Moderate Dental Fear or Mild Dental Anxiety

Patients with a moderate degree of dental fear and anxiety are unable to control their fear leading to complete avoidance of going to the dentist. Some patients with moderate dental fear and anxiety may visit the dentist only when experiencing severe toothaches.

Signs and symptoms of moderate dental fear and anxiety

– High degree of dental fear that is difficult to control by the patient
– Tendency to avoid seeking dental care, particularly routine dental care
– Difficulty sleeping the night before your dental appointment
– Intense restlessness, irritability, jumpy and heightened sense of danger
– Physical symptoms may include palpitations, nausea , dizziness, stomach ache, sweating, increase heart rate and blood pressure
– Chronic frequency of missing dental appointment and last minute cancellations

Sedation dentistry treatment of patients with moderate dental fear

Generally, the sedation dentist initial consult is conducted with the patient to assess the degree and specific sources of dental fear of anxiety. The dental exam and x-rays may or may not be performed at that first depending on the comfort level of the patient. IV sedation is the most appropriate approach for initial and extensive appointment. Mild pre-appointment anti-anxiety medication and/or nitrous oxide may be used in follow-up, dental exams and cleanings appointments.

– Moderate to deep IV Sedation may be used for dental procedures and extensive appointments.
– Anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed prior to dental appointments
– Oral sedation or milder sedation methods may be used with routine appointments depending on the patient’s preference and comfort level.
– If milder sedation methods, such as nitrous oxide, are used for routine dental appointments (i.e cleaning appointments), movie glasses or headphones may be combined.