The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health defines dental anxiety as the feeling of nervousness or apprehension about dental procedures, which can prevent you from seeking the treatment you need. If fear of drills or fillings has kept you from making an appointment, you may be experiencing dental anxiety. This fear comes in many forms, ranging from severe panic to mild but persistent apprehension about routine checkups, and it can stem from various causes. Some people have had a negative experience at the dentist, making them hesitant to return, while others feel anxious due to the sounds, sensations, or simply the idea of dental work. For some, the anxiety arises without a clear reason. Whatever your experience, Brockley Dental Center is here to help. Trust our compassionate team to handle your care and concerns with expertise and understanding.
Expert Sedation Dentistry for Dental Anxiety
Our dentists at Brockley Dental Center, Dr. Donald Brockley and Dr. Ahono Gildersleeve, are a father-daughter team with over 50 years of combined experience. They have undergone specialized training to safely administer two types of sedatives for dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is a sweet-smelling gas we administer through a nosepiece or mask. This sedative keeps you awake but calm and takes effect in about three minutes! We can adjust the level of nitrous oxide at any time during the procedure and will closely monitor your comfort. This method is often ideal for shorter procedures or for patients with mild anxiety because it acts quickly and can be adjusted or reversed as needed. After your procedure, we administer pure oxygen to flush the gas from your system, helping you recover quickly. In most cases, you’ll be able to drive home or return to work right after your treatment, with no lingering side effects.
Conscious oral sedation works a bit differently from nitrous oxide but is highly effective. This sedative typically comes as a pill or, for children, an oral syrup. It’s commonly used for longer procedures or for patients with more intense anxiety, as its effects are stronger. While you’ll remain awake and responsive during the procedure, you’ll feel deeply relaxed and at ease. The goal of conscious oral sedation is to keep you calm while allowing you to follow instructions. Because the effects can last for some time, you’ll need to arrange for someone to drive you home afterward.
In addition to these options, we also have cute and friendly therapy dogs. Our pups are eager to help calm you and bring joy to an otherwise rough day!
How To Prepare for Sedation
Sedation dentistry is incredibly beneficial for patients and helps our team provide the best care possible. When you’re calm and relaxed, we can work more efficiently and achieve optimal results. For those with an overactive gag reflex, a tendency to flinch or move around, or feelings of panic, sedation can change your relationship with dental treatment and make your visits far more comfortable.
To begin your sedation journey, you’ll schedule an initial consultation. At your consultation, we will get to know you and your unique needs. As a family-owned and operated practice, Brockley Dental Center treats every patient with personalized care—never as just a name on a file. To determine the best sedation option for you, we’ll discuss your apprehensions, review your medical history, and go over any current medications.
If your procedure requires sedation, we may ask you to temporarily stop taking blood thinners and to abstain from eating or drinking for six hours beforehand. For oral conscious sedation, specifically, we ask that you arrive an hour before the procedure to give the medication time to take effect. Once you’re comfortably sedated, we’ll use a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area and begin your dental work.
Don’t Let Dental Anxiety Prevent You From Getting the Care You Need
Dental anxiety keeps many people from getting the care they need, but it doesn’t have to! Dr. Donald Brockley and Dr. Ahono Gildersleeve offer advanced sedation options, including nitrous oxide and conscious oral sedation, to help keep you calm and comfortable. These options, plus our friendly therapy dogs, can help you access the care you need without stress or discomfort!
Don’t let dental anxiety hold you back any longer—schedule a consultation today to discuss our sedation options and get the care you deserve.
We offer sedation dentistry to help you combat dental anxiety. Follow us on Facebook to explore our other patient-centered services.
