If you fear visiting the dentist, then you’re likely to avoid routine visits for checkups and cleanings, which can allow minor problems like plaque buildup to lead to serious decay or infection, among other oral health issues. Instead of risking the loss of your natural teeth, why not talk to your North Hollywood, CA, dentist? We want to help you manage your anxiety with calming dental sedation.

Do You Have a Fear of the Dentist?

A fear of the dentist could be the result of bad past experience, or possibly due to lack of experience entirely. We understand that your anxiety is real, and you’re not alone. Studies show between 8% and 15% of adults experience some level of fear about visiting the dentist for even routine procedures. However, a lack of cleanings and checkups could allow cavities, infections, gum disease, and even tooth loss to occur. We want you to feel relaxed and comfortable, and to receive the care you need to stay healthy!

Nitrous Oxide and Oral Sedation

We start by looking at your medical history and the current state of your smile. We will ask questions to assess the severity of your anxiety as well. For most people, we can administer a nitrous oxide. A gas is administered through a mask over the nose, and helps a person enter a calm state with little to no memory of the procedure. The effects wear off quickly, so you can usually return to work or school and even drive yourself home!

Oral sedation, taken in pill form prior to the procedure, helps people enter a deeper state of relaxation. You will again have little to no memory of the procedure, but the effects will take time to wear off. A friend or family member will need to bring you home. You should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery of the rest of the day!

IV Sedation

The deepest form of relaxation, and one we usually reserve for extreme cases of anxiety or oral surgical procedures, is IV sedation. We administer the calming agent through an IV, and a trained anesthesiologist will monitor your vitals throughout the procedure. Again, a friend or family member will need to bring you home and you may need to avoid driving for the rest of the day. If you have any questions, then please contact our team today.

Do You Have Questions About Visiting Our Office?

We don’t want bad past experiences or anxiety to prevent you from obtaining a healthy smile. For more information on our how we help patients manage their dental fears, schedule a consultation by calling Modern Smiles in North Hollywood, CA, today at 818-763-9353. We also proudly serve patients who live in Burbank, Toluca Lake, and all surrounding communities.