Dental anxiety is a painful reality for many people. The associated stress and anxiety can keep them from getting the dental care they need to stay healthy. By avoiding the dentist, many people end up with severe dental conditions, pain, tooth loss, and compromised systemic health.
Feeling self-conscious about your appearance, having a limited diet, and living with chronic pain all take their toll. Our dentists, Dr. Micah Bickel and Dr. Bryant Trinh, do not want this to happen to you! Poor oral health can reduce your quality of life in so many ways.
At Phinney Ridge Dental, Dr. Bickel and Dr. Bryant are committed to making quality dentistry accessible to even the most fearful patients. No one should have to postpone their dentistry due to stress and anxiety, which is why we proudly offer oral sedation dentistry at our dental office.
If you would like to schedule an exam with our gentle dentist, contact a member of our team today! Our team will be happy to answer any questions about dental anxiety or sedation dentistry, so give us a call!
Please, continue reading to learn more about sedation dentistry. Below, you’ll discover the questions we hear most often from area patients seeking sedation dentistry for themselves or their loved ones.
Dr. Bickel is Experienced With Sedation Dentistry
Dr. Micah Bickel is certified and licensed to administer sedation medication for the benefit of his patients. This means he has extensive knowledge when it comes to relaxing medications. He always makes sure you’re monitored throughout your procedure. And he knows the precise dosing necessary to keep you relaxed throughout your dental visit.
In addition to optimal relaxation, Dr. Bickel and his team are always gentle and compassionate.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry relies on medications to help patients feel relaxed during a dental procedure. Dental sedation is a careful art, and it is always best to rely on a dentist who is certified and licensed in dental sedation.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
The thought of an invasive dental procedure can make anyone feel anxious. This is normal. Dental anxiety, however, may prompt a person to avoid dentistry altogether, which can have serious consequences, including:
- Tooth loss brought by decay & gum disease
- Chronic tooth pain brought by ongoing gum & tooth infections, root infections & cavities
- Gum disease, which is a serious infection of the gums & periodontal ligaments that can compromise your systemic health
- Systemic infections can lead to serious health complications
In addition to not seeing a dentist, dental anxiety may cause:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Inability to sleep before treatment
Whether you feel mildly anxious or suffer from severe dental anxiety, we want to help. Our dentist wants every patient to feel at ease during treatment, and we want our sedation and gentle touch to make the next visit that much easier.
What Causes Dental Anxiety?
Many factors lead to dental anxiety, and no two anxious patients are alike. Often, we encounter anxious patients because they have not visited the dentist in a while. They are afraid that they’ve left a condition untreated for too long. They are also embarrassed by the state of their dental health.
Our dentist and his team understand dental anxiety and never judge a patient who has avoided dental care because of fear. At Phinney Ridge Dental, we have seen teeth in advanced stages of decay and missing teeth because of dental anxiety and not seeking care. We only want to help clear up these problems and make gentle dentistry accessible going forward.
Other causes of anxiety include:
- A bad experience at a dental office
- An elevated gag reflex
- Fear of pain
- Dental anxiety stemming from a more generalized anxiety disorder
At Phinney Ridge Dental, our goal is to change the conversation when it comes to dental anxiety and to make dentistry a positive experience for you and your loved ones.
Is Sedation Dentistry A Good Choice For Me?
Dr. Bickel and Dr. Bryant will study your health history to make sure you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry. Fortunately, most healthy adults can have sedation without issue, and health conditions do not always mean that you cannot have sedation.
Contact our office or schedule an exam. Dr. Bickel and Dr. Bryant will make the best determination for your sedation based on your health and sedation consultation.
What Are The Benefits Of Sedation Dentistry In Seattle, WA?
Sedation dentistry in Seattle, WA benefits our patients with:
- Anxiety – Enjoy a relaxing, comfortable dental appointment.
- Gag reflex – Sedation reduces the sensation of gagging while receiving treatment.
- Difficulty staying numb – Anxiety can make getting or staying numb difficult. Sedation dentistry helps patients receive the full benefits of our powerful anesthetic.
- Long appointments – Patients can receive a significant amount of treatment in one appointment without worry.
Sedation dentistry is safe for most patients and makes dentistry possible for those who would otherwise avoid their treatment. Many patients who have postponed dental care for years are now able to enjoy improved oral health thanks to sedation dentistry.
Options For Sedation Dentistry
An accurate, up-to-date medical history and list of your current medications help Dr. Bickel or Dr. Bryant determine if sedation dentistry is safe for you. We monitor your vitals during treatment for your safety. One of the team members at Phinney Ridge Dental will be by your side throughout your appointment.
Unlike IV sedation, we administer prescription medication orally before your dental appointment. When your medication takes effect, you will feel cozy and at ease. We will also anesthetize the treatment area entirely before beginning any procedure. Most patients at our dentist’s office report that time flies during sedation, that their appointments are anxiety-free, and that they don’t recall the procedure.
Because oral sedation can last for several hours, you will need a friend to transport you from our dental office. You should avoid operating a vehicle or making any big plans following oral sedation dentistry. After a good night’s sleep, you will be able to return to normal activities.
Does Insurance Cover Sedation Dentistry?
Insurance coverage for sedation dentistry varies by the insurance company or plan, but several insurance providers do offer partial or full sedation coverage. If your insurance plan is not clear on your sedation options, contact your insurance company or a member of our team. We can go over your coverage, make the appropriate phone calls, and discover what your insurance plan covers.
