An Effective Way to Manage Dental Anxiety

July 12, 2018

If dental anxiety is keeping you from getting regular dental care, don’t be discouraged. At Alexandria Art of Dentistry, we know how crippling dental anxiety can be. That’s why we proudly offer sedation dentistry options to all our patients. Our dental sedation options range from mild to deep. We’ll help you decide which sedation option is most appropriate for you based on the treatment you’re receiving and your level of dental fear.

Nitrous Oxide 

Nitrous oxide is a form of mild sedation and is recommended for patients who have a low level of anxiety. This form of sedation dentistry is administered through a mask that covers the nose. It’s an odorless, colorless gas that’s safe to inhale and promotes feelings of calmness and euphoria. Once the mask is removed, the effects of the sedative wear off quickly.

Oral Sedation

If you experience significant fear in the minutes leading up to your appointment, you may benefit from oral sedation. It’s a mild form of dental sedation that you take orally about an hour before your appointment so you feel completely calm by the time your name is called. You may be sleepy after taking the pill, but you should remain conscious enough to follow instructions given by your dentist. It’s important to arrange a ride home from your appointment since the effects of oral sedation wear off slowly.

IV Sedation 

IV sedation is generally reserved for very complicated procedures or for severe anxiety. IV sedation can be moderate or deep, depending on how much sedation is given. When you receive IV sedation, you can be either partially conscious or unconscious, depending on the level you receive. It’s is unsafe to drive after receiving IV sedation, so make sure you arrange a ride home from your appointment.

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Varipapa is a compassionate dentist in Alexandria, VA, who wants every patient to feel comfortable and safe during treatment. If you’d like more information regarding sedation dentistry options available, please schedule your appointment by calling Alexandria Art of Dentistry today.

Comments

comments

Related Articles

• Alleviate Dental Anxiety

  Dental anxiety can negatively affect your oral health by preventing you from receiving dental care. In many cases, dental fear stems from a traumatizing childhood experience at the dentist, but it can also occur due to general anxiety disorder. Drs. Bradley and Scott Ross understand how difficult it can be to maintain good oral health […]

• The Solution for Dental Anxiety

  Dental anxiety is a very real problem that affects a large number of adults across the United States. It unfortunately keeps many patients from seeking the dental treatment they so desperately need. Dr. Tom McCawley, Dr. Mark McCawley, and the rest of our staff at McCawley Center for Laser Periodontics and Implants offer sedation dentistry […]

• Don’t Be Stressed by Dental Anxiety

  If you have anxiety when you visit the dentist or periodontist, you are not alone! In fact, dental anxiety is such a common thing that most dental offices, including South Florida Periodontics & Dental Implants, offer some form of sedation dentistry to help alleviate stress. We know that too many patients go without check-ups or […]

• Sedation Dentistry

  How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Have a Pleasant Dental Experience   Dental anxiety is a powerful condition that can make it difficult to receive regular dental care. Many people – kids and adults alike – avoid visiting the dentist because they experience high levels of fear during appointments. Dr. Mitchel Senft encourages patients with […]

• A Solution for Dental Anxiety

  Anxiety affects millions of Americans every year, and for a wide variety of reasons. For some, there’s no clear cause, whereas others find it is linked to some traumatic experience or underlying medical condition. For many, dental anxiety is the primary form they struggle with. It’s very common, affecting about 15 percent of adult patients. […]

• A Solution for Dental Anxiety

  One of the most common reasons patients procrastinate when they need dental care is anxiety. Millions of people every year are affected by it, and dental anxiety is among the most intense kinds. Luckily, there are options to help those patients access treatment comfortably. Sedation dentistry uses a variety of methods to alleviate stress, depending […]

• Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Prevent You From Replacing Your Missing Teeth

  If you have dental anxiety, it may be comforting to know millions of other people have it as well. In fact, up to 20 percent of Americans avoid dental appointments because of fear.

• How Does IV Sedation Help My Dental Anxiety?

  There are many patients who feel anxiety at the thought of having dental work done but for a few, the fear prevents them from getting the dental health care that they need. Sedation dentistry can be an excellent solution. It allows patients to feel no pain during a procedure and have no memory of it […]

• Afraid of the Periodontist? Try Sedation Dentistry!

  If you have a fear of visiting a dental professional, you are not alone. In fact, there are millions of people who suffer from some form of dental anxiety, which can manifest with symptoms such as an increased heart rate and sweaty palms. The great news is that even if you have a phobia of […]

• Sedation Dentistry: The Cure for Dental Anxiety

  Anxiety manifests in many different forms in today’s society. Just as there is treatment for general anxiety for people who struggle to go out in public, sedation dentistry is available to help treat dental anxiety in Ann Arbor, MI, and beyond. Dr. Amar Katranji and the rest of the staff at Michigan Implants & Periodontics […]