How Sedation Dentistry Can Help With Dental Anxiety

All of us have fears. Some people are terrified by snakes, many can't stand the sight of clowns, and others feel anxious or fearful at dental appointments. Although avoiding snakes or clowns won't harm your teeth, staying away from the dentist can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. Fortunately, your Falls Church, VA, periodontists, Dr. Lourdes Christopher and Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi of Falls Church Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery, offer sedation dentistry, a service that makes dental visits much less stressful.


Sedation dentistry eases anxiety and fears

Sedation dentistry uses medications to help you feel calm and relaxed during your appointment. If you've been putting off replacing a lost tooth with a dental implant or starting gum disease treatment at the Falls Church dental office because of your anxiety, a sedative can make it possible for you to get the care you need.

When you take advantage of the calming effects of sedatives, you'll be much less likely to cancel appointments even though you really need dental care. You may also find that you no longer need to break up treatments into multiple visits.


Types of sedation dentistry

Types of sedation dentistry include:

  • Oral Sedation: Available in pill form, oral sedation is an excellent option if your stress level soars long before you even walk into the dental office. You'll take the pills an hour or two before your appointment and will feel completely relaxed by the time you arrive. You'll need to ask someone to drive you to and from your appointment, as you may feel slightly drowsy.

  • Inhalation Conscious Sedation: Commonly called "laughing gas," this type of sedation involves breathing nitrous oxide through a small mask placed over your nose. You'll remain awake during your appointment and treatment but won't be bothered by any of the sights and sounds around you. Since the effects of nitrous oxide stop the second you take off the mask, you won't need a driver.

  • Intravenous Conscious Sedation: The sedative is added to an intravenous (IV) line placed in your arm in intravenous conscious sedation. Although you will be awake, things will be a little hazy, and you won't remember anything that happened during your appointment. You'll also need to ask a friend or family member to drive you to and from your appointment if you choose intravenous conscious sedation.

Don't let your fears keep you from getting the care you need! Sedation dentistry offers the ideal solution if you suffer from dental anxiety and need to see the dentist. Call your periodontists in Falls Church, VA, Dr. Lourdes Christopher and Dr. Mehrdad Favagehi of Falls Church Periodontics and Dental Implant Surgery, at (703) 237-3700 to schedule your appointment.

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