301-972-1400
Dental Anxiety
It is very common to have anxiety surrounding dental care. It is estimated that about one third of the population avoids going to the dentist because of fear. If you feel that you are avoiding dental appointments because of fear or anxiety there are options in sedation dentistry that can help you. You may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you have:
- Bad experiences with dentistry in the past
- Fear of dental procedures
- Difficulty becoming numb
- Gag reflex issues
- Anxiety about shots and needles
- Very sensitive teeth
- A lot of dental work that needs to be completed
- Complex dental issues
- Time limitations for dental procedures
Our team at Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry is happy to help you overcome your dental anxiety in Germantown, Maryland, and we offer two options for sedation: anxiolysis and nitrous oxide.
Anxiolysis
Anxiolysis, also called oral conscious sedation, is a mild yet effective level of sedation. The goal of anxiolysis is to create a comfortable, relaxed and safe environment for our patients so they will be able to have necessary dental treatment and gain confidence in their ability to have dentistry done. At the end of an anxiolysis sedation appointment, patients often feel that the appointment went very quickly and have little memory of the dental procedures that were accomplished.
Anxiolysis is attained by administering a single dose of a medication about an hour prior to the procedure. Nitrous oxide may also be used during the appointment. The patient is monitored closely, as the medication will relax them during the procedure. The patient will need to have a companion to bring them to the appointment and take them home afterwards. We also recommend that the patient be looked after for the remainder of the day, since the medications take several hours to wear off completely. Please call us for a consultation to discuss the specifics of the process and how we can help you.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Nitrous oxide produces the lightest amount of sedation, but it is still effective enough to be the most common form of sedation that we currently provide. Nitrous oxide is a gas that a patient breathes through a small mask that only covers their nose. It is administered with oxygen and is extremely safe. It will add about 30 minutes to the total treatment time, but most patients report that procedures feel that they take less time when nitrous oxide is used.
Nitrous oxide is a good option for patients who have a strong gag reflex and will relax patients who have dental anxiety. One great feature of sedation with nitrous oxide is that it does not have any lasting effects and patients can drive to and from appointments.
Please call our office at 301-972-1400 and schedule an appointment to learn more about these options and how our caring dentist, Dr. Adam Vitelli, and team can help you achieve a healthy and attractive smile once again.
Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you understand the value and benefits of our Anxiety-Free Dentistry:
1. What is Anxiety-Free Dentistry at Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry?
Our Anxiety-Free Dentistry is a personalized approach that focuses on creating a tranquil and soothing environment for patients who experience dental anxiety. We employ a combination of techniques to alleviate fear and enhance your comfort throughout the entire dental visit. From the moment you step into our state-of-the-art dental office in Germantown, MD, you’ll notice a calm and welcoming atmosphere, carefully crafted to help you feel at ease.
2. How does Anxiety-Free Dentistry benefit me?
By choosing Anxiety-Free Dentistry at Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry, you can experience numerous benefits:
a. Stress reduction: We understand that dental anxiety can be overwhelming. Our team is trained to foster a supportive and understanding environment, ensuring that your stress levels remain low.
b. Enhanced comfort: We utilize advanced techniques and sedation options to help you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment. Your comfort is our top priority.
c. Improved oral health: Anxiety-Free Dentistry encourages regular dental visits, allowing us to catch potential dental issues early on and prevent them from becoming more extensive and costly problems.
d. Customized treatment plans: We take the time to understand your specific needs and create individualized treatment plans. By tailoring our approach to you, we guarantee the highest level of care and satisfaction.
e. Time efficiency: With our focus on patient comfort and care, we make your dental visit as efficient as possible, minimizing any unnecessary delays or discomfort.
3. Which sedation options are available for Anxiety-Free Dentistry?
At Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry, we offer various sedation techniques to suit your level of anxiety and the complexity of the procedure. Our options include nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and even intravenous (IV) sedation. Our highly trained sedation dentists will work closely with you to determine the most suitable sedation option for your specific needs, ensuring a stress-free and worry-free experience.
4. Is Anxiety-Free Dentistry suitable for everyone?
Absolutely! Our Anxiety-Free Dentistry is tailored to accommodate all patients, regardless of the severity of their dental anxiety. Whether you struggle with mild nervousness or extreme dental phobia, we will personalize a treatment plan that caters to your unique needs. Our compassionate team is committed to helping you overcome your dental anxiety so that you can achieve optimal oral health comfortably.
5. How can I schedule an appointment for Anxiety-Free Dentistry at Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry?
Scheduling an appointment for Anxiety-Free Dentistry is simple. You can call our friendly team at 301-972-1400 or use our convenient online booking system on our website. We encourage you to voice any concerns or questions during the appointment scheduling process, so we can ensure that your visit is tailored to your needs from the start.
At Adam Vitelli Comprehensive Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves exceptional dental care without fear or anxiety. With our Anxiety-Free Dentistry approach, we provide you with a relaxing dental experience, allowing you to prioritize your oral health with confidence. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover the difference our anxiety-free approach can make in your dental journey. We look forward to welcoming you to our office in Germantown, MD!
