Dental Anxiety

What is dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a fear of going to the dentist. It can be the result of a phobia, or it can stem from a negative experience that a person had during a previous appointment — even back in childhood. Studies estimate that more than one-third of people in the United States have dental anxiety. For a significant portion of them, the level of anxiety is so high that people actively put off going to the dentist — even if they seriously need care.

If you suspect you may have dental anxiety, know that you are not alone. Drs. Gordon and Brooks Green and Dr. Nichole Barnett have the solutions to help you overcome your fears while receiving the care that your smile needs.

How can Green Dental help with dental anxiety?

One of our most important goals at Green Dental is to make sure our patients are heard. If you are anxious about your appointment in general or a specific treatment in the future, we want to talk you through it. We will never rush you or push you into a treatment that you may feel uncertain of. You will be sure to understand all the possible treatment options.

Additionally, we are proud to offer sedation dentistry at out Lyons, IN location. Sedation dentistry can be an excellent option to soothe fears in the dentist’s chair.

What sedation options are available to me?

There are several options when it comes to the type of sedation available at Green Dental. They include:

• Nitrous oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this gas is inhaled during the appointment. It acts as a form of light sedation as well as pain relief. As soon as the patient stops inhaling the gas, they go back to normal. This makes it ideal for a trip to the dentist since patients will have no lasting side effects after a few minutes.
• IV sedation: During IV sedation, patients will receive an anti-anxiety medication via intravenous delivery. Patients will be able to answer questions during the treatment, but they will remember little afterward. They will require a ride home, and it is recommended to rest for the remainder of the day.
• Oral sedation: Prior to the appointment, the patient will take a pill that we will prescribe. The pill is a form of oral sedation that will help the patient relax during the treatment. They will need a ride to and from the appointment.

Sedation can be a viable option for many different situations. Overall, our biggest priority is keeping our patients comfortable during their appointment. Whether the patient has dental anxiety or requires sedation for any other special needs or reasons, we can accommodate them.