Dental Anxiety and Fear of the Dentist: A Complete Guide to Sedation Options

Dental Anxiety: You Are Not Alone

Dental phobia affects approximately 20% of the population. It is not irrational and it is not a weakness — it is a genuine anxiety response, often rooted in past experiences. The tragedy is that millions of people avoid dental treatment for years, allowing problems to escalate into pain, infection and tooth loss that could have been prevented.

Sedation Options at Empire Dental

1. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)

The gentlest form of sedation. You breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide through a small nasal mask. Within minutes you feel calm, slightly euphoric and deeply relaxed. You remain fully conscious and can communicate normally. The effects vanish within 5 minutes of removing the mask. You can drive home the same day.

2. Intravenous (IV) Sedation

For more significant anxiety or longer procedures. A sedative is administered through a small needle in your hand or arm by a qualified anaesthetist. You enter a state of deep relaxation and drowsiness. You can still respond to instructions but feel no anxiety or discomfort. Most patients remember little or nothing of the procedure.

3. Advanced Local Anaesthetic Techniques

Even without sedation, modern local anaesthetic is far gentler than what you may remember. We use ultra-thin needles, topical numbing gel before injection, and slow injection technique that eliminates the “sting.” Many patients are surprised to feel nothing at all.

Practical Tips for Managing Dental Anxiety

• Tell us about your anxiety: We adapt the entire experience to your needs
• Bring headphones: Listen to your favourite music or podcast during treatment
• Agree on a stop signal: Raise your hand at any time for a pause
• Bring someone with you: A familiar face in the waiting room helps
• Start small: Book a simple cleaning first to experience the clinic in a low-stress context
• Afternoon appointments: Less time to worry during the day

Do not let anxiety prevent you from getting the smile you deserve. Contact us to discuss sedation options or ask any questions. We treat anxious patients every day and understand exactly how you feel.