Too Anxious or Scared To See a Dentist? Sedation Dentistry Can Help

Did you know an estimated 30-40 million Americans avoid dental care because of fear and anxiety? Dental phobia affects people of all ages and can be a real obstacle to achieving good oral health. But don’t lose hope! Nitrous oxide sedation is a great way to feel relaxed and stress-free during your appointments with a dentist in Edison. Not to mention that there are some easy things you can do on your own to reduce your anxiety as well. Keep reading to learn more and get one step closer to conquering your fear!

How Does Nitrous Oxide Work?

Nitrous oxide (sometimes called laughing gas) is a common type of sedation provided in many dental offices. It’s considered “conscious” sedation because you’ll feel deeply relaxed while staying aware of what’s happening around you. Being sedated with nitrous oxide is easy and simply involves breathing an odorless gas through a comfortable nosepiece.

In addition to providing effective yet gentle sedation, nitrous oxide has other benefits as well. For example, some people have a mild amnesia effect and only have vague memories of their procedure (which is often a welcomed relief). However, the effects wear off within a minute or two so you can still drive yourself home and resume your normal activities immediately. Nitrous oxide can also be used for everything from checkups and cleanings to more more extensive procedures like fillings and crowns.

Other Strategies To Reduce Dental Anxiety

• Find a dentist who makes you comfortable – Finding a calm, friendly Edison dentist who you feel comfortable with will go a long way towards minimizing fear and anxiety.
• Communicate – Talking about your fears with your dentist is also key and will help you feel heard and understood. Keep in mind that dentists undergo special training to treat anxious patients and want to make your experience positive. Also, a good dentist will always spend time listening to your concerns.
• Use relaxation techniques – Relaxation techniques can be incredibly helpful, especially when used in conjunction with nitrous oxide sedation. This can be as simple as breathing in slowly for a count of 3 and exhaling for a count of 5, which gives you something to focus on and also helps your nervous system relax. You may also consider yoga, meditation and regular exercise in the days prior to your visit, or simply bring some earphones and calming music to your appointment.

Dental care is essential for your oral health. And with nitrous oxide sedation and a few simple strategies, you can have a good experience in the dental chair at every visit!

About the Author

Dr. Steven Resnick has been a family dentist in Edison for many years. In addition to teaching regularly and being actively involved in many professional groups, he’s known for his clinical excellence and calm, reassuring chairside manner. If you want to know how to improve your dental anxiety or have any other questions, he can be contacted via his website.