Conquering Dental Phobia: Roseanne’s Story

About 5% of people live with dental phobia or severe dental anxiety that makes them avoid the dentist’s office and treatment even when their teeth are in really bad shape. Roseanne was one of those patients, but she overcame her fear under the care and guidance of the Bonita Beach Dental team.

Roseanne’s Journey with Dental Phobia

“I have, I would consider, an extreme dental phobia.”

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Roseanne suffered through a bad dental experience at age six or seven and avoided dental care throughout her entire adult life because of it. She had dental problems over the years but put off seeing a dentist because of her dental anxiety. In particular, a dental crown needed attention, but she struggled to get to a dentist until she woke up one morning without a tooth.

Roseanne visited Dr. Grady Scott, a dentist in Bonita Beach, and felt at ease as soon as she entered the office. The staff, she says, made her extremely comfortable, even though she needed to undergo dental implant treatment.  

Dr. Scott took care of a lifetime of dental problems using the all-on-X dental implants and kept Roseanne comfortable with sedation dentistry.

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is used in dental care to keep you restful, calm, and anxiety-free. It’s also known as conscious sedation and involves using medication to help you feel relaxed while still being conscious or alert.  

Your dentist may suggest sedation dentistry if you struggle with:

• Dental phobia

• Severe tooth sensitivity

• Complex medical conditions

• Movement disorders

• Not responding to local anesthesia

Types of Sedation

There are several forms of sedation, most of which can be done safely in your dental clinic. Your dentist will help you decide on the best form based on your level of fear, your health, and the treatments you need.

Laughing Gas or Nitrous Oxide

Inhalation sedation is a popular method where you inhale nitrous oxide gas or laughing gas through a mask. It starts with pure oxygen for two to five minutes, after which your dentist will slowly increase the gas until you feel comfortable. You typically receive between 30% to 70% nitrous oxide.  

Medication by Mouth

Oral sedation is another option where you receive sedating medication by mouth an hour or two before dental work starts. The medication makes you sleepy or groggy, though you’re still conscious, so you’ll need someone to drive you home after your appointment.  

IV Medication

IV sedation is where you get sedating medication through a needle in your vein or IV. This form of sedation makes you quite sleepy and forgetful, and is usually the best option for severe dental phobia. Your dentist watches your heart and breathing rate and blood pressure while you receive the sedation.

General Anesthesia

General anesthesia is unconscious sedation where you are completely out or unconscious during a procedure. This method is best for major dental surgeries, children, and those with severe dental anxiety and is done in a hospital or surgery center.  

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry is a valuable tool to help you manage anxiety and pain and receive the care you need but have been avoiding.  

Keeps You Calm and Carefree

Sedation has a calming effect on your body, making you feel relaxed and carefree during your procedure. If you struggle with fear or anxiety, whether it’s a fear of needles or a general fear of dental work, sedation dentistry can help you feel at ease.  

Blocks Pain

Some people don’t respond well to local anesthetics and may feel some pain or sensations that cause anxiety. Sedation keeps you pain-free during dental work, making it a good option.  

Helps You Get Treatment You Need

You may avoid getting dental treatment because of phobia, which can cause worsening oral health, tooth loss, pain, trouble chewing, and poor quality of life. Sedation dentistry can help you overcome fear, so you can get the treatment you need and deserve.  

Explore Sedation and Comfort Dentistry

Our team at Bonita Beach Dental understands the challenges of dental phobia and overcoming fear. That’s why we focus on modern dentistry with advanced treatment and comfort solutions. Dr. Scott is certified in IV conscious sedation and offers a full menu of dental solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us today to learn more.

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