Dentophobia, or dental anxiety, is the fear of dentists, which is a bit of a misconception because it’s not the dentist but rather the dental procedures that most patients fear. The fear of injections, noise from drilling, and pressure from the work being performed ignite anxiety in almost 10% of people. Dental anxiety is not uncommon, so you are not alone.
At Lovett Dental Gulfgate, our office includes a team of highly trained specialty dental professionals. You can trust us to review your treatment plan and get an idea of your dental experiences before we begin. We are proud to offer friendly, helpful, and courteous service that can help you relieve anxiety and begin a healthy oral care regimen. With sedation dentistry, your dentist can use tools such as nitrous oxide, IV sedation, or oral sedation to help you remain calm and relaxed throughout your dental procedure.
Common Causes of Dental Anxiety
You may have many reasons to develop a fear of the dentist. Each patient has their own unique experience with dental anxiety. Addressing these concerns head-on allows you to confront the fears that contribute to your stress. The following list includes some origins of dental phobias:
- Fear of needles
- Fear of pain
- Previous negative dental experiences
- Other persons’ reports of negative dental experiences
- Teeth sensitivity
- Fear of extractions
- Previous unrelated trauma
Lovett Dental Gulfgate works with patients experiencing dental anxiety in Houston every day. You can depend on us to empathize with you and provide comforting stress-free solutions. Many patients with anxiety will ask for “laughing gas,” which is nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is a commonly requested sedation method for many patients based on its reputation of putting patients in a cheerful and calm state throughout the procedure. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly after the procedure, and patients offer positive reports about their procedures afterward.
Sedation Dentistry for Dental Anxiety
Nitrous oxide is inhaled through the nose with an oxygen-like mask. Most patients tolerate it well. It is often the most preferred method of dental sedation.
On the other hand, oral sedation is a mild sedative in pill form that your dentist will prescribe. You will take the pill an hour before your procedure. Your dentist will choose which medicine to give you based on your health history. For patients with dental anxiety, oral sedation may be a particularly appropriate choice.
IV sedation is used for longer procedures, and patients are placed under general anesthesia according to their health history and tolerance. Lovett Dental Gulfgate takes careful consideration when prescribing sedation medications. Our team wants your experience to be pleasant and reassuring so that you will reach optimal oral health.
Sedation methods used at our dental office are not long-lasting. They are administered in limited dosages, specifically purposed for the procedure.
Your dentist will tell you to raise your hand if you feel any sign of discomfort, and they will adjust your sedation accordingly. Your dentist wants to know if you are feeling any sign of distress, so don’t hesitate to ask for help.
Contact Lovett Dental Gulfgate
Once you are more confident that you can overcome dental anxiety with the help of the professionals at Lovett Dental Gulfgate, we can help you fix your smile and achieve your oral health goals. Some of our services in Houston, Texas, include the following:
- Teeth whitening
- Fluoride treatments
- Pediatric dentistry services as early as six months of age
- Dental implants for missing teeth
- Periodontics
- Root canal treatments
- Oral surgery
Another great way to relieve dental anxiety is to have someone, such as a friend or family member, accompany you to your appointment. Write down any questions or concerns that you have about sedation dentistry in Houston, Texas, so that you can discuss them with our team. The final way is to visit a dentist that is experienced, community-oriented, and trustworthy at Lovett Dental Gulfgate. Schedule your dental appointment today with our friendly, caring staff by calling us at 713-847-8822.
