How Sedation Dentistry Can Help You Overcome Dental Anxiety
For many people, the thought of going to the dentist brings a wave of anxiety. If that’s you, you’re not alone! Studies show that approximately 36% of the population has dental anxiety, with 12% experiencing extreme levels, making it enough to avoid dental care altogether. In this scenario, sedation is a safe and effective way to ease the fear of the dentist.
At Coastal Periodontics, we use advanced sedation options to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout your treatment and reclaim your oral health without the stress. Let’s understand what causes dental anxiety and how sedation can be a game-changer for your smile.
What Is Dental Anxiety, and Why Is It So Common?
Dental anxiety is a real, physical response, ranging from mild unease to severe fear, commonly triggered by:
- Fear of needles, drills, or pain
- Past negative dental experiences
- Embarrassment about oral health
- Feeling out of control during dental treatment
Without regular care, anxiety can spiral into a cycle of avoidance, where minor issues become major ones, like gum disease, tooth loss, severe infections, and even systemic health risks, like heart disease and diabetes.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry uses calming medication to help you feel relaxed and experience pain-free dental care. Unlike general anesthesia, you’re still conscious, but calm, drowsy, and often remember little about the procedure afterward.
There are two types of sedation offered at Coastal Periodontics:
- Oral Sedation: A small pill taken before your appointment that helps you feel deeply relaxed. Many patients remain awake but barely remember the procedure.
- IV Sedation: Delivered through a vein for a deeper level of sedation. You’ll be in a twilight state, still responsive, but unaware of what’s happening.
How Sedation Dentistry Makes Treatment Easier
For many patients, the biggest benefit of sedation dentistry is the ability to receive the care they need without fear or discomfort. But the advantages go beyond just easing nerves:
- Relieves anxiety and tension before and during treatment
- Reduces discomfort and helps manage sensitive teeth or gag reflex
- Makes longer procedures feel shorter
- Allows more work to be done in fewer appointments
- Improves overall outcomes by allowing your dental team to work more efficiently
Sedation dentistry makes receiving the care your smile needs easier, without the emotional toll.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
You don’t need to have an extreme dental phobia to be a good candidate. Sedation is a helpful solution that makes dental treatment more manageable and comfortable for many patients, especially those who have:
- A history of dental anxiety or fear.
- Delayed care due to nerves or past negative experiences.
- Difficulty getting numb with local anesthesia alone.
- Experienced a strong gag reflex or sensitive teeth.
- Gone through a longer or more complex procedure.
- Special healthcare needs or conditions that make dental treatment challenging.
At Coastal Periodontics, patient safety is our top priority, and all sedation methods are evaluated and carefully monitored during treatment.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Sedation Dentistry
If you’re considering sedation, here’s a simple breakdown of what the experience is like:
- Before your treatment, you’ll meet with your periodontist for a consultation to review your medical history and discuss your options. If oral sedation is used, you’ll be prescribed medication to take at home before your appointment. For IV sedation, a pre-procedure plan will be outlined, and you’ll need someone to drive you to and from the appointment.
- During treatment, you’ll feel more relaxed and at ease once sedation begins. Many patients describe it as feeling sleepy or dreamlike. Our team will monitor your vital signs and comfort level throughout the procedure to ensure your safety.
- After Treatment, sedation can leave you feeling drowsy for a few hours, so it’s important to rest and avoid driving or operating machinery. You may not remember much of the procedure, and that’s the point. Most patients are surprised at how smooth and stress-free their visit felt.
Ready to Experience Comfortable Dental Care?
We know dental anxiety can be overwhelming, but it shouldn’t stop you from getting the care you need. At Coastal Periodontics, we specialize in minimally invasive periodontal treatments that are both effective and comfortable.
We can help even the most nervous patients get back on track with their oral health with sedation dentistry. From deep cleanings to implants and advanced periodontal care, our team offers personalized dental treatment with compassion and care.
Take the first step toward a healthier smile without fear. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover how we can make your next visit the most comfortable yet.
Make an Appointment Now
Consulting with a dental professional, like Dr. Tredinick at Coastal Periodontics, can provide you with expert guidance and help you make the right decision to restore your smile and oral health.
New Patient Special: Support the Charity of Your Choice
Get a complete exam, X-rays and 3D CT scan all for $295. We’ll create a personalized care plan for the treatment that is best for you, whether the revolutionary Pinhole Technique for gum recession, laser assisted treatment for gum disease, and a variety of implant procedures to replace missing teeth or support dentures. Plus, you’re supporting your community – we’ll donate a portion of your fee goes to the charity of your choice.