Got Dental Anxiety? We Offer Sedation Options
Did you know that nearly a quarter of the population is fearful of a trip to the dentist? If you can be counted in that statistic, turn to our compassionate and skilled team of dentists at Union Square Dental in the Flatiron District of Manhattan in New York City. Our highly trained team of dentists and endodontists offer a number of solutions to help ease your fears and enhance your experience while you’re attending to your oral health.
For this blog post, we gathered our team together to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about dental anxiety and sedation dentistry. Read on to learn more.
What are some of the most common dental fears?
If you’ve been avoiding the dentist, perhaps it’s due to one of these well-established reasons:
- Anxiety about needles and injections
- Pain avoidance
- Fear of gagging, shortness of breath, or choking
- Recalling a bad dental experience in the past
- Distress when you hear the sound of a drill
- Close proximity to others
In addition, some people confuse an embarrassment about their cavities or plaque build-up for fear and let it cause them to neglect their teeth for too long.
What is sedation dentistry?
It is our number one goal to ensure that you are completely comfortable while we care for your teeth and gums. That’s why we provide access to sedatives that can help you peacefully relax during your procedure, while you remain conscious and aware.
What sedation options are available?
In our state-of-the-art clinic, we offer inhaled and oral sedation options for all of our patients experiencing anxiety. Our two go-to sedation methods are:
Nitrous oxide
To help you relax completely, we place a mask over your nose as you breathe in nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, this safe anesthetic is mixed with oxygen and inhaled into your lungs. It works quickly to ease your anxiety and release your tension. It’s a time-tested option to help you stay calm while your dentist takes good care of your dental needs.
Local anesthetic
Our team regularly uses local anesthetics to take care of a wide range of dental concerns, such as fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, and veneers. We administer local anesthetic specifically in the area that’s being treated.
Local anesthetics come in many forms. We’ll use the one that’s best suited to your needs and goals and that bears in mind your specific type of dental anxiety. Some local anesthetics we may use include gels, creams, injectables, patches, sprays, or ointments.
Don’t let fear or anxiety put your oral health at risk. Learn more about how sedation dentistry can make you smile. Call now to make an appointment.