Severe dental phobia: how IV sedation can help
Dental phobia is more than nerves. How IV sedation works, how it compares with laughing gas and oral sedation, and what an appointment looks like.
Sedation dentistry in Aurora, IL
A dentist for anxious and phobic adults in Aurora
If a dental appointment causes you severe anxiety and stress, our compassionate team is here to help. With sedation, you relax through your treatment, and most patients remember very little of it.
How we help anxious patients
If fear has kept you away from the dentist, sedation dentistry lets you get the care you need while you relax. We offer oral and IV conscious (“twilight”) sedation, so you stay deeply relaxed. It all starts with a free consultation.
Dental anxiety is real, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Some people feel mild nervousness, while others experience full-on panic at the thought of a dental appointment. Dental phobia is more than simple nervousness: it is an intense fear that keeps people from seeking necessary care. Common triggers include a fear of needles or of pain, past traumatic dental experiences, feelings of helplessness or loss of control, and embarrassment about the condition of their teeth after years away.
At Halcyon Dental, we understand the fear and discomfort many people experience when visiting the dentist. Our experienced staff work hard to make sure every patient feels safe, protected, and comfortable, no matter how fearful they feel walking into our office. If you’re still comparing practices, read how to choose a dentist for anxious patients. Outside organizations also offer support for dental fear.
If it’s been years
- You’re embarrassed to smile
- You’re terrified of the dentist
- A past dental experience still makes you nervous
- You’re afraid of needles
- You have a strong gag reflex
- You don’t have enough time
Years of putting off care? No lectures, no judgment. Just a plan to get you smiling again. We welcome patients regardless of their current dental condition, and because you’re comfortable, we can often do more per visit, so you need fewer appointments. If years of problems have piled up, read about full-mouth reconstruction under sedation.
I hadn’t had any dental work done for a few years, and it really helped me. With sedation, I was able to have a lot of work done in one appointment without remembering the experience. I would definitely do it again.
What happens when you call
For many people, the hardest part is simply making the first phone call. When you call 630-361-0488 or request a free consultation, we’ll contact you during office hours to set it up. There’s no pressure and no judgment, just an honest conversation about your concerns, your goals and your options.
Step 1: Free consultation
We review your medical and dental history and your X-rays (or take new ones), and talk through your goals.
Step 2: Your sedation plan
Together we choose oral, IV, or both, based on your health, your anxiety level, and the treatment you need.
Step 3: Relax through treatment
You rest comfortably while we work and monitor you closely. Most patients remember little of the visit.
Cost and payment. There is a separate sedation fee for every form of sedation we offer. We’re proud to offer it at a much lower cost than other anesthesia providers charge. We aren’t a Medicaid provider, but we do offer third-party payment plans.
To get ready, our printable sedation visit checklist covers what to bring, what to arrange and what to ask.
Sources
- AnxietyMouthHealthy, American Dental Association
- PhobiasMedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- AnesthesiaMedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Anesthesia and SedationMouthHealthy, American Dental Association
Questions about dental anxiety
I’m afraid of needles. Is there an option without one?
Yes. Oral sedation is a pill taken about an hour before your visit, with no needle to start. IV sedation does require a needle for the IV line, but many patients with needle anxiety find that the deeper relaxation and amnesia make it worthwhile. We can talk through both at your free consultation.
What if I have a strong gag reflex?
The gag reflex is often intensified by anxiety and tension. IV sedation addresses both: it creates a calm mental state and relaxes the throat and soft palate, so involuntary spasms are less likely. Read about deep cleanings for people with a strong gag reflex.
It’s been years since my last visit. Is that a problem?
No. No matter how long it has been since your last dental visit, we’re ready to help without judgment. Life circumstances, fear and past negative experiences can all contribute to delayed care, and our goal is to help you get healthy, not to make you feel bad about the past.
Is sedation dentistry the same as “sleep dentistry”?
It is sometimes called that, but the goal is not to make you sleep. Conscious (“twilight”) sedation puts you in a deeply relaxed state. You can still respond to your name or a gentle touch, and most patients drift off and remember very little of the visit. IV sedation provides deeper relaxation and more control. Learn how IV sedation dentistry works.
Is sedation dentistry safe?
Yes. Conscious sedation has an excellent safety record when it is given by a trained, permitted dentist who monitors you throughout. Dr. Kim holds an Illinois IV Conscious Sedation Permit, is ACLS certified, and our team performs hundreds of sedation cases every year.
Related reading
All articlesRequest a free consultation
Tell us a little about what’s been holding you back, and we’ll set up your free consultation.
- Free consultation
- Complimentary panoramic X-ray if needed
- Payment plan options
We’ll contact you during office hours: Mon, Tue & Thu 8:30 am–5:30 pm Wed by appointment Fri–Sun closed
Prefer to talk?Call 630-361-0488