ANXIETY CONTROL DENTISTRY

• Fear or anxiety of being at the dentist
• Difficulty sitting still for long periods of time
• Apprehension about certain dental procedures

WHAT IS ANXIETY CONTROL DENTISTRY?

Anxiety control dentistry allows your doctor to provide a variety of dental treatments safely and comfortably to patients who experience anxiety when visiting the dentist. There are several benefits of anxiety control dentistry, including:

• Less fear or anxiety during treatment
• More comfort during dental procedures
• A more relaxing dental experience
• Patients who have undergone a procedure using sedation dentistry will tell you it’s a simple, relaxing way to experience dental care.

Oral sedation
Anxiolysis is a light form of anxiety control dentistry. It is often used for patients with mild anxiety or who have longer procedures or more complex situations. Usually administered orally, with mild sedation, it allows you to remain awake or very sleepy throughout the entire procedure. You can breathe on your own, but you will feel a great sense of relaxation. Patients typically recover from anxiolysis sedation within a few hours after the procedure is complete.

Inhaled sedation
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most frequently used method for easing mild to moderate anxiety. Administered through a small mask that fits over your nose, it is an effective way to calm anxiety and raise your pain threshold. It may even make time seem like it’s passing more quickly than usual. At the end of your appointment, you’ll resume breathing regular oxygen, and all the effects of nitrous oxide will disappear so you can resume your normal activities immediately.

Understanding the range of choices that are available to relieve anxiety and discomfort can be very useful. Please contact our practice to schedule a consultation, learn more about anxiety control dentistry, and find out which method is right for you.