Sedation Dentistry in King, North Carolina

Solutions for Overcoming Dental Fear

Stokes Dentistry can help you get the care you need.

Dental Anxiety is Not Uncommon

In fact, some studies show that up to 75% of Americans experience some level of dental related fear and 20% avoid dental care because of it. If you have a fear of dental work, we want you to know that making you feel comfortable and safe at our office is our first priority.

Dental Anxiety vs. Dental Phobia

Dental anxieties and phobias present themselves in a wide variety of ways, and specific fears vary from person to person. Dental anxiety may be mild to moderate, and often takes the form of a general sense of worry and apprehension when thinking about an upcoming procedure. Dental phobia is a more intense experience, with patients feeling an overwhelming, irrational fear of dental work. This can sometimes cause them to avoid care all together.

We Can Help!

Whatever your individual level of anxiety may be, our office is committed to making sure that your visit is as comfortable, quick and easy as possible. There are many solutions for dental anxiety, and we are ready to help.

Here are a few methods for easing anxiety in the dental office:

• Communication:
  Informing us as to what you are afraid of is a great place to start. Often we can quell a fear simply by giving you correct or updated information. We will always keep you informed before, during and after your procedure, making sure that you understand what is going on and why we are doing it.
• Calming Techniques:
  Many patients find it helpful to practice controlled breathing or to find distraction inside the room.
• Listening to Music:
  With most procedures, the use of personal headphones and music is allowed. This is a great way to keep calm and pass the time while in the chair.
• Taking Breaks:
  Let us know if you would like to take a short break during your treatment by signaling with your hand.
• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas):Using nitrous during a procedure can help “take the edge off” and relax you throughout treatment. The benefit of nitrous gas is that once you breath in oxygen at the end of your appointment, you should be completely back to normal and ready to drive yourself home.
• Oral Sedation:
  We can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication that is taken 1 hour before your appointment begins. This option requires a driver to and from the appointment.
• IV Sedation:We have the capability to provide IV sedation, which is a deeper level of sedation that can be very effective for most procedures. You are still able to respond and breathe on your own, but most patients don’t remember treatment.
• General Anesthesia: If needed, we can provide general anesthesia, in which case you are completely sedated. This is a wonderful option for people with severe phobias and very long dental cases where we complete all planned treatment in a day.

If you are interested in sedation, please let us know. Oral health is important for the health of your whole body. Don’t let fear stand in your way of good dental care! We can help you get the care that you need. Call Today to Make an Appointment. Stokes Dentistry Phone Number (336) 983-4565