Dental anxiety is a common issue that impacts an estimated 36% of people in the US, and this frequently prevents them from scheduling routine dental cleanings and exams. Once oral health has reached an unmanageable stage, fear and embarrassment can also cause some individuals to avoid seeking professional dental care, even when they have painful symptoms.
At Dr. Dan Berant, it’s our goal to provide the best treatment possible and deliver it with your ultimate comfort in mind. Our dual board-certified periodontist and orthodontist, Dr. Daniel Berant, offers several types of dental anesthesia in New York, NY and will help you choose the best one based on your clinical needs and personal preferences.
If dental anxiety prevents you from getting the dental care you need, you’ll benefit from some type of sedation anesthesia near you in New York, NY. Sedation may be an ideal solution if any of the following apply to you:
Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is the mildest type of dental anesthesia. This involves inhaling colorless and odorless nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen through a small mask that fits over your nose. You usually breathe and feel the effects of nitrous oxide within minutes.
Nitrous oxide slows down your nervous system and makes you feel less inhibited. While you may feel lightheaded, tingly, or even giggle, the relaxation effects of this mild sedation dentistry wear off quickly by breathing in pure oxygen. With little to no lingering or adverse side effects, you can drive yourself home after complete treatment.
This type of sedation dentistry involves taking a pill about an hour before your scheduled visit and sometimes also the night before. Oral sedatives used for this purpose are typically a drug class called benzodiazepine (e.g., Valium, Halcion, and Xanax). These drugs decrease activity in the parts of your brain that control fear and anxiety, resulting in a highly relaxed and calm mood that enables Dr. Berant to perform procedures efficiently. This is a good option if you suffer from dental anxiety and have a fear of needles. Due to the effects of this type of dental anesthesia, someone will need to drive you to and from our office.
This is the most customizable form of conscious sedation dentistry. Although some people fall asleep, it’s more common to be comfortable, calm, and relaxed and drift in and out of sleep—also called “twilight” sleep. IV sedation is a safe option for adult patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety or for more involved procedures like full mouth dental implants. Dr. Berant works with a board-certified anesthesiologist who administers IV sedation in New York, NY by placing a thin needle in your arm or hand and then attaching it to an IV tube with medication.
During IV sedation, a constant “drip” is maintained via the intravenous tube, and an antidote can be administered to reverse the effects of the medication. The amnesic effects of the drug make you forget the procedure, which provides an excellent benefit if you have dental anxiety. Due to lingering side effects that can impact your motor skills, someone will need to drive you home after your procedure.
Regular dental cleanings and checkups are crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums and avoiding severe (and costly) future problems. During routine biannual visits, we evaluate your teeth and gums, remove plaque and tartar, and look for signs of diabetes, oral cancer, periodontal disease, and vitamin deficiencies.
Beyond safeguarding your oral health, visiting Dr. Dan Berant regularly helps reduce the risk of conditions linked to gum disease, including diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, some male cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. While dental anxiety can be a barrier to receiving care, soothing sedation dentistry in New York, NY can lessen your fear and ultimately help you enjoy optimal health!
Ask about sedation when you schedule a visit.
