Fear-Free Dentistry in Portland, OR

Not everyone enjoys the idea of visiting a dental office, even for examinations and cleanings. This extreme fear of dentists is referred to as dentophobia or odontophobia, and it is estimated that approximately ten percent of dental patients suffer from this fear. Most often, patients with dentophobia skip their dental visits, biannual teeth examinations, and professional teeth cleanings. This can be detrimental to their oral health as dental exams and cleanings are essential for optimal oral health and the identification of dental problems at the earliest. At Fear Free Dental in Portland, OR, we always try to ensure that our patients feel comfortable visiting us with sedation dentistry. 

Sedation Dentistry

Sedation dentistry or fear-free dentistry uses medication and other techniques to help patients have an anxiety-free, relaxing experience while undergoing dental treatments. The various levels of sedation include minimal, moderate, and deep sedation and are chosen by the dentist depending on the patient's anxiety level and type of treatment. 

Who Can Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry can benefit patients with the following conditions to make their dental visits fear-free and comfortable:

• Patients with dental fear or anxiety
• Those who find it challenging to sit still in the procedure chair for a long period
• Patients with a sensitive gag reflex
• In case of complex, lengthy dental work, or painful procedures
• If the patient has a lower pain threshold

Levels and Types of Sedation Dentistry

It is important to understand and assess the levels of odontophobia to determine the type of sedation or relaxation method that best suits someone. 

The different types of sedation dentistry are as follows:

Oral Sedation

Oral sedation is administered as a pill and offers nominal sedation. With oral sedation, the patient will remain awake but in a relaxed state of mind. 

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

The patient inhales nitrous oxide or laughing gas through a breathing mask to feel relaxed.

Intravenous (IV) Sedation

Intravenous sedation (IV) is administered directly into the patient's bloodstream under expert supervision and is used for comprehensive dental procedures. 

General Anesthesia

When the dental procedure is complex or lengthy, general anesthesia is administered to put patients into a deep sleep. 

Benefits of Sedation Dentistry

• Helps patients relieve dental fear and offers a relaxed state of mind during dental procedures.
• Helps patients with bad gag reflexes. 
• Since sedatives are administered only by experts, they are safe. 
• Patients can have a comfortable and fear-free dental experience.

If dental fear is keeping you away from getting the dental care you need, you can put your anxiety to rest with sedation dentistry solutions from Fear Free Dental. Our sedation options may be just what you need to have a fear-free, comfortable dental experience and optimal oral health.

Call Dentist Portland, OR at (503) 291-0000 or visit our dental practice at 4455 Sw Scholls Ferry Rd Suite 101, Portland, OR 97225 to have your experience of fear-free dentistry.