Scared of the Dentist's Chair? Consider Sedation Dentistry

If the sound of a dentist’s drill freaks you out, you’re not alone. An estimated 1 in 5 people share your fear of the dentist’s chair. That’s why sedation dentistry is on the rise. Whether your anxiety stems from the tools, the anticipation of pain, having someone’s fingers in your mouth, or the feeling of vulnerability, it’s real.

If you’re like most people with dental phobias, you’d probably rather live with the pain of cavities or gum disease than go to the dentist. And that’s a problem, because your oral health is connected to your overall health. 

Dr. George Saliba at GEMS Dental in Houston can help you overcome your fear and get the dental work you need with sedation. From routine checkups to complex procedures, he makes you comfortable and relaxed the whole time. 

With 20 years of experience and a state-of-the-art facility that uses the latest technology, Dr. Saliba is highly qualified to administer mild-to-moderate sedation so you can actually enjoy your time in his chair. 

Depending on the work you need done, Dr. Saliba uses one of three different methods to help you relax. While you may have heard this called “sleep dentistry,” that’s actually a myth. You won’t really be asleep, just deeply relaxed. We believe that once you try sedation dentistry, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it for years. 

In addition to enjoying your visit to the dentist’s office, here are some of the benefits of sedation dentistry.

Time in chair seems shorter

Many people who undergo sedation dentistry have little to no memory of the time they’ve spent in the chair. And forgetting has its advantages. With no negative memories to scare you off, you’ll be more likely to come in again.

Reduces number of appointments necessary

When you’re extremely relaxed, you and Dr. Salib can get a lot done. Even people who don’t have dental anxiety still have a limit to how much they can tolerate during one visit. But with sedation dentistry, you aren’t even aware of what’s happening or how long you’ve been there.

So if you have multiple procedures that need to be done, or one complex procedure with multiple steps, you can feasibly get them all done at once. This saves you time and money.

Leads to regular checkups and cleaning

Sedation dentistry is a life-changing experience. It generally causes a complete change in attitude when it comes to dental work. That means you’ll find yourself making and keeping your routine checkup and cleaning appointments, which helps you maintain good oral health.

Ideal for special-needs patients

If you or your child has an autism spectrum disorder or a sensory processing disorder, sedation dentistry may be the only way to make regular dental visits possible. Our priority at GEMS Dentistry is to make sure all of our patients are comfortable, well informed, and valued. Children, people with special needs, and the elderly are all welcome here.

If the thought of going to the dentist gives you nightmares, choose sedation dentistry and dream your way through your dental work. Call us today, send us a message on our website, or use the convenient Request Appointment button to book a visit and erase your fears about dentists.