Afraid of the Dentist but in Pain? How Sedation Can Help
Written/reviewed by Arezoo Sotoodeh, DMD
If the thought of sitting in a dental chair makes your heart race, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is very common, and for many people it means putting off care until a toothache becomes impossible to ignore. If you’re in pain right now but dreading the visit, this is for you.
The Avoidance Cycle
Anxiety leads to skipped visits. Skipped visits let small problems grow. Bigger problems can mean more pain and more involved treatment, which can make the anxiety even stronger. The good news: you can break the cycle, and you don’t have to do it alone.
What a Gentle Emergency Visit Looks Like
- No judgment. It doesn’t matter how long it’s been. We’re just glad you came in.
- We explain everything first so there are no surprises.
- You’re in control. Agree on a hand signal to pause any time.
- Thorough numbing before any treatment.
- Sedation options to help you feel calm.
Sedation Options at Southwest Family Dentistry
Minimal sedation/oral conscious sedation: a prescribed medication that helps you feel relaxed and at ease. You’ll stay awake and able to respond, but calm. Because the effects last a while, you’ll need someone to drive you and should plan to take the rest of the day off.
We’ll review your health history and medications to recommend the option that’s safest and most comfortable for you.
Tips for Your First Visit
- Tell our team you’re nervous when you call; it helps us plan.
- Bring headphones and your favorite music or podcast.
- Bring a trusted friend or family member.
- Ask questions. Understanding what’s happening helps a lot.
Take the First Step
Calling is often the hardest part. When you do, our team will listen, answer your questions, and help you get out of pain as comfortably as possible.
Southwest Family Dentistry 9200 W Cross Drive, Suite 300, Littleton, CO 80123
Call (303) 973-5859 or book online. New patients are welcome for emergency visits.
Frequently asked questions
We will do a consultation without sedation so you have the opportunity to ask questions. Oral sedation requires some planning, including a driver. We can make sure you are sedated for any treatment you will need.
No. You'll be awake and able to respond, but relaxed and calm.
That's okay. Our team is judgment-free, and we'll start with what's most important: getting you comfortable and out of pain.
Very. Many of our patients feel nervous. Telling us helps us make your visit as comfortable as possible.
Whatever Cleaning You Need, We’ve Got You
Anxious about a deep cleaning? Our No-Judgment Guarantee means gentle numbing, a clear explanation of every step, and zero lectures about how you got here.
Worried about cost without insurance? Our In-Office Dental Plan gives uninsured patients an affordable path to the periodontal care they need.
Ready to protect your smile? Schedule online or call our Littleton, CO office today.
Sources – Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 20). Bleeding gums: Causes & treatment. Cleveland Clinic. clevelandclinic.org
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, April 20). Gingivitis: Symptoms & how to treat it. Cleveland Clinic. clevelandclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 24). Gingivitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org
Mayo Clinic. (2023, February 24). Periodontitis – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.org
