It is common for our patients to be initially nervous when they come to visit us. Whether it’s young children who are unfamiliar with our dental tools or adults who have had previous negative experiences at the dentist, Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is here to ensure all of our patients are comfortable. If you suffer from Dentophobia, or the fear of dentists, Dr. Matthew Jenne, and our team are here to help you overcome this fear for the overall improvement of your oral health.
Dental Anxiety
There are many reasons someone can experience anxiety about going to the dentist. The following are common anxieties our patients have before visiting our office:
- The Dentist – Many people who have had negative experiences with dentists in the past are hesitant to see someone new. However, Dr. Jenne is here to provide you with the compassion you need to feel comfortable discussing your dental health.
- Pain – Because we offer a substantial list of procedures, many of our patients worry about the varying pain levels of each procedure. Our team works to ensure that any discomfort you feel during a procedure is minimal and limited. We also offer sedation dentistry solutions.
- Loud Noises – The equipment we use throughout your appointment can make startling sounds. We understand that these sounds can make patients uneasy. Our team is in no rush throughout your appointment, so if you need a break from the loud noises, we are happy to give you one.
If you find yourself hesitating before making an appointment with us, know that we are happy to provide a hands-off consultation with you. This allows you the chance to get to know Dr. Jenne and our team before any cleaning or procedure is done
The Importance of Proactive Dental Health
If you’ve been putting off visiting Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry due to dental anxiety, know that we are here to help you when you are ready. Most dental concerns need to be addressed promptly before they result in more severe issues. Additionally, regular teeth cleanings are needed to reduce the risk of gum disease.
Our team does not want you to suffer the consequences of neglecting your dental health. Being proactive with your dental health is important, and we are here to help you do that. We ensure you are fully informed of your treatment plan so that there are no unexpected surprises during your appointment.
Dental Sedation for Anxiety
Many people feel nervous about visiting the dentist. For some, this fear can be so intense that they avoid dental care altogether, leading to more serious oral health problems. Dental sedation offers a solution for patients with dental anxiety, helping them relax during treatment. Two common types of sedation for managing dental fear are nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. These options allow patients to stay awake but feel calm and comfortable throughout their appointments.
Dental sedation involves medication to help patients feel more at ease during dental procedures. Unlike general anesthesia, which puts patients to sleep, sedation allows them to remain conscious but deeply relaxed. For those who experience anxiety, sensitivity to pain, or a strong gag reflex, sedation can make dental visits much more manageable.
Nitrous Oxide: The Fast-Acting Sedation Option
Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas,” is one of the safest and most widely used forms of dental sedation. It is a colorless, odorless gas that patients inhale through a small mask placed over the nose.
How It Works
When the patient breathes in nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen, it takes effect within minutes. The gas creates a sense of calm and well-being, often making patients feel light or even slightly euphoric. While the patient remains awake and able to communicate, their anxiety fades away, making it easier to undergo dental treatment.
Benefits of Nitrous Oxide
- Quick Onset and Recovery: The effects start within minutes and wear off soon after the gas is turned off.
- Safe for Most Patients: It is suitable for both children and adults.
- No Lasting Side Effects: Since nitrous oxide leaves the system quickly, patients can often resume normal activities immediately after their appointment.
- Adjustable Sedation Levels: The dentist can control how much gas is given, ensuring the right level of relaxation for each patient.
Nitrous oxide works well for mild to moderate dental anxiety and for those who want a sedation option that doesn’t leave them feeling groggy afterward.
Oral Conscious Sedation: A Deeper State of Relaxation
For patients with more significant dental fear, oral conscious sedation offers a stronger calming effect. This method involves taking a prescribed sedative pill before the appointment.
How It Works
The patient takes the medication about an hour before the procedure, allowing time for it to take effect. Once it starts working, the patient feels deeply relaxed, drowsy, and sometimes slightly detached from their surroundings. While they remain awake, their anxiety is greatly reduced, and they may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
Benefits of Oral Conscious Sedation
- Stronger Sedation than Nitrous Oxide: It provides deeper relaxation for patients with moderate to severe dental fear.
- Reduces Memory of the Procedure: Many patients experience partial or full memory loss of what happened during the appointment, which helps ease future anxiety.
- Helps with Gag Reflex and Sensitivity: Patients who struggle with a strong gag reflex or difficulty sitting still can benefit from the calming effects of this sedation.
Important Considerations
- Because the medication causes drowsiness, patients must arrange for someone to drive them home after their appointment.
- The sedative can take several hours to wear off fully, so patients should avoid strenuous activities for the rest of the day.
Choosing the Right Sedation for You
The best sedation option depends on the patient’s level of anxiety, medical history, and the type of dental procedure needed. Nitrous oxide is ideal for those with mild to moderate dental fear who want a fast recovery time. Oral conscious sedation is better suited for patients with more severe anxiety or those undergoing longer procedures.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
What can I take for anxiety at the dentist?
Patients who struggle with severe dental anxiety may take anti-anxiety medication prior to a dental visit. Valium is a common anti-anxiety medication dentists can prescribe to patients. Some may also take some nitrous oxide to calm them down at an appointment.
Is dental anxiety common?
Dental anxiety is very common. It affects about half of the population to some degree. If you experience dental anxiety know that you are not alone and that your dentist deals with it daily.
How do I cope with anxiety?
The best way to deal with anxiety is to learn how to relax and calm your nerves at any place and any time. Making sure you are well-rested and nourished is a great way to regulate anxiety. Some people find getting out in nature helps them with their anxiety. Others find that spending time entirely alone is best for them.
How do I get over my fear of dental injections?
We recommend that patients that have a fear of dental injections try a numbing gel first. This will numb the area so that you feel nothing when the dentist conducts the injection. Thus calming nerves and making it a pain free procedure.
Can you be put to sleep for dental work?
Yes, but it is not as common as you think. We can use dental sedation during procedures, especially when dealing with patients who suffer from dental anxiety. However, we use conscious sedation in place of general anesthesia, because it is safer. You won’t remember much of the procedure under deep sedation. Some people have no recollection whatsoever.
Should I tell my dentist I have anxiety?
Being open and honest with your dentist and the rest of the staff about your anxiety will go a long way toward making your visit as pleasant as possible. We have techniques that can help make your visit more comfortable. The sooner you tell us that you have dental anxiety the sooner we can start to take preventative measures.