April 10, 2017

If you start to get nervous before getting dental treatment, you are not alone. Dental anxiety is a very real condition where some patients experience almost debilitating fear and nervousness even at the very thought of visiting a dental health professional’s office. No matter how frightening the prospect seems, it is still imperative that you have regular checkups and take care of your teeth. These days, sedation dentistry is a great option for many individuals who otherwise fear dental work. You might be a good candidate if you have:

  • Extreme fear of dental offices or needles
  • Difficulty becoming numb
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Had traumatic experiences at the dentist
  • A serious gag reflex
  • Little time to complete a procedure
  • Complex dental issues

Dr. Will Akin, a periodontist in Nashville, TN, offers three different forms of sedation: oral, intravenous and local anesthetic.

Oral

Oral sedatives involve taking a small pill before your dental appointment. The pill will make the patient drowsy and more relaxed, making it easier for the periodontist and assistants to numb any areas necessary and perform the procedure. Because the pill makes the patient drowsy, he or she will need a companion to drive him or her to and from the appointment.

Intravenous

Also known as IV sedation, this option provides the patient with a relaxing drug through an IV. The periodontal team monitors the patient closely for heart rate, breathing, blood pressure and oxygen levels. The patient is conscious but relaxed and will not remember the experience later. This option should only be administered by a certified professional.

Local Anesthetic

Periodontists administer a local anesthetic by injecting a medicine such as lidocaine into the inner cheek or gum. This numbs the area for several hours. This option leaves the patient fully conscious and able to respond to commands and directions from the periodontal team. Patients can also drive themselves back to work or home afterward.

Are You a Good Candidate?

To find out if you are a candidate for any of these services, contact Nashville Periodontal Group 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 […]

Dental Marketing By Progressive Dental