I'm Anxious About My Trip to the Dentist

If anxiety about going to the dentist keeps you from taking control of your oral health, you are not alone. Some 10-20% of adults experience dental anxiety, according to research, and, in some cases, it keeps individuals from getting the care they need. Thankfully, there’s a lot you can do to manage or minimize your butterflies. 

Our experienced team of dentists at Swinney Dental in Tyler, Texas, is pleased to offer nitrous oxide sedation to reduce anxiety and stress so you can get needed dental care with ease.

Types of dental anxiety

Dental anxiety can range in severity from mild to debilitating. Four potential types of anxiety include:

• Simple conditioned phobia (learned fear) 
• Fear of catastrophe 
• Generalized anxiety
• Distrust of dentists

Some people only feel anxious about going to the dentist if they need to have a procedure, such as a tooth extraction or root canal. For others, the mere thought of going to the dentist for a simple cleaning excites the nerves. Regardless of how severely or frequently you experience these issues, sedation dentistry can help.

Benefits of sedation dentistry

At Swinney Dental, we offer nitrous oxide sedation, also known as “laughing gas,” to keep those prone to anxiety comfortable and relaxed during their treatment. When receiving nitrous oxide, you breathe a form of gas mixed with oxygen through a special mask. 

Shortly after inhaling the mixture, you’ll start to feel calm and light-headed. Your limbs may feel relaxed or heavy, and you might sort of zone out and daydream or fall asleep. Either way, you won’t recall much from the procedure.

Additional benefits of nitrous oxide sedation include:

• A pleasant aroma
• Minimized gagging
• No lung or heart side effects
• Safe enough for most kids and adults
• No “hangover” effects afterward

You’re likely a good candidate for nitrous oxide sedation if you don’t have a respiratory issue such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or a cold. 

If you’re not quite sure about this treatment option, we can provide a five-minute trial, so you can get a sense of how it feels.

Don’t put off dental cleanings or hope that a toothache will just go away on its own because you have anxiety regarding the dentist. Our team is here to help you get the care you need in a comfortable and calm environment. 

To learn more about dental anxiety or sedation or get started with the care you need, call Swinney Dental to schedule an appointment with Dr. Chip Swinney or Dr. Kayla Morton. You can also book using our convenient online booking feature on this website.