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Dental Anxiety
We specialize in treating patients suffering from dental anxiety. If you've been avoiding the dentist out of fear of what a procedure might be like, or simply don't enjoy dental work, give us a call — we'll make sure you're comfortable and relaxed regardless of what's being done. Dr. Jai will meet with you to discuss what treatment you need and build a plan that keeps your mouth healthy while easing whatever fears you have about dentistry in general.
Easing Fears Without Medication
A calming herbal tea before your visit can help some patients settle into a naturally relaxed state. Meditation and acupuncture work for others.
Preparing for Your Appointment
One of the easiest ways to calm dental fear is to visit the office and meet Dr. Jai without any actual work being done — sit in the chair, have a conversation, get familiar with the staff and the space. During that visit, we can also walk through exactly what to expect from a cleaning or a specific procedure: how long it takes, what tools are used, what you might feel, and what recovery looks like, if any. The more informed our patients are, the more comfortable they tend to feel.
Will I Be Asleep When Sedated?
Typically not. Sleep dentistry is generally reserved for oral surgery and lengthy procedures. Sedation dentistry helps you relax and can make you drowsy — some patients doze off, but you're not technically put to sleep.
Can Everyone Use Sedation Dentistry?
Most people are healthy enough for it. We'll confirm what's right for you and the level of anxiety you're experiencing during a consultation.
How Is Sedation Dentistry Administered?
Most commonly, a pill taken about an hour before the procedure begins — enough to leave you feeling entirely relaxed. Most routine procedures like a cleaning or a simple filling aren't inherently painful, so many patients don't need additional medication, though pain medication is available after sedation takes effect if you'd like it.
Will I Be Able to Move Around Like Normal?
Yes — you can continue to engage in conversation and respond to instructions, though your response time may be slightly delayed and your mind not quite as sharp as usual. We recommend having someone drive you home, or waiting until it fully wears off before driving yourself.
Are There Side Effects?
Sedation typically wears off within about an hour of finishing your procedure. Heavier sedation, such as for oral surgery, can take a couple of hours to fully clear, though that's uncommon. We use the minimum sedation needed to keep you comfortable, so it's effective without lingering.
Can Children Benefit From Sedation Dentistry?
Yes — kids often need sedation to hold still long enough for more involved dental work to be completed. It's a specialty not every dental office offers.
Other Ways to Make Dental Work More Comfortable
Laser dentistry is changing how procedures are done. Because laser energy is fine and precise, it can target small areas without irritating surrounding tissue, reducing discomfort and recovery time — and it's less invasive than traditional tools, meaning less bleeding and swelling. It's used for tooth decay, gum disease, and restorative procedures. Many patients who switch to laser dentistry find they no longer need sedation or pain medication at all, since the noise, heat, and vibration typically associated with a dental drill simply aren't present.