Blake Nelson, DDS
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Can Sedation Dentistry Help My Dental Anxiety?

May 8, 2023
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Posted By: Dr. Blake Nelson
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Dental anxiety can range from mild to severe, but fear (moderate and higher) may prevent patients from getting needed dental care. Fortunately, sedation dentistry makes treatment accessible for those with dental phobia and dread.

With options ranging from mild relaxants to IV sedation, your dentist can choose the right option or combination of therapies to make dentistry comfortable for you.

Sedation Dentistry in Winston-Salem, NC

Nitrous Oxide

This is a mild relaxant administered through a small nose mask. This option makes you feel detached from your treatment and even tranquil. And it does not have lingering side effects. You’ll be able to continue with your day, not feeling drowsy.

Oral Sedation

This method and its effects vary by patient. Some report moderate anxiety relief, while others barely recall treatment. Your dentist will talk to you more about what to expect. With oral sedation, it’s important not to drive or make important decisions on the day of treatment.

IV Sedation

dentist with patient | sedation dentistry winston salem ncYour dentist can adjust this medication to your specific anxiety level. However, most patients don’t recall their treatment upon waking from IV sedation. Therefore, as with oral sedation, we urge no driving or making crucial life decisions on the day of your procedure.

Is Dental Sedation Suitable for Me?

Your dentist in Winston-Salem, NC will take a health history to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for sedation dentistry. And we can alter certain medications to fit your health profile and level of unease. Additionally, our dental team monitors you constantly throughout treatment.

Your dentist may recommend one sedation option or combination therapy for best results.

Contact Your Family Dentist in Winston-Salem, NC

Talk to a dental team member today if you want to learn more about sedation dentistry or our dental services. And if you’re ready to arrange a visit or consultation with the dentist, we are standing by to get you started today.

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Many patients — many of whom suffer from dental anxiety — hesitate to try sedation dentistry because of certain prevalent misconceptions. In truth, sedation dentistry is a safe way to make your dental experience comfortable and pain-free. Let’s bust some common sedation dentistry myths so you can feel calm before and during your next appointment!

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Too often, anxiety and phobias keep people out of the dental office, and the impact can be severe. Our sedation dentist in Winston-Salem, NC offers anxiety-free dentistry through a compassionate approach to patient care, coupled with dental sedation.

Forgoing dental care due to anxiety can have severe consequences—everything from premature tooth loss to systemic health complications involving the heart. And specific complications like gum disease have been linked to a host of medical issues.

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Tell us that you have dental anxiety

The first step to making your dental visits easier is letting your dental team know how you feel!  If you have had traumatic dental visits in the past, if you typically require more local anesthetic to get numb, or if you need to be able to take breaks, make sure you discuss your concerns beforehand. 

Tell us how we can help

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