Dental anxiety is something that many people in the country suffer to some degree. Some people only struggle with certain procedures or sounds, while others may have anxiety so bad that you’re unable to visit the office for your regular dental checkups.
At our Northeast Philadelphia dentist office, Dr. Drew Shulman and the rest of the dental team are experienced in helping patients that suffer from a fear of the dentists. We strive to ensure patients feel comfortable and are able to relax while getting the dental care they need.
What Causes Dental Anxiety in Northeast Philadelphia?
Many people have dental anxiety because they’ve had a bad experience involving the dentist in the past. Maybe a dental procedure went south or you had a dentist that didn’t have a good attitude while dealing with you. A lot of people are also triggered by something like the sound of a dental drill.
No matter what causes your dental fear, it can make it hard to get the dental care you need. If you’re avoiding the dentist altogether, you’re more likely to have bigger dental problems. These require more intensive procedures, which means you’re spending more time in the dental chair in the long run.
At our office, we do everything we can to make sure our patients feel safe and comfortable in our office. From our office environment to patient education and sedation dentistry, we employ multiple techniques to help even our most anxious patients.
Utilizing Sedation Dentistry
One of the best ways to take care of dental anxiety is with dental sedation. Dr. Shulman is especially adept with sedation dentistry. He’s a member of the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation (DOCS) and has taken hours of classes specifically focused on this medium. He’s certified by the state of Pennsylvania to provide conscious sedation to his dental patients.
Types of dental sedation include:
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide is widely known as laughing gas. This is inhaled through the nose throughout your procedure. It’s the only form of sedation where you can drive yourself to and from your appointment, as it takes effect and dissipates very quickly. You’ll feel relaxed and euphoric throughout your procedure but shouldn’t fall asleep.
- Oral Conscious Sedation: Oral conscious sedation involves taking a prescribed pill before you come to the office for your procedure. You’ll need a ride both to and from the office. The pill will offer more relaxation than laughing gas. You’ll feel sleepy and relaxed, and may fall asleep. You normally won’t remember some or all of your procedure.
- IV Sedation: IV sedation uses the same kind of drugs as oral conscious sedation, but they’re administered directly into the bloodstream. This sedation is carefully controlled and monitored throughout your appointment to ensure you’re comfortable.
If you suffer from a fear of the dentist, it’s important that you tell our dental staff. We want to make sure you have a good experience at our office and are able to get the care you need. Dr. Shulman will talk with you and make sure to provide the best sedation option for your particular case.
Tackle Dental Anxiety At Our Office
We can offer you the solution you need so that you can get dental care in a relaxed, comfortable environment. Call us or schedule an appointment online!