Anxiety-Free Sedation Dentistry

Relax During Your Visit

At Dental Health and Wellness Boston, we are committed to making your dental appointments as comfortable and anxiety free as possible. For our patients that have dental fears or phobias, and for patients requiring longer more complex procedures that might last several hours, we offer a safe, easy way to relax through your appointments.

The Boston Dentist Who Understands Sedation Dentistry/Sleep Dentistry

Known as sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry, oral medications are administered in pill form prior to your appointment, leaving you alert and able to respond to questions while feeling calm with the emotional anxiety and stress caused by your dental phobia greatly reduced. A member of the DOCS Sedation Care network, Dr. Jill Smith’s practice provides oral conscious sedation, relaxation techniques and nitrous oxide and has received certifications and training as well as facility licenses and permits to provide this wonderful service to Dental Health and Wellness Boston patients.

Dental Phobias

It is estimated that 9% to 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental phobias that cause anxiety and fear - that amounts to approximately 30 million to 40 million people! (Colgate). The causes of dental fear range from worries about the level of pain one experiences while others are simply embarrassed or self-conscious about the state of their teeth. Concerns such as lack of control and fear of the unknown are often enough to keep a person from seeking needed treatment. Even the close proximity between patient and dentist can cause anxiety and prior bad experiences at the dentist can result in future apprehension to visit (Colgate).

Health Risks Associated with Dental Phobias

By delaying, or forgoing dental care all together, the risk of gum disease and tooth loss greatly increases. As studies have shown, the systemic connection between oral health and overall health is another cause for concern – aside from dental issues arising, heart conditions and lung infections stemming from poor dental health can become exacerbated over time, even life-threatening.

Overcoming Dental Phobias with the Help of Your Boston Dentist

At Dental Health and Wellness Boston, helping patients overcome dental phobias is a passion of Dr. Smith’s. We offer anxiety reduction and sedation dentistry techniques to make your dental visit comfortable, and we discuss in detail, our plans for your dental care before any treatment begins. Creating a trusting relationship with our patients is key to providing the best dental care possible, with personalized plans to address any concerns and minimize dental fears that may have hindered oral health in the past.

What to Expect When Undergoing Sedation Dentistry

Before sedation care is recommended, Dr. Smith extensively reviews existing medical conditions and medications of each patient. Once cleared for sedation care, we recommend the following preparation and post-visit steps:

Avoid eating or drinking for six hours prior to your appointment
Arrange transportation from a friend, family member, companion etc. to escort you to and from treatment
Once you return home from treatment, take the day off to rest
Do not drive or operate heavy machinery for 24 hours
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids