Dental phobia, dental anxiety, odontophobia—whatever you want to call it, plenty of people feel nervous when it’s time to schedule a dental visit. For 20% of patients with dentophobia, their anxiety means delaying necessary treatment, and somewhere between 9 and 15% will never seek treatment at all. This can cause serious issues, as many oral health problems will only get worse if not treated quickly. At Brockley Dental Center, we understand the effect dental phobia can have on anxious patients, young and old. We’re proud to offer safe and effective sedation dentistry options that allow patients of all ages to have a comfortable and pain-free dental experience.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
At its core, sedation dentistry employs various methods to help patients relax and feel comfortable during dental procedures. This approach ranges from mild to moderate sedation. No matter your chosen method, our experienced dental team will carefully complete your procedure and monitor your oxygen levels, heart rate, and blood pressure throughout the process.
Sedation dentistry also benefits patients by allowing for more efficient dental work. We can complete multi-step procedures in one visit because of the way sedation relaxes you. This efficiency can lead to fewer appointments, saving you time and money.
Sedation dentistry is particularly beneficial if you have:
- Dental anxiety or phobia
- Low sensitivity to local anesthesia
- A fear of needles
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
- Claustrophobia in dental settings
- Special needs that make traditional dental visits challenging
- An overly sensitive gag reflex
The Evolution of Sedation Dentistry
When we said dental phobia was a common concern among patients, we weren’t kidding—humans have been trying to deal with tooth pain and discomfort for thousands of years. As early as 2250 BC, a Babylonian clay tablet revealed the specific recipe for a cement mixture used to dull the pain from cavities. As the centuries passed, many different questionable methods of sedation were tried, including ice-water shock therapy, blood vessel constriction, and even a whack over the head with a mallet. We promise we don’t employ any of these methods at Brockley Dental Center!
It wasn’t until 1844 that Dr. Horace Wells used nitrous oxide for the first time in a dental procedure. Two years later, Dr. William Morton showed it to the Dean of Harvard Medical School, who was so impressed with the results that he quickly published the findings so dentists worldwide could use nitrous oxide in their practices. As sedation dentistry has continued to evolve throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, it has only gotten safer and more effective. The bottom line is that there’s no better time in history to seek dental treatment! Our modern sedation options ensure all patients have a comfortable, painless experience at the dentist.
Sedation Dentistry Options To Help With Dental Phobia
At your initial visit to Brockley Dental Center, our team will review your medical history, previous dental experiences, and current medications to determine the most suitable sedation method. Before the procedure, we may advise pausing certain medications and fasting for a short period.
- Nitrous oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a quick and adjustable sedation method that won’t necessarily make you chuckle but will make you feel more relaxed and elated. It leaves your system quickly, allowing you to drive yourself home and return to normal activities post-procedure.
- Conscious oral sedation: Administered in pill form about an hour before your procedure, conscious oral sedation is ideal for longer or more comprehensive procedures. The medicine induces a deeply relaxed, sometimes drowsy state while still allowing for patient communication. With this sedation method, you will need a ride home afterward, as the effects will linger for a few hours.
- Emotional support animals: At Brockley Dental Center, our team of therapy dogs, led by their matriarch, Grandma River, is ready to help alleviate anxiety. They are especially effective for children but are available for all our patients!
The Importance of Building Relationships
At Brockley Dental Center, a family practice led by the father-daughter duo of Dr. Donald Brockley and Dr. Ahono Gildersleeve, we treat each patient with individualized care and compassion. Building personal relationships with all our patients is part of ensuring a comfortable and relaxing experience. We get to know you and your dental concerns, preferences, and personality and will do our best to provide any accommodations that will make your experience more pleasant.
Our experience in soothing dental anxiety and our commitment to patient-centric care sets us apart. We understand the intricacies of dental phobia and offer a gentle, empathetic approach, which is especially beneficial for children and adolescents.
Don’t Let Dental Phobia Stop You from Getting Dental Care
If dental phobia is keeping you from seeking necessary dental procedures, then contact Brockley Dental Center. Our expert dental team (dogs included!) is ready to guide you through a comfortable, anxiety-free experience with our professional sedation dentistry services. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a healthier, happier smile.
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