentist’s prompts. Under a general anesthetic, you are more deeply sedated, while your breathing and heart rate are monitored. You may need assistance with your breathing and are not responsive to verbal or physical prompts.

During the process of IV Sedation, your anesthesia provider administers and monitors intravenous anesthesia throughout your procedure. This allows our dental team to focus on your treatment while you feel deeply relaxed and comfortable. IV sedation is more predictable than oral sedation for dentistry.

Just like with oral sedation, you’ll need to have a driver ready to escort you home after the procedure as well as to monitor you, as some effects of the medication may linger for the remainder of the day.