Dental Anxiety Solutions in Rockford IL
We understand many patients feel anxious and nervous when it comes to dental treatment. There are several ways we can help. Please understand we do not offer “sleep dentistry” or any type of intravenous sedation.
Holistic and Natural
Essential oils can go a long way in helping patients feel more relaxed. Taking a few deep breaths of lavender oil may be just what you need to help fight off the jitters.
Bring some of your own or use the oil we have on hand. We can provide you with a warm cozy blanket and even offer a neck pillow.
CBD (Cannabidiol) taken before an appointment has been found by many patients to be helpful with dental anxiety.
NuCalm is an amazing technology that helps patients feel comfortable, relaxed, and in many cases, more rested and less stressed than when you walked in the door. Take a look at the link below.
Patient reviews on NuCalm:
“Although I love Dr. Pam and Dr. Roger along with all of the hygienists, I do have anxiety when I go to the dentist. The NuCalm was an unbelievably wonderful experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone and am hoping that the next time I come in, it will be available to me.” – Jacqueline
“I had to have a large filling replaced and was rather nervous. When I was in the chair waiting for the procedure to begin, my heart was beating quite fast; deep breathing helped a bit but I was still very nervous! Dr. Schmidt asked me if I would like to try the NuCalm system as it was designed to help me relax. I said yes, was set up with the patches, headphones, and everything, and Dr. Schmidt started the procedure. I did not feel or hear anything unusual and really didn’t know what to expect, but not long into the procedure, I noticed my heart wasn’t beating quite so hard. As time went on, my heartbeat went back to normal, and I realized I was feeling quite calm. When Dr. Schmidt was done, I realized I actually felt great! The coolest thing, I think, was how good I felt when the procedure was all done–there weren’t any odd feelings like you can sometimes get when you’ve had an adrenaline rush. Just calm, peaceful, and relaxed. It was really awesome! I highly recommend using this system.” – Patricia
Anti-Anxiety Pills
The most commonly prescribed dental-related drugs that treat anxiety belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Drugs such as Valium, Halcion, Xanax, or Ativan.
These drugs decrease anxiety by binding and toning down activity within “fear” receptors in the brain.
There are two different types of Benzodiazepines:
- Sedative-Hypnotics: These drugs induce calm, including drowsiness and even sleep. This sleep state is actually a form of hypnosis which is a form of physiological sleep.
- Anti-Anxiety Drugs: These are drugs which relieve anxiety and induce a state of calm and relaxation.
While benzodiazepines act as sedatives AND anti-anxiety drugs, some are highly targeted at areas within the brain that focus on sleep. Others act in a more specific way and target fear centers in the brain. In most cases, higher doses act as sedatives and induce sleep, while in lower doses, they reduce anxiety without sedation.
Benzodiazepines are also Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants (i.e. there can be a decline in blood pressure and breathing). It is important to note that they shouldn’t be mixed with other CNS depressants such as alcohol.
It’s important that you utilize the dose your dentist or doctor recommends. It is possible to overdose, and overdoses could lower your breathing to dangerously low levels, which could result in coma or death.
Please note that you shouldn’t travel on your own after you’ve taken any of these drugs. Make sure you have an escort, even if you traveled by bus or foot! It’s easy to become disorientated.
When not to take benzodiazepines:
Some of these drugs can affect your liver and heart. It’s important to check with your practitioner and/or pharmacist.
You should be sure to inform your doctor or dentist if any of the following apply:
- known allergy to the drug
- narrow-angle glaucoma
- pregnancy
- severe respiratory disease (COPD)
- congestive heart failure (CHF)
- impaired kidney or liver function
- depression/bipolar disorder/psychoses
- chronic bronchitis
- and some other conditions.
It’s also important to let us know if you are taking other medications. There could be possible drug interactions.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous Oxide (also commonly known as laughing gas) is a sweet-smelling, non-irritating, colorless gas that you can breathe. Nitrous Oxide has been the primary means of sedation in dentistry for many years. Nitrous oxide is safe, the patient receives 50-70% oxygen with no less than 30% nitrous oxide.
