Oral Sedation

Among the most common fears, dentistry ranks second to public speaking. Anxiety in the dental office is not uncommon and does not have to go untreated. We make every effort to help our patients feel relaxed and comfortable in our office. This includes discussing particular concerns or fears and taking the time to understand the source of fear(s). Dental appointments are then tailored accordingly. During long appointments we may offer headphones for relaxing to music or watching a movie. This works well for patients who don't like the sound of the drill or for those who need a mental distraction. Yet for others these types of solutions may not be enough. More profound methods such as oral sedation or nitrous oxide may be indicated. Whether anxiety stems from a fear of needles, specific dental procedures, or just walking into a dental office, our staff welcomes everyone without judgment and tries to find the right method for each patient.

In some cases we may prescribe a safe and effective oral sedative which is taken one hour before dental treatment. Patients who manage their fear through oral sedation become so relaxed that a large amount of complex treatment can be accomplished in a single appointment.