Dental anxiety is an all too common dental concern. Whether you’ve had a past negative experience at the dentist or a fear of pain, we understand and are here to help. Dr. Efthimios Koveos treats dental anxiety in his Sarasota, FL, dentist office with calming techniques and sedation.
For patients with moderate to severe anxiety, Dr. Koveos also offers dental sedation. He has special training in this area and holds a certification in Adult Conscious Sedation from DOCS Education, a respected organization that trains dentists in safe sedation practices. You can trust that you’re in good hands. He can use sedation dentistry if you have dental anxiety or dental phobia.
How We Make Dental Visits Comfortable
We know that visiting the dentist can make some people feel nervous or uncomfortable. That’s why Dr. Koveos and our team work hard to create a relaxing and stress-free experience for every patient. Whether it’s your first visit or you’ve seen us before, we want you to feel calm, safe, and confident during your appointment. Here are some of the ways we make dental visits more comfortable:
- Office Tour: Before your first appointment, we welcome you to take a tour of our office. Seeing the space, meeting our team, and getting familiar with the environment can help ease dental anxiety. When you know what to expect, it’s easier to feel at ease.
- Communication and Education: We believe that clear communication is one of the best ways to help patients feel comfortable. Dr. Koveos and our team will explain your treatment options in simple terms and answer all your questions. We want you to fully understand what’s happening at every step, so you can feel confident about your care.
- Creating a Signal: If you ever feel uncomfortable or need a break during treatment, we encourage you to raise your hand or give us a signal. This lets us know to pause right away. You’re always in control during your visit, and we’ll never rush you through a procedure.
- Sedation Options: For patients with dental anxiety or those who need longer procedures, we offer safe sedation options. Dr. Koveos provides oral conscious sedation that involves taking a pill before your appointment to help you feel relaxed but awake. We also offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Laughing gas provides a gentle way to reduce stress and help you feel calm during treatment.
Sedation for Dental Anxiety in Sarasota, FL
If you feel nervous, anxious, or scared about going to the dentist, you’re not alone. Many people avoid dental care because of fear or past bad experiences. At Integrated Dental in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Koveos understands dental anxiety and offers safe, effective dental sedation to help you feel calm and relaxed during your visit. Sedation can make a big difference if you:
- Have had bad experiences at the dentist in the past
- Are afraid of needles, drills, or dental tools
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Need a long or complex dental procedure
- Have trouble sitting still in the dental chair
- Avoid the dentist due to fear or anxiety
We offer two types of dental sedation that can help make your visit more comfortable. Oral conscious sedation involves taking a pill before your dental appointment. This type of sedation helps you feel deeply relaxed but still awake. Some people feel sleepy or may not remember much of the procedure afterward, which can be helpful if you’re nervous. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment because the effects can last for several hours. Oral sedation is a great option for patients with moderate to severe dental anxiety.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that’s breathed in through a small mask placed over your nose. It helps you feel calm, relaxed, and sometimes even a little giddy during your treatment. The best part? The effects wear off quickly after the mask is removed, so you can usually drive yourself home. Nitrous oxide is safe for both kids and adults and works well for patients with mild to moderate anxiety.
What Happens When I Avoid the Dentist?
Skipping dental visits might not seem like a big deal, especially if your teeth don’t hurt. But avoiding the dentist can lead to serious problems over time. At Integrated Dental in Sarasota, FL, Dr. Koveos helps patients stay on top of their oral health with regular checkups and cleanings. If you avoid the dentist, small problems can turn into big ones and they can be harder and more expensive to fix later.
One of the biggest risks of skipping dental visits is tooth decay. Cavities often don’t hurt in the early stages, so you might not even know you have one. If a cavity is left untreated, it can grow deeper and cause pain, infection, or even tooth loss.
Another common problem is gum disease. When plaque builds up around your teeth and gums, it can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding. If gum disease isn’t treated, it can lead to serious infections, bone loss, and loose teeth. Gum disease is also linked to other health problems, like heart disease and diabetes.
Missing regular cleanings also means you’re missing out on the chance to have tartar removed. Tartar is hardened plaque that can’t be brushed off at home. Only a dental cleaning can get rid of it, and if it’s not removed, it can lead to gum problems and bad breath.
If you avoid the dentist for too long, you may end up needing more serious treatments, like root canals, tooth extractions, or even dentures. Regular dental visits help prevent these issues and save you time, money, and discomfort in the future.
Contact Our Office
Get comfortable dental care by treating dental anxiety in Sarasota, FL. Call Integrated Dental for treatment today at 941-270-9755. You can also request an appointment with Dr. Koveos on our website. We welcome your questions. If you’re worried about treatment and aren’t sure what to expect, please ask. We’re here to help you.