Anxiety and Sedation

Dental Anxiety

Our patients health and comfort is our number one objective. We understand that patients may have had previous unpleasant dental experiences. We appreciate what they have been through and want to give them a low anxiety, gentle and comfortable dental experience.

We spend a lot of time educating and answering our patient’s questions. We also present all treatment plans in detail to make sure you know all about your dental treatment. Safety and comfort are also of primary importance to us. Dr. Grewal and his staff are deeply committed to your success and how you feel while achieving that success.

Sedation

However, for many patients, anxiety about dental procedures can become a barrier to dental health – they put off dental examinations or treatments or avoid them completely, with potentially serious consequences.

Fortunately, modern dentistry allows us to offer a variety of sedation options to suit our patients’ individual needs. Even those who struggle with anxiety or gag reflexes can receive the dental treatment required for comfort, beauty and overall health.

Nitrous Oxide, also called laughing gas, has been used effectively in dental treatment for decades. Delivery is simple: it is inhaled through a nose hood throughout the dental procedure. It’s a mild sedative that elevates mood, reduces anxiety and numbs pain.

Sleep dentistry, also called conscious sedation or oral sedation, can be a welcome option for patients suffering from anxiety who dislike needles. The patient is conscious and able to respond to directions if needed, but the senses are dulled, anxiety is dramatically reduced, and full or partial amnesia is induced – the patient typically emerges with no memory of the procedure.

Oral medication is provided prior to the appointment. The medication is usually a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines include Ativan, Valium, Halcion and Versed. A dentist will choose which medication to prescribe for oral sedation based on the needs of the patient and the length of the dental procedure.

If anxiety is preventing you from maintaining a healthy dental treatment routine, talk with us today to learn more about your sedation options.