If the thought of sitting in a dental chair fills you with dread, you’re not alone. Many children and adults experience dental anxiety. These fears can even prevent otherwise healthy people from seeking the dental care they need. The good news is that our Jacksonville dental clinic is here to help. Modern sedation dentistry practices can help you overcome fear of needles, past trauma, or other things that cause patients anxiety. 

Understanding Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety is very real. It’s often a deep-rooted fear that can cause patients to delay or skip appointments entirely.

Every patient’s experience is unique, but some of the most common sources of dental anxiety include:

• Fear of pain, especially during invasive procedures
• Sensitivity to smells, sounds, or touch in a clinical setting
• Negative experiences with a past provider
• Fear of needles or loss of control during treatment
• Generalized anxiety disorders or sensory processing challenges

According to one study in the Journal of Dental Hygiene, nearly 1 in 5 patients experience high to moderate anxiety over trips to the dentist. It tends to impact women and children more. Another study in Frontiers in Psychology found that 68 percent of patients on the autism spectrum experience elevated dental anxiety, with fear of pain being the most common cause. 

Fortunately, there is a compassionate way to help these patients through anxiety at dental appointments, so they can get the care they need. Sedation dentistry can help patients stay calm and relaxed. 

What Is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry isn’t the same as general anesthesia during a surgical procedure. It uses medication to keep patients calm during procedures. Depending on the type, a patient might stay awake and conscious for treatment. The three most common types of sedation dentistry used are these:

• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as “laughing gas,” this mild sedative is administered through a small mask. It takes effect in minutes and wears off quickly. Patients stay awake and can typically drive themselves home after the effects wear off. 
• Oral Conscious Sedation: This type is taken as a pill before the appointment. It keeps patients drowsy and calm. They remain responsive but might not remember much of the procedure. An adult companion is required to drive them home afterward. 
• IV Sedation: This type is delivered intravenously into the bloodstream and induces a deeper level of relaxation. Patients often fall asleep or enter a dreamlike state, with little memory of the procedure. Vital signs are monitored closely throughout. 

Each method has its benefits depending on your needs, health history, and the complexity of the procedure. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry can be life-changing for patients who struggle with dental anxiety. An experience that might otherwise feel overwhelming can become calm and manageable. It allows patients to receive the oral health care they need without the emotional distress that comes with it. Many patients say they feel deeply relaxed and have little memory of the procedure after it’s over. That can be a welcome relief for anyone who has avoided the dentist for years. 

Sedation also helps to reduce physical discomfort during treatment. Patients with sensitive teeth, a strong gag reflex, or difficulty sitting still often find that sedation can make an appointment more tolerable. It can even allow Dr. Shields to complete multiple procedures in a single visit. This minimizes the need for repeat appointments and lets you return to your routine faster. 

For individuals with special healthcare needs, such as those on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing disorders, sedation offers a compassionate solution. It creates a more predictable and soothing appointment, making dental care accessible instead of something that feels impossible. 

Finally, sedation dentistry can provide peace of mind. It allows patients to take control of their oral care without fear. 

Dental anxiety doesn’t have to stand between you and a healthy smile. At Smiles by Shields Dentistry in Jacksonville, we’re here to help. Our compassionate team understands your concerns, and we offer personalized options, including sedation, to make your experience as stress-free as possible. If you’re ready to take the first step toward anxiety-free dental care, contact us to schedule an appointment today!