SEDATION

The most important thing to know about dental anxiety and dental phobia is that neither condition is your fault. Many things can cause you to feel nervous about going to the dentist – a past experience with a less understanding practitioner, stories heard from others, embarrassment, or a lack of dental care in your youth. Whatever the cause, it’s a common problem, and we provide a safe, judgment-free zone where you can receive the care you need. 

Dental anxiety and dental phobia are common, but anxiety is a milder form of distress. Anxiety may cause you to postpone treatment. You may experience some physical symptoms, such as a racing heart beat or sweating palms when you are in the office. If you have dental phobia, your heart may pound even at the thought of a dentist. You may have neglected treatment altogether, which could lead to widespread oral and physical health problems.

If you suffer from dental anxiety or dental phobia, you are a candidate for sedation dentistry. When carefully administered, sedation can even be appropriate for wiggly or fearful children. Dental sedation is also common during more lengthy emergency dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, fillings, and root canals.

Nitrous oxide is another common, though deeper, form of sedation. Administered via a mask, you will breathe in this clear, odorless gas. Under sedation, you will be awake, but you will feel relaxed and calm. You may experience some gentle tingling in your limbs. Nitrous oxide can even induce a state of mild euphoria, leading to its colloquial name of “laughing gas.” Once the mask is removed, sedation dissipates quickly, but you will definitely need a ride home from the office.