Dental Anxiety

Many people have dental anxiety, keeping them from receiving the care they need. This situation is highly problematic for the condition of your teeth and your overall health. At Frankel Dentistry we attempt to put such potentially damaging or limiting fears to rest through the usage of three methods of sedation dentistry.

The first method is nitrous oxide and is used for those with a mild fear of dentistry. Breathed through a mask, nitrous oxide gives you a peaceful, warm feeling for a short time with no lasting side effects.

The next method of sedation is for those with more intense anxieties. This option is called oral conscious sedation and combines nitrous oxide with anti-anxiety medication, and produces a higher sense of calmness.

Finally, we also offer IV sedation. The process begins before your appointment takes place. In order to prepare effectively for this procedure, you must refrain from eating or drinking anything for eight hours before your scheduled appointment. Once you arrive at our office, the amount of sedative we give you at the start of your procedure is adjusted based upon the level of anxiety you feel. Immediately, you will feel relaxed and drowsy. Many of our patients fall asleep. While in this state, we will monitor you closely, with careful attention paid to your blood pressure, breathing, and heart rate. After your procedure, we will stop the IV and allow you to rest for 15-20 minutes. Additionally, we will most likely prescribe you some additional pain medication if it is necessary. IV sedation is not for everyone. Before we consider this method, we will review your medical history and healthy concerns very carefully.

Due to the lasting effects of both oral conscious sedation and IV sedation, we require that you have a friend or family member drive you home. In addition, we also recommend that you stay with someone you trust for a 24 hour period following the procedure. By the next day, you should be feeling better.