Fear of dentists is called Dentophobia (odontophobia). This condition is common. Millions of people avoid the dentist each year, forgoing the dental care they need because of fear and anxiety. Without routine visits to your local dental office, you can face gum disease, tooth decay, and missing teeth. Dr. Raj Upadya understands some patients have a fear of dentistry in East Hanover, NJ.
He sympathizes with your concerns and strives to make your visit as comfortable and relaxing as possible. He offers ways to help patients suffer less and avoid complex dental problems that can affect their quality of life.
Sedation Dentistry in East Hanover, NJ
Patients can receive the dental care they need without fear or anxiety. Sedation dentistry is an excellent technique for patients suffering from dental anxiety. It is completely safe and effective. It allows our dentist to complete more procedures in a single visit. It is especially helpful for anxious patients who need to undergo extensive treatment.
More benefits include:
- Enhances the effectiveness of anesthetic
- Decreases gag reflex
- Alleviates anxiety
- Eliminates joint and muscle soreness
- Enables more complete treatments in fewer visits
- Your dentist will be able to complete the treatment in a timelier manner
- You won’t suffer from painful memories
Dr. Upadya offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax during treatment. This type of dental sedation lightly sedates the patients to ease their anxiety and fear brought on by their upcoming treatments. It works by blocking the neurological impulses that relay fear and anxiety.
We will prescribe a medication in pill form that you will take about an hour before your appointment. With dental sedation, patients relax and are calm, yet fully awake and able to communicate during treatment. You will remain full conscious and able to breathe independently during the procedure.
Once the procedure is complete, most patients do not remember anything about it despite being awake. You must have a responsible adult escort you to and from your appointment, as oral medications will impair your ability to drive.
Computerized Anesthetic
Local anesthesia is used in a wide range of dental procedures to numb the patient and make treatment more comfortable. Many patients, however, are afraid of needles and the actual injection itself. This makes it difficult or impossible to relax the patient, especially if they have a fear of dentistry, before treatment.
Dr. Raj Upadya has a solution: The Wand, a computer-controlled anesthetic. The Wand is ideal for all patients but especially those who are afraid of injections. The Wand looks similar to a ballpoint pen. It works by delivering a very slow, controlled dose of anesthesia for a pain-free experience.
Much of the pain associated with an injection is due to the improper administering of the anesthetic. Often, the anesthesia is delivered too quickly, causing a painful, piercing sting.
By contrast, the Wand is lightweight and easy to use. The dentist operates the device using a foot pedal, giving him complete control and attention over the hand piece. Most patients don’t even realize that their mouth is being numbed.
With computer controlled anesthetic, Dr. Upadya can complete more dental work in a single visit. This saves the patient time and money.
Dental Anxiety FAQs
Read answers to questions patients with a fear of dentistry ask us in our East Hanover, NJ, dental office:
Is dental anxiety common?
Yes, dental anxiety is common and affects people of all ages. A prior bad dental visit experience is typically the most common reason. Most dentists have patients with anxiety and trauma daily. If you communicate with us, we will take extra steps to make your visit as comfortable as possible.
What happens if you haven’t been a dentist in years?
Visit our dentist twice a year to maintain your oral health. If you don’t, you can increase your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other common dental issues.
Our dentist may recommend a deep cleaning if it’s been a while since your last cleaning. He can remove tartar and plaque that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach. Our dentist will also examine your teeth and gums, looking for cavities, signs of infection, or other issues. He can recommend the right treatment to help you if he finds any problems.
Based on your oral health status, our dentist will create a care plan tailored to your needs. This plan may include recommendations for how often to return for cleanings, and tips to improve your home care routine.
Why am I so scared to get my tooth pulled?
Many patients are very fearful of getting a tooth extraction procedure. Patients should remember that they will not feel anything during treatment. We will numb your tooth before removal. Modern technology also provides us with safe dental sedation options if you have a complex extraction. You will be comfortable during the procedure.
Is sedation safe?
Yes, sedation is safe when used by trained dental professionals. We are trained to administer sedation safely. We know how to choose the right type and amount of sedation for each patient based on their health and comfort level.
Before using sedation, our dentist will ask about your medical history and any medications you take. This helps ensure that sedation is safe for you. If you have certain health conditions, our dentist may recommend a different approach.
During the procedure, the dental team will closely monitor you. They will check your vital signs, such as heart rate and oxygen levels, so you are safe and comfortable throughout the process.
How do you get over dental anxiety?
The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to communicate with your dentist. We recommend communicating your concerns and anxieties with us. Our team can answer your questions about treatment so you can feel more comfortable. When you’re in the dark, you may imagine that your treatments are worse than they really are. We also have options to make your dental visit as comfortable as possible.
How can dentists reduce dental anxiety?
If you suffer from dental anxiety, you can take anti-anxiety medications an hour before your dental appointment if our dentist recommends it. Nitrous oxide is also a conscious sedation. Also known as laughing gas, it offers gentler sedation than other options.
What can I do to calm myself at the dentist?
If you have a fear of dentistry in East Hanover, NJ office, follow these tips to feel more relaxed in our office:
- Practice Deep Breathing: Take slow, deep breaths to help you relax. Inhale for four counts, hold for a moment, and then exhale for four counts. This can help calm your mind and body.
- Bring Headphones: We also recommend that you bring headphones to listen to music, podcasts, or an audiobook. It can help distract you from treatment and make you feel calm.
- Use Hand Signals: You can agree on a hand signal with our dentist to let him know if you need a break. This way, you can feel more in control of the situation. We recommend hand signals for when you’re awake and aware during routine treatment.
What are some symptoms of dental anxiety?
Some of the most common symptoms of dental anxiety include:
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Abnormal blood pressure
- Restlessness
- Difficulty sleeping before treatment
If you suffer from dental anxiety, communicate with us. We can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Get Relaxing Dental Care
If you have a fear of dentistry in East Hanover, NJ, call us at (973) 287-3153. You can also schedule a consultation with us online. We’re here to make your dental visits as comfortable as possible. Let us know if you have questions about treatment, and we will be happy to help.