Dental anxiety is a common issue that can prevent you from getting the care you need. Sedation dentistry can help and is available to residents of Woodinville, Washington, through the care of Tim Hung, DDS, and the team at Oasis Family Dentistry. Learn more during your next visit, which you can set up over the phone during normal business hours. Online booking is also an option.

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What is dental anxiety, and can sedation dentistry help?

Dental anxiety is a fear of dental treatment or the overall dental office environment. Some people develop dental anxiety after having a negative experience in the dental chair. Others carry fears about dental treatment from childhood. In some cases, there is no clear source of dental anxiety.

Regardless of the cause of your anxiety, finding a way to overcome the condition is a critical part of preserving and enhancing your dental health and hygiene. The team at Oasis Family Dentistry is experienced in working with children and adults who suffer from dental anxiety.

Sedation dentistry can help.

What are some signs I might have dental anxiety?

Many people are nervous about coming in for dental care, especially when they are fairly certain they need a filling or other dental treatment. But dental anxiety is a more serious matter and can cause significant emotional discomfort.

Some of the signs you might have dental anxiety include:

  • Difficulty sleeping the night before a dental visit
  • A strong sensation of physical illness when preparing for a visit
  • Intense negative reactions when dental tools are placed in your mouth
  • Discomfort at the mere thought of dental care
  • Nervousness while sitting in the dental office waiting room

Dental phobia is an advanced form of dental anxiety. People with dental phobia will avoid seeing a dentist until severe pain, or another dental problem compels them to seek care.

Sedation dentistry can help you have a peaceful and painless experience.

How can sedation dentistry help with dental anxiety?

Sedation dentistry offers a way to ease anxiety and make dental visits easier to manage. These tools and techniques have been in use for many years, and numerous studies have found them to be safe and effective.

Nitrous oxide

Also called laughing gas, this odorless, colorless gas delivers mild sedation. You simply breathe the gas through a mask or cannula and enter a state of deep relaxation. You’ll be awake and can respond to your dentist’s requests, but you won’t feel fear or anxiety.

Oral sedation

This option uses an oral medication to help you relax and get through your dental care with ease. You simply take the prescribed medication before your appointment time, and then a numbing injection eliminates all sensation in the treatment area. You may feel the urge to nap during treatment but can easily be roused awake.

If you have questions about how sedation dentistry works, call or click to schedule a consultation to learn more.