I Have Dental Phobia: Can Sedation Dentistry Help?

If you experience one or more dental phobias, you’re not alone. Fear and anxiety about going to the dentist is fairly common for both children and adults and can interfere with everything from routine dental checkups and cleanings, to major dental work that can impact your oral and general health. If you’ve put off going to the dentist due to your dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be a good option for you. 

At the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, our prosthodontist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our team offer sedation dentistry services at our office in Beverly Hills, California.

How sedation dentistry can help if you have dental phobia

Dental phobias can take many forms. While many people are afraid and stressed out by the mere thought of dental equipment, there are many other triggers for dental phobias.

For some people, sitting in the waiting room is the biggest source of dread, while for others, it can be the smell of chemicals or even the lighting or the dentist’s chair causing anxiety. 

Whatever the nature and source of your dental phobia, there are techniques and services which can help to ease your stress and make your dental appointment more comfortable and manageable. 

At Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, Dr. Mahallati and our team offer sedation dentistry services including:

• Nitrous oxide (mild and non-invasive sedation)
• Oral sedation (moderate sedative taken in pill form)
• IV sedation (deep sedation administered directly to your bloodstream through an IV)

Though the effects of oral and IV dental sedation are stronger than nitrous oxide, you'll still be conscious and awake throughout your procedure. You’ll be less sensitive to pain and pressure and relaxed throughout the entire procedure. Depending on the situation and patient’s circumstances, Dr. Mahallati may recommend general anesthesia (where you’re fully unconscious).

Seek treatment in a comfortable setting today

Even if you take good care of your teeth and gums at home, everyone needs to see their dentist on a regular basis for preventive dental care. If your dental phobias are getting in the way of your dental care, you could be at risk for tooth decay and gum disease in the future (which usually require more invasive treatment as they advance).

Our team is here to help you get the dental care you need in a safe and comfortable setting. If you’re nervous about scheduling an appointment or have any anxiety about your dental treatment, give us a call to discuss your situation and ask any questions you may have about sedation dentistry.

For more information on the sedation dentistry services we offer at Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry, contact us today to schedule an appointment at our office in Beverly Hills.