Can Sedation Help With Dental Anxiety? The Answer Is “Yes!

Dental anxiety is extremely common. A recent systematic review of available research indicated that up to 36% of people have dental anxiety. Lots of people don’t like going to the dentist because they’re embarrassed about their teeth, have had bad experiences in the past, or are just nervous about the idea of any kind of dental surgery or treatment.  So, what should you do if you need dental care but are nervous about seeing the dentist? You should look into sedation dentistry at Southington Dentistry. We offer sedation to help you relax during any appointment, even teeth cleanings! Learn more about sedation dentistry and how it helps with anxiety below.

Sedation Is A Proven Method Of Reducing Fear & Anxiety At The Dentist

Dental sedation is one of the best ways to control your fear and anxiety at the dentist, and has been used for more than a century. There are a lot of different types of sedation available, but they all do the same basic thing.  Dental sedation reduces your level of awareness, helps you feel more comfortable, and fights back against feelings of pain and anxiety throughout your appointment. This makes it ideal for reducing your fear of the dentist. Sedation also can help if you have a low pain tolerance, you have a strong gag reflex, or if you’re afraid of needles, such as the numbing needles that are often required for dental procedures. Along with local numbing treatment, sedation can eliminate any feelings of pain, and help you feel relaxed, safe, and comfortable at Southington Dentistry while you get the dental care you need from Dr. Neil Salesky. 

We Offer Both Nitrous Oxide & Pill-Based Oral Conscious Sedation

The two most widely-used methods of sedation are nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and pill-based oral conscious sedation. We offer both at our office.

• Nitrous oxide – This sedation method uses a face mask that provides a flow of nitrous oxide gas and oxygen to your lungs. As you breathe in, you’ll feel happy, less anxious, and less aware of what’s happening during your appointment. Best of all, the effects of this method of sedation wear off within 5 minutes, so you can drive home or go back to work afterward.
• Oral conscious sedation – This method of sedation uses pill-based medicine to deliver a deeper level of sedation. You will feel groggy and may fall asleep or forget your appointment. You also can’t drive yourself home or go back to work, since its after-effects persist for at least 4-6 hours and your ability to operate heavy machinery may be impaired for up to 24 hours. 

Contact Us Today To Schedule Your Next Appointment In Southington!

Whether you’re in Southington, Plantsville, or Wolcott, the team at Southington Dentistry is here to help you get the dental care you need, even if you’re scared of seeing the dentist. We offer sedation, a patient-focused approach to dental care, and modern technology like drill-less dentistry to help make your visits easier. So don’t wait. Contact us online or give us a call at (860) 628-5029 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Salesky today, discuss your fears and anxiety, and learn more about your sedation options at our office. We’re always accepting new patients!