I have a fear of the dentist, what can I do?

Learn about how Sedation Dentistry can help dental patients.

For many people, the thought of going to the dentist brings to mind feelings of anxiety, tenseness and fear. Some would even rather suffer from a toothache than go to the dentist for the procedures they need. Luckily, sedation dentistry techniques can offer relief to these patients and others so they can receive the care they need for optimal oral health.

Both oral sedation dentistry and IV sedation dentistry use medications to make it easier for patients to relax during dental procedures. Different levels of sedation are available, ranging from minimal sedation to general anesthesia. Depending on the level administered, the patient may remain awake or be completely unconscious during the procedure.

Oral sedation dentistry can provide minimal to moderate sedation. Patients are given a pill before the procedure begins. The medication may make the patient drowsy but awake, or a stronger dose can be given to induce moderate sedation.

IV sedation dentistry also provides various levels of sedation and enables patients to have multiple treatments performed at once.

Both methods of sedation are safe, effective and can be used in conjunction with a local anesthetic that numbs the site that the dentist is working on in the mouth.

In addition to being used to calm the fears of anxious patients, sedation dentistry can also be used on patients who have sensitive teeth, poor gag reflexes or a low pain threshold. It may also be appropriate for patients who have trouble sitting still in the dentist’s chair or require a large amount of dental work.

As a top Lansdowne & Leesburg Virginia sedation dentist, Dr. Bala specializes in patients who need assistance is being relaxed and comfortable during their dental appointments.