Dental phobia is a common phobia preventing millions of people from receiving dental care vital to good oral health. To help people overcome their fears and get the dental treatment they need, AZ Family Dental integrates sedation dentistry into some of our procedures when necessary.
While most people experience some nervousness at the thought of going to the dentist, others are gripped by an overwhelming fear and panic so severe that they cannot bring themselves to even enter a dentist’s office. For some, the sight of a dentist’s white coat may promote a fearful response; for others, it is the pain, blood and needles associated with dental procedures that terrify them.
Numerous patients in the greater Phoenix, AZ area put off root canals, teeth cleanings, and other necessary dental work for months, or even years, due to this fear. In some cases, their fears come from concerns that the procedure will be long and painful. In other cases, however, the phobia is a fear of the unknown, either because they’ve heard terrible stories or because they have no idea what to expect.
We at AZ Family Dental understand this fear and strive to do everything in our power to make each visit as comfortable as possible. Sedation dentistry is one of our most common solutions.
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In order to help all patients receive the treatment they need, our office is able to offer basic dental sedation. Our sedation dentists give patients a dose of anti-anxiety medication one hour prior to treatment and then use nitrous oxide gas during the procedure. Be aware that any sedation treatment needs to be discussed, planned, and prepared for prior to the procedure day.
If you’ve been putting off going to the dentist, here are just some of the reasons to consider dental sedation:
We do everything possible to make our patients feel completely at ease while they undergo sedation for dental work in Phoenix, AZ. Your well-being and comfort is always our top priority at AZ Family Dental. We also want our sedation dentistry patients to know that during the time they are sedated, vitals will be monitored and patients are never left alone while under sedation.
Sedation options range from nitrous oxide, nitrous plus (oral conscious sedation) and deep sedation with the assistance of an experienced anesthesiologist.
You can book your sedated denistry in one of our offices:
Learn why other Arizonians Trust AZ Family Dental with all their dental needs!
Nitrous oxide has been used as a dental anesthetic for over 100 years and continues to be used because of its effectiveness in producing temporary euphoria in patients needing dental procedures. Patients simply inhale a small amount of colorless, slightly sweet-smelling nitrous oxide a few minutes prior to beginning a dental treatment. By producing a pleasantly relaxed sensation combined with its pain-reducing properties, nitrous oxide gives patients a sense of soothing calmness during the procedure. The relaxing effects of nitrous oxide disappear within several hours, leaving patients with no unpleasant side effects.
Oral conscious sedation is the other type of sedation for dental work in the greater Phoenix, AZ area. Patients choosing oral sedation are given benzodiazepines that should be taken before visiting our office. Keep in mind, if you choose this sedation method, transportation must be arranged in advanced. Oral sedation dentistry is primarily used for patients who experience mild to moderate dental phobia rather than extreme anxiety.
Patients electing to receive deep (IV) sedation are conscious but extremely relaxed during treatment. Although you will be able to respond to your dentist, you won’t care or remember details of your dental procedure. In addition, time seems to pass so quickly that you may not believe your dentist when he says “you’re done!”
Deep IV sedation is performed by a dental anesthesiologist and is typically reserved for patients requiring extensive dental work, such as dental implants, multiple extractions and teeth modifications associated with dental crowns. However, for patients with severe dental phobia, it may be necessary to use deep sedation for simpler procedures.
When it comes to sedated dentistry, greater Phoenix, AZ residents know our dentists are successful at calming those with even the most severe dental phobias. By using safe, effective medications and techniques and creating a comfortable environment, our friendly and helpful dentists and staff are able to finally provide fearful patients with the dental work they need while being relaxed and pain free. The end result is a better smile and a healthier patient.
If you are interested in sedation dentistry, discuss this with the dentist at your next appointment to our family dentistry.
