Reduce Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry

Research estimates that somewhere between 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing their dentist out of fear. These individuals would rather endure painful, infected, discolored, and damaged teeth than set foot in a dental office. Or, if they do agree to make an appointment, they dread it all week.

Sedation dentistry uses medication to provide a more relaxing experience for those patients who might otherwise not receive dental care because of dental anxiety or dental phobia.

Sometimes referred to as "relaxation" or "anxiety-free" dentistry, it is now offered in many dentists' offices nationwide, including right here at Double A Dental Group in Montclair, CA.

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Sedation dentistry might be right for you if you avoid dental visits due to anxiety. Oftentimes, that anxiety can be attributed to:

• Negative past experiences
• Fear of pain or gagging/choking
• Extreme discomfort with the sounds and smells of the dental office
• Not wanting to feel numb
• The feeling of losing control

Sedation dentistry may also be appropriate for people who:

• Aren't able to sit still in a dentist's chair
• Need a large amount of dental work completed
• Have a low pain threshold

Types of Sedation Dentistry

If you feel anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist, you are not alone. Many patients suffer from dental anxiety and often avoid receiving the dental care they need because of their fear. Giving in to dental anxiety can result in the overall deterioration of your oral health.

Routine dental health exams are essential for keeping your teeth, gums, and jaw healthy. Patients who visit the dentist on a biannual basis tend to experience a lower rate of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth loss. Regular wellness exams help Dr. Izvernari catch developing issues early on, allowing for more conservative dental treatment.

• Nitrous Oxide - Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is administered through a mask that delivers an odorless gas, which relaxes and calms you. The effects of nitrous oxide work really fast and are totally reversible. Patients are in control of their bodily functions and can respond to the staff, but are completely relaxed and most likely will not remember their treatment. Nitrous oxide is considered to be a safe sedation method for dental work.
• Oral Conscious Sedation - This option is administered in pill form. Oral sedation will enable you to be responsive and in control of your bodily functions while feeling completely relaxed throughout your procedure. This type of sedation may take several hours to completely wear off, and patients will need to arrange for transportation after treatment. Most patients will have no memory of their dental procedure.

Compassionate, High-Quality Dentistry Montclair, CA

We combine advanced training, compassionate bedside manner, and state-of-the-art technology to make visiting the dentist as pleasant as possible. For patients with more advanced anxiety, our team may discuss sedation dentistry as an option for calming nerves. Sedation dentistry makes it possible for patients to receive the dental care they need without fear or anxiety. More procedures can be performed in a single visit, saving the patient time and money. Our sedation options are very safe and effective at helping anxious patients receive the dental care they need.

At Double A Dental Group, our dental care team understands that dental anxiety can be prohibitive to your oral wellness. Whether your fear comes from a past experience, or if you feel anxious about cost, the condition of your smile, or fear the unknown, we can help you.

Our team is highly skilled, specially trained, and naturally compassionate and welcoming. We help patients overcome their dental anxiety through patient education and personalized attention. We get to know our patients, we never rush through appointments, and we always take the time to answer questions and explain our treatment plan.