Healthy Teeth And Gums For A Lifetime ! 

Overcoming Dental Fear with Sedation Dentistry

 

We all want healthy teeth that last us a lifetime, however for some people the anxiety of anticipating pain from a needle, pain during treatment or post treatment keeps them from having necessary care performed by their dentist.  Others may suffer a deeper seated phobia based on past experience, the fear of the unknown or a phobia of unseen complications.  What these patients do not realize is that their fear of dental treatment may lead to even greater and longer-lasting pain later on. 

 

Phillips and Jue Dental offers a few ways for their patients to cope with their fear, so that they will be able to receive the care necessary to maintain their oral health.

 

Sedation Dentistry                                                                                    Phillips and Jue Dental 661-323-1500

 

Who can benefit from sedation dentistry?

 

Adults who have:

high fear

had traumatic experiences

difficulty getting numb

a very bad gag reflex

very sensitive teeth

 

Adults who:

hate needles and shots

hate noises, smells and tastes associated with dental care

are afraid and embarrassed about their teeth

 

We offer two different levels of sedation depending on your needs.

 

Light Sedation

 

Nitrous Oxide

Light sedation is achieved through the use of a gas called Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas.  The gas is mixed with oxygen and is inhaled through a small mask placed over your nose.

 

The benefits include:

 

It is extremely safe

It wears off quickly so there is no need for someone to drive you home from our appointment

The doctor can accurately control the level of sedation

 

Moderate Sedation

 

Benzodiazepines

Moderate sedation is achieved through the use of pills that are in the drug family called Benzodiazepines. Drugs that many people are familiar with from this family include Valium and Xanax.  These drugs produce a feeling of relaxation and drowsiness. They decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain which tone down activity in those parts of the brain responsible for fear.

 

The benefits include:

 

They place you in a very relaxed state

They cause drowsiness enabling most patients to intermittently doze during the appointment

They work as a mild anesthetic to aid pain control

 

 

If dental anxiety is a problem that is preventing you from receiving regular dental care, Phillips and Jue Dental encourages you to call their office at 661-323-1500 to learn about how you can cope with these fears with medication or coaching.