Dentophobia is a fear of the dentist. While this fear ranges in severity, some patients find it difficult to even think about the dentist, let alone schedule an appointment. In the most extreme cases, dentophobia may even stop patients from visiting the dentist at all, forgoing routine dental visits and necessary treatments. But without these essential visits, you risk tooth pain, severe infection, and even tooth loss! Often, these patients feel like their only option is to go under for dental treatment. But what sedation options do dentists offer?
At Bivona Family Dental, we have a unique approach to helping patients with dental anxiety. While we do offer safe and effective sedation options, we also strive to make our practice a comfortable place you can visit without worry.
How We Work To Overcome Dental Anxiety
Dental anxiety can stem from past negative experiences at the dentist, making it a significant barrier to treatment. If your dental anxiety is affecting your ability to come in for dental visits, we recommend visiting Bivona Family Dental!
We understand your fear, and we have developed a systematic approach to help patients like you overcome dental anxiety.
The first step is to build a trusting relationship. Before we perform any dental work, we’ll first get to know each other. Through this consultation, we will gradually develop a friendly relationship that puts your mind at ease. With every visit, we find that patients feel less anxiety.
However, some dental care is urgent. At Bivona Family Dental, we understand that some patients don’t have time to gradually adjust to the dentist. This is where dental sedation is useful.
Rather than seeing sedation as a cure for dental anxiety, we use it as a tool!
What Sedation Options Do Dentists Offer?
During your consultation, we will assess your needs and determine whether sedation is necessary. If so, we will decide the appropriate method based on your specific case.
At Bivona Family Dental, we offer two types of sedation.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a lighter sedative. When you come into our office, we will provide you with a mask that gently pumps the gas into your nose or mouth. After breathing in nitrous oxide, you should immediately feel the effects.
Most patients describe the feeling as a sense of calm and happiness. While you’ll still be awake and aware of everything, you won’t feel the anxiety that typically comes with undergoing dental treatment.
When we’re done, you’ll simply breathe oxygen through the same mask to flush the gas out of your system. After your appointment, you should be well enough to continue your day as normal and drive yourself home.
Oral Conscious Sedation
For more intense anxiety, we may use oral conscious sedation. While you’ll still be awake and aware, this sedative provides a deeper sense of relaxation.
Before your appointment begins, you’ll take a prescribed pill. Then, have someone you trust drive you to our office. Once you arrive, you should already be feeling the sedation take effect.
Throughout your procedure, you will remain calm and relaxed. Afterwards, it will take a little while for the sedative to wear off, so you will need another ride home.
After repeating the process a few times, we hope to wean you off of needing sedation. Eventually, you can leave dental sedation behind and get through your appointments without trouble.
Sedation Options in Jasper, AL, at Bivona Family Dental
Dentophobia can interfere with your oral health, making it difficult or nearly impossible to visit the dentist regularly. If you’re struggling with dental anxiety, visit Bivona Family Dental! We will work with you to overcome your fear using gentle techniques, a welcoming atmosphere, and, if necessary, sedation.
Book a consultation to learn what we can do for your smile today!
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