Dental Anxiety? How Sedation Options at Beaches Dentistry Can Transform Your Experience

Dental anxiety is common and can get in the way of routine dental care. If you find yourself pushing off booking dental visits or avoiding dental care entirely, it’s important to know that sedation dentistry can pave the way for the dental health services you need. 

At Beaches Dentistry, we understand the challenges that dental anxiety creates. We work hard to create a welcoming, comfortable environment for people experiencing dental anxiety. Sedation dentistry is a big part of that process, and is available at our Jacksonville Beach, Florida, office.

What is dental anxiety, and what causes it?

Dental anxiety is a term used to describe a range of emotional reactions that happen when someone thinks about or tries to plan dental care. For some, it’s as simple as wanting to avoid or postpone dental visits. For others, dental anxiety is so severe that the individual is unable to go through with dental visits and does not get the care they need. 

Dental anxiety can develop after a negative experience with dental services. It can also be the result of pop culture influences, such as movies or TV shows, that depict dental care as something to fear. 

Some people have strong aversions to the sounds of dental drills or the thought of someone putting their hands into one’s mouth. In some cases, there is no clear cause for dental anxiety. 

No matter what brought on a fear of dental services, addressing dental anxiety is a critical part of getting the routine preventive and restorative care you need. 

How does sedation dentistry help with dental anxiety?

Simply put, sedation dentistry is an approach that uses medication to help you relax during your dental visits. There are several options to choose from, and a fit for virtually every set of needs. 

Many people rely on sedation dentistry for routine dental visits and urgent dental care. There is no need to feel embarrassed or self-conscious about asking for some support as you plan your dental care. You might be surprised to learn how many people rely on sedation dentistry services. 

What are some sedation dentistry options?

A popular option is nitrous oxide, an odorless gas you breathe in during your visit. Also known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide helps you relax and sometimes creates a sense of euphoria. 

The gas takes effect soon after your practitioner places a cannula or mask over your nose. Even better, the effects wear off shortly after you stop breathing nitrous oxide; you can resume your day afterward. 

Oral sedation is another option. Your dentist prescribes an oral sedative to take an hour before your appointment. The medication eases anxiety and creates a sense of deep relaxation and well-being, making dental procedures easier to bear. 

In some cases, intravenous (IV) sedation is the best fit. While nitrous oxide and oral sedation can make you feel sleepy, IV sedation almost definitely helps you fall asleep during your visit, which is a good fit for people with severe dental phobias and for those who need extensive restorative treatment. 

Which sedation option is right for me?

The best way to choose a sedation dentistry approach is by discussing your specific needs with your dentist during a visit. Explain your experience with dental anxiety, which helps your dentist guide you toward the option that best aligns with your needs. 

If fear of pain is the leading cause of your dental anxiety, you’ll be happy to learn that advancements in dental technology have made dental care far more comfortable than in decades past. 

Many people find that their dental anxiety lessens once they’ve experienced the care provided by the Beaches Dentistry team. If you have additional questions or concerns, or are ready to book a visit, give us a call or use our online booking tool today.