Dental Anxiety & Sedation

Relax at 21st Century Dentistry

Feeling anxious about your next dental visit? Sedation dentistry can help you!

Dental anxiety is a very common problem. Even people who work at dental offices can get nervous about undergoing dental treatment.

Tracylynn is a 21st Century Dentistry team member who can tell you firsthand about her experience with overcoming dental anxiety. She discovered that using nitrous oxide while undergoing dental treatment makes a world of a difference. Knowing that, she is no longer hesitant about making the change from being a dental assistant to a dental patient.

We understand that many people struggle with dental anxiety, so we take the necessary time to review all treatment planned beforehand. We want you to know exactly what to expect and that you will be well taken care of by our experienced team. Beyond that we strive to create a calming and comforting atmosphere in our office, including blankets, TVs in the treatment rooms, sunglasses, and a variety of music. We also invite you to bring headphones if you prefer to use your own phone or tablet during treatment.

FACT: Dentophobia is a very common fear in the U.S.

Nitrous Oxide

One method of sedation commonly utilized in our office is the use of nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas. This option helps relieve anxiety and is a great choice for both children and adults.

You simply breathe in the nitrous oxide gas through a nosepiece prior to beginning treatment, and you continue breathing in the gas throughout your procedure. This helps relieve anxiety and gives you a calm, euphoric feeling. When we have completed the necessary treatment, we then have you breathe in oxygen for about 5 minutes through the same nosepiece to completely reverse the effects. Nitrous oxide is very effective, safe to use, and is the only method of sedation that does not require someone else to transport you to and from your appointment.

Sedation at 21st century dentistry

Before administering any sedation, it is critical to review your health history. We carefully screen all sedation patients at 21st Century Dentistry, because your health and safety come first. We take into consideration all medications and supplements you are taking, as well as any habits such as smoking. After examining your health history and determining you are a good candidate for sedation, we will go over the process and answer any questions you may have.

Some patients may benefit from additional sedation options beyond the use of nitrous oxide. We can discuss the specifics of your dental anxiety with you to learn how we can best provide you with a great overall experience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.