Skip to main content

Scared of the Dentist | Sedation Dentistry

 Scared of the Dentist | Sedation Dentistry 


Is it Common to be Afraid of the Dentist

Dentophobia (odontophobia), or fear of dentists, is a common phobia among people of all ages. It is sometimes related to iatrophobia , or fear of doctors, as well as trypanophobia , or fear of needles. 

It's estimated that 2.7 percent of men and 4.6 percent of women have dentophobia. Aside from fears and phobias tied to past experiences, it's also possible to experience fear of a dentist because of concerns you might have about your oral health. 

Why are People Scared of the Dentist

Pain. Far and away the number one factor in dental phobia, pain provides a two-fold problem for patients afraid of visiting the dentist. On one hand, any past painful experience is seared in the memory – and unlikely to go away anytime soon. 

Can Dentists Do Anything for my Anxiety? 

Yes, your dentist can provide you with sedation dentistry. There are varying degrees of sedation dentistry, but here at LADD Dental Group, we offer them all. Your dentist can also cater to your individual needs. Music, television, and so much more can be used to help reduce anxiety as well. Make sure you communicate your dental anxiety with your dentists before the procedure starts, and ask as many questions as you can up front as well. 

Types of Sedation Dentistry 

Different levels of sedation are defined by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines for Sedation and Analgesia by Non-Anesthesiologists.
  • Minimal Sedation: In the dental field, this type of sedation is referred to as Nitrous Oxide. This is the lowest level of sedation and is a great option for patients with a small fear of dentists or needles.
  • Moderate sedation: In the dental field, this type of sedation dentalcare is referred to as oral conscious sedation, and is wonderful for patients with fear of the dentist or needles. With this type of sedation the patient is said to be in a dream state. They are conscious but not aware of what is going on.
  • Deep sedation: In the dental field, this type of sedation is referred to as IV Sedation. Our oral surgeon is the only provider in our group that offer this treatment. IV Sedation Dentistry is the most predictable form of sedation, and has the most immediate effects. This is the best option for patients with a big fear of dentist or needles.
  • General anesthesia: This type of sedation is provided in a hospital setting. We do not offer this form of sedation dentistry at Ladd Dental Group. 


Here is our very own McCordsville dentist, Dr. David Geiger, talking about oral conscious sedation dentistrytistry

 


If you struggle with dental anxiety, give the team at LADD Dental Group a call! We have been serving the North Central Indiana community since 1978, and we pride ourselves on giving our patients a reason to smile!



Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sedation Dentistry | Adult Sedation Dentistry | Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville

Sedation Dentistry in McCordsville, Indiana  Nearly half of all North Americans don’t go to the dentist every year.   The number one reason, according to the American Dental Association, is fear.  But fear isn’t the only reason.  People have busy lives and little time for repeated visits to the dentist. Some don't see the importance of keeping their teeth.  And there are a host of other reasons as well.  Whatever your reason, or the reasons for someone close to you, know this – you are not alone!  Sedation Dentistry is here to help you, as it has so many other patients, safely and effectively get the care you need in a safe and comfortable environment for the best dental experience you’ve ever had. This isn’t a One Size Fits All Each patient is unique. That means that whatever medications you may be taking, dental treatments needed, or the years away from the dentist – there is a safe and effective way to get the smi...

Dental Work | Importance of Routine Dental Care | Preventative Dental Care

Importance of Routine Dental Care  When I was in my 30s and a dentist told me I needed a few crowns , I decided to skip the expensive devices because of my meager paycheck. Besides, my teeth weren't hurting. Years later, I am paying the price in pain and costlier dental work . One of the damaged teeth that needed a crown distorted my bite, making a minor jaw-joint problem even worse. Unfortunately I'm far from alone. The price of dental care is steep for many people financially, physically and even socially, according to Marko Vujicic, chief economist and vice president of the Health Policy Institute at the American Dental Association. Vujicic said that the  majority of emergency room dental visits  were for infections that could be handled in a dentist's office. Overall, emergency room dental visits cost $1.9 billion yearly, 40 percent of which is public money, according to his institute's analysis of data from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quali...

Welcome Dr. Anastasia Golodaeva | LADD Dental Group of McCordsville

 At LADD Dental Group of McCordsville , we are thrilled to introduce Dr. Anastasia Golodaeva , a skilled and compassionate dentist who brings a unique perspective to patient care. Dr. Golodaeva's journey in dentistry began long before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree from Indiana University School of Dentistry in 2024. Her extensive background as an outstanding dental assistant gives her a well-rounded understanding of oral health, allowing her to provide exceptional care tailored to each patient’s needs. A Strong Foundation in Dental Assisting Before pursuing dental school, Dr. Golodaeva dedicated years to the field as a highly skilled dental assistant. Her experience in chairside assisting, patient care, and clinical procedures laid a solid foundation for her transition into dentistry . She developed a keen eye for diagnosing oral conditions, building trusting relationships with patients, and promoting lifelong healthy habits—all of which continue to be the c...