Avoiding the dentist due to dental anxiety or fear is one of the most common reasons for poor oral health among adults. Routine dental care is the foundation of long-term oral health maintenance and can help patients avoid the development of complex dental problems.
Drs. Rafat and Izadi work with anxious and fearful patients to help them restore and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile through personalized dental care and a compassionate approach. We take the time to discuss your concerns, fears, and previous dental experiences in an effort to help you identify the source of your stress.
For many patients, gaining a more comprehensive understanding of what they can expect during treatment helps alleviate anxiety. This can allow them to feel more confident in the dentist chair.
We want our patients to feel that they are a partner in their dental care and to understand all aspects of their treatment, including expected outcomes. – Dr. Rafat
Dental Sedation in Hunt Valley, MD
Advanced Dental Health offers dental sedation for patients who experience anxiety, would like to be relaxed during treatment, or who may need an invasive procedure to address severe dental problems. Dr. Rafat is one of few local dentists certified in IV sedation.
We offer a full range of conscious sedation options and will go over your medical history to ensure that your sedation experience is safe and effective. Learn about some of the dental sedation options we can administer below.
Oral sedation
We can prescribe an oral sedative that is often taken at home prior to your dental appointment. Oral sedation will require you to arrange for transportation to and from your appointment.
Nitrous Oxide
Inhaled through a tiny cannula placed beneath the nose, Nitrous Oxide takes effect and wears off almost immediately for most patients. It is an odorless gas commonly known as laughing gas. It is safe to administer to patients of all ages.
You may experience euphoria while under nitrous oxide. You may also feel drowsy and teeter between awake and asleep. Our certified dental care team will be with you every step of the way to make sure you are completely comfortable.
IV sedation
IV sedation is injected into your body and enters the bloodstream rather quickly. It is administered in the comfort of our office by a trained and certified dentist. Even though it is sometimes referred to as sleep dentistry, it will not put you completely to sleep. We monitor and adjust throughout treatment to maintain your level of comfort.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
A fear of the dentist can make it hard to get the treatment you need to keep your mouth healthy. Learn more below with the answers to these commonly asked questions.
What causes dental anxiety?
Many people develop dental anxiety because of a previous negative experience, fear of pain, or concern about losing control during treatment. Others may feel anxious because of the sounds, smells, or unfamiliar environment of a dental office. Understanding the source of your anxiety is an important first step toward making dental visits easier.
How common is dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety affects millions of people and is one of the most common reasons patients delay or avoid dental care. Many individuals experience at least some nervousness before a dental appointment. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers numerous techniques to help patients feel more relaxed throughout their visit.
How do I know if I have dental anxiety?
Signs of dental anxiety can include trouble sleeping before an appointment, feeling nervous in the waiting room, sweating, a racing heartbeat, or wanting to cancel appointments. Some people even avoid scheduling dental visits for years because of their fears. If these feelings sound familiar, talk to your dentist so they can help.
Can dental anxiety affect my oral health?
Yes. Avoiding routine dental visits often allows cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems to become more serious over time. Conditions that could have been treated with simple procedures may eventually require more extensive care. Regular preventive visits help keep your smile healthier and reduce the need for complex treatment.
Can dental anxiety get worse over time?
It can. Delaying dental visits because of fear often leads to larger dental problems that require more involved treatment, which may increase anxiety even further. Breaking this cycle with regular preventive care and supportive dental visits can help you regain confidence over time.
Can dental anxiety ever go away?
For many people, dental anxiety becomes much more manageable with positive dental experiences and a supportive care team. Building trust with your dentist, maintaining regular appointments, and using relaxation or sedation techniques when appropriate can make a significant difference. Every comfortable visit helps build confidence for the future.
Request a Consultation with our Trusted Dentists in Hunt Valley, MD
Sedation dentistry is often the perfect solution for a patient who is suffering from both dental anxiety and poor oral health as a result. Used effectively, conscious sedation can allow us to perform more than one procedure while you are completely relaxed and feeling stress-free.
If you would like to learn more about dental sedation options, how we can help you restore your smile, and the benefits of good dental health, schedule a visit with us in our Baltimore area dental office. Our personalized care and patient-focused dental office are intended and designed to put you at ease during your visits.