Anxiety Free Dentistry

If you have an irrational fear about visiting the dentist, then you may have dental anxiety. Most individuals with dental anxiety practice avoidance methods and simply do not visit the dentist. As a result, these individuals will usually only visit the dentist as a result of being in extreme pain.

Other signs of possible dental anxiety include: sleeping difficulties the night before a dental appointment, crying or becoming physically ill at the thought of going to the dentist, feeling uneasy when dental instruments are placed in your mouth, having difficulty breathing when being evaluated, or feeling extremely nervous, terrified, or panicked while in the waiting or examining room.

Dental anxiety is usually caused by the following factors:

• Fear of pain
• Fear of injections
• Fear of anesthetic side effects
• Feelings of helplessness or loss of control
• Embarrassment due to lack of personal space

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you can help manage this anxiety by addressing the above factors. Dr. Sammons and Dr. Laurent are both committed to providing you the with most comforting level of care and will take the time to discuss any anxieties you may be having. Sharing your fears and feelings with your dentist will help to relieve your anxiety and help our dentists give you a more positive experience. Distractions and being mindful of pleasant sensations have also been proven to help relieve anxiety. At Dental Artistry, we offer various techniques to help you manage your dental anxiety, such as sedation dentistry, distractions, and pleasant sensations to focus on.

Sedation dentistry is the practice of using specialized medications to block pain and promote feelings of calmness during dental treatment. It is sometimes referred to as “sleep dentistry”, however most sedation methods allow you to be awake, but calm during the procedure. There are different levels of sedation depending on the severity of the treatment and your anxiety levels. Our dentists will discuss your sedation options to find the best option for you.

At Dental Artistry, we offer all our patients complimentary nitrous oxide sedation. We also offer oral sedation for a deeper level of sedation, as well as IV sedation.

Nitrous oxide is sometimes referred to as “laughing gas” because it can make patients feel euphoric. It is inhaled through a special nose mask and becomes effective almost instantly. This gas will make you relax during your procedure, however the effects will wear off once the mask is removed. With nitrous oxide sedation, there is generally no residual effects and you may be able to drive yourself home from the appointment.

Oral sedation is a stronger sedation method and is offered through a Halcion pill taken one hour prior to treatment. It can be given in different levels ranging from minimal to moderate. Depending on the dose, you may be either groggy or you may actually fall into a light sleep.

IV sedation is received through the vein and is the fastest acting sedation method. Because it is so direct, this also allows your dentist to control the amount of sedation and adjust it as necessary.

Although any type of sedation has its risks, sedation dentistry is considered safe by the American Dental Association and the FDA. To minimize the possibility of risks, you will want to be sure to discuss your medical history with our dentists, as well as any concerns you may have.

Your expectations for dental sedation depend on the level of sedation you opt for. Nitrous oxide will generally make you feel slightly euphoric, calm, and possibly a little dizzy. Excessive dizziness can usually be managed by reducing the amount of gas. Deeper levels of sedation will make you feel groggy, sleepy, and calm. With moderate sedation, such as oral or IV sedation, you may fall into a light sleep, but should be easily awakened. With the exception of nitrous oxide, you may continue to feel groggy for a few hours after treatment and may need someone to drive you home.