I Have Dental Anxiety: Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Dental anxiety is a common concern for many patients. It’s estimated that 36% of people have dental phobia, with as many as 12% having a severe fear.
If you’re among those who feel anxious or fearful about dental visits, sedation dentistry offers a solution to help you relax and receive the dental care you need with less anxiety. At Advanced Care Dentistry, Thomas O. Marxen, DDS, MSD, and the team of providers offer different levels of sedation dentistry to ease your fears of getting into the dental chair.
Read on to learn more about sedation dentistry and how it can help you manage dental anxiety for a less stressful experience at our office.
Understanding dental anxiety
Your dental anxiety may stem from a variety of issues, including:
- Fear of pain
- Past traumatic experiences
- Embarrassment about oral health
You may also have a general feeling of unease about dental procedures.
Dental anxiety is a very real problem, though, because it can prevent you from seeking necessary dental treatment, leading to oral health problems and compromised overall well-being.
All about sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry involves using medication to help patients relax and remain calm during dental procedures. Different levels of sedation are available, ranging from mild to deep intravenous (IV) sedation, depending on your needs and the complexity of the procedure.
Here at Advanced Care Dentistry, we offer oral sedatives, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and IV sedation.
How sedation dentistry can help me
If you have dental anxiety, sedation dentistry helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and fear, allowing you to undergo dental treatment with greater comfort and ease.
Sedatives induce a state of relaxation and calmness, making it easier for you to tolerate dental procedures without discomfort or distress.
Dental anxiety can also interfere with your ability to cooperate during treatment due to fear or nervousness. Sedation helps promote cooperation, enabling Dr. Marxen to perform procedures more efficiently and effectively.
With sedation dentistry, complex or lengthy procedures can often be completed in fewer appointments, minimizing the need for multiple visits and reducing overall treatment time.
Some sedatives, particularly IV sedation, leave you with little to no memory of the dental procedure afterward. This can be particularly beneficial if you have severe dental anxiety or suffered past traumatic dental experiences.
Candidates for sedation dentistry
Sedation dentistry is an option regardless of your age and can be customized to accommodate your preferences and medical considerations. Whether you need a routine cleaning or extensive restorative work, sedation options are available to ensure a positive dental experience.
Here at Advanced Care Dentistry, we’re committed to ensuring a stress-free experience for all patients. Don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from achieving optimal oral health. Call the office or use this website to schedule an appointment and discover how sedation dentistry can help you feel relaxed and confident during your next dental visit.