Alleviating Anxiety with Safe, Comfortable Sedation Dentistry
Fear of the dentist is common, but it needn’t prevent you from achieving a strong, healthy smile. Dr. Mitchell uses sedation dentistry to alleviate anxiety and promote a positive dental care experience. He offers oral conscious sedation as well as intravenous (IV) sedation. Both methods are safe, effective and have been used by millions of people to achieve strong, beautiful smiles. Come in for a consultation, and we’ll help you determine if sedation dentistry is right for you.
If you fear going to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Indeed, it is a universal phenomenon.
Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it. They exhibit classic avoidance behavior; that is, they will do everything possible to avoid going to the dentist. People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced to do so by extreme pain. Pathologic anxiety or phobia may require psychiatric consultation in some cases.
Other signs of dental phobia include:
- Trouble sleeping the night before the dental exam
- Feelings of nervousness that escalate while in the dental office waiting room
- Crying or feeling physically ill at the very thought of visiting the dentist
- Intense uneasiness at the thought of, or actually when, objects are placed in your mouth during the dental treatment or suddenly feeling like it is difficult to breathe
Sedation Dentistry Options:
Oral Conscious Sedation
If you qualify for oral conscious sedation, Dr. Mitchell will prescribe a sedative for you to take prior to your appointment. You’ll feel groggy, so please have a friend or family member drive you to and from our office. After you enter a state of deep relaxation, Dr. Mitchell will perform your dental work and potentially reverse years of damage or neglect in a single visit. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, may be used to enhance sedation. Your oral conscious sedation will wear off gradually and leave you with only pleasant memories of your time with us.
IV Sedation
Dr. Mitchell may suggest IV sedation to ease apprehension and calm patients who require time-consuming treatments, have a sensitive gag reflex, or suffer from conditions that prevent them from holding their mouths open for long periods of time. Many people prefer IV sedation because they simply fall asleep prior to treatment and awaken with no memory of their procedures. We’ll tailor your level of sedation to your unique needs. Following treatment, you’ll emerge fully from your sedation but will need a friend or family member to drive you home.
