Everyone is afraid of something, whether it be spiders, the ocean, or even the dentist! Dental phobia is a common fear, often caused by past negative experiences. However, it can also result from the general fear of the unknown or loss of control. At Bivona Family Dental, we understand that patients like you may suffer from dental phobia, causing them to avoid routine dental visits. However, we also believe that dental care is incredibly important! Fortunately, we dedicate our time and efforts to providing our patients with comfortable experiences. We will work with you to establish a trusting relationship and help alleviate your fear of the dentist. Using sedation dentistry, we create positive experiences that allow you to gradually overcome your fears. Ultimately, our goal is to enable our patients to attend routine dental visits without the need for sedation!
Understanding Dental Phobia
Dental phobia is the fear of the dentist, which includes the feeling of anxiety when visiting or even thinking about going to the dentist’s office.
For some people, it’s the sound of the drills, while for others it’s the sterile smell. Many patients, however, experience a general sense of dread just booking an appointment.
Unfortunately, patients with dental phobias often avoid visiting the dentist, dodging appointments until tooth pain forces them to seek treatment. Patients may spend years without visiting the dentist, hoping that their general brushing and flossing will be enough.
At Bivona Family Dental, we understand that routine dental visits are a crucial component of maintaining your oral health. No matter how much at-home care you do, a professional cleaning reaches the areas of your smile that are more difficult to access. Without this care, plaque will build up on these spots, allowing bacteria to gather on your smile! If left untreated, bacteria lead to problems like decay and gum disease.
Don’t let your dental phobia get in the way of taking care of your smile! Visit Bivona Family Dental in Jasper, AL, and discover how we help you overcome your dental anxiety.
How We Use Sedation Dentistry in Jasper, AL
At our office, we offer two types of sedation dentistry.
Nitrous Oxide
When patients suffer from anxiety, we may provide a simple sedation option known as nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.
By inhaling the gas through a nosepiece, you’ll likely experience a sense of euphoria. This feeling soothes your anxiety, allowing you to relax for your appointment while staying awake.
However, the gas has a temporary effect and is reversed in the same appointment. By running oxygen through the mask, we flush the laughing gas out of your system, allowing you to function normally. With this sedation method, you can relax during your appointment and then continue your day as usual without any lingering effects.
Conscious Oral Sedation
For more intense anxiety, we offer conscious oral sedation. During your free consultation, we’ll discuss your sedation options and provide you with a prescription for a sedative medication. Then, before your appointment, you’ll take this medication and have someone you trust drive you to our office.
By the time you arrive for the procedure, the sedative will have taken effect and alleviated all feelings of anxiety. You can expect to feel calm and relaxed, yet remain awake and alert enough to follow instructions. Throughout the procedure, we will closely monitor your levels to ensure your safety under our care.
Once we’re done, your trusted driver will take you home, where the effects of the sedative will slowly wear off.
Overcoming Your Dental Phobia!
It’s essential to note that sedation dentistry is a tool to help alleviate dental phobia, not a cure.
At Bivona Family Dental, we utilize oral conscious sedation and nitrous oxide to provide a safe and relaxing dental experience. Through these relaxation methods and by building a trusting relationship with us, we hope to slowly change how you feel about visiting the dentist!
While you may never love routine dental visits, we can help you overcome your dental fears and take care of your smile.
Visit Bivona Family Dental in Jasper, AL, To Experience Comfortable Dental Care
If dental phobia is preventing you from taking care of your smile, visit Bivona Family Dental! We offer effective and safe sedation options that help build up your confidence when visiting the dentist. Through positive experiences and trusting relationships, we can overcome your fear of the dentist together!
Book a consultation (FREE for dental implants) today to learn how we help take care of your smile.
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