Relieving Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry in West Orange

Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects many individuals. It can prevent patients from seeking and receiving the dental care they need. The fear associated with even routine dental treatments can lead to untreated dental issues, which can become worse over time. Dr. Ivan Stein and Dr. Allan Stein offer sedation dentistry to help patients with dental anxiety feel at ease during their treatments. Ahead, learn more about the sedation options available at Northfield Dental Group.

About Dental Anxiety

For some patients, visiting the dentist is unpleasant, but manageable. For others, even the idea of a dental setting can bring on severe negative emotions. Dental anxiety refers to the fear, stress, and anxiety related to receiving dental care. It can have many causes, such as past traumatic experiences or a paralyzing fear of needles.

Dental Anxiety and Oral Health

Being scared to go to the dentist may result in delays or complete avoidance of the dental care you need to keep your teeth healthy. This behavior can lead to a cycle of worsening dental pain, heightened levels of anxiety, and the need for additional dental procedures. For example, dental anxiety may compel an individual with a toothache to avoid treatment. However, what could have been treatment with a routine dental filling may now require a root canal, due to advanced tooth decay. Fortunately, patients have several options for relieving this anxiety with sedation.

Sedation Options

Nitrous oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used in sedation dentistry to provide patients with a feeling of euphoria and relaxation during their appointments. Nitrous oxide is inhaled through a mask, and the effects begin within a few minutes. During your procedure, the levels of nitrous oxide are carefully controlled and adjusted as appropriate. After your treatment is complete, the nitrous oxide is flushed from your system, giving you the flexibility to drive home after your dental appointments.

Oral sedation: Oral sedation is administered via pill approximately one hour before your scheduled treatment; for children, a liquid may be provided. There are several oral sedation medications available, and our dentists will decide which one is right for you. This form of sedation makes patients feel sleepy, which is why they should arrange for a ride home after receiving oral sedation.

IV sedation: IV sedation is another form of conscious sedation available, and it is delivered to the bloodstream via IV. Patients with severe dental anxiety may benefit from IV sedation, as it often makes them fall asleep and awaken with little to no memory of the procedure.