Fear of Dentistry East Hanover, NJ

Fear of dentists is called Dentophobia (odontophobia). It is not uncommon to have dentophobia. Millions of people avoid the dentist each year, forgoing the dental care they need because of fear and anxiety. Without routine visits to your local dental office, you can face gum disease, tooth decay, and missing teeth.

Dr. Raj Upadya and the staff of Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry in East Hanover, NJ understand the real stress that visiting the dentist can put on someone. We sympathize with your concerns and strive to make your visit as comfortable and relaxing as possible. Fortunately, we offer ways to help our patients suffer less and avoid complex dental problems that can affect their quality of life.

Sedation Dentistry in East Hanover, NJ

Patients can receive the dental care they need without fear or anxiety. Sedation dentistry is an excellent technique for patients suffering from dental anxiety. It is completely safe and effective allowing your dentist to complete more procedures in a single visit. It is especially helpful for anxious patients who need to undergo extensive treatment.

More benefits include:

  • Enhances effectiveness of anesthetic
  • Decreases gag reflex
  • Alleviates anxiety
  • Eliminates joint and muscle soreness
  • Enables more complete treatments in fewer visits
  • Your dentist will be able to complete the treatment in a timelier manner
  • You won’t suffer from painful memories

Dr. Upadya offers oral conscious sedation to help patients relax during treatment. This type of dental sedation lightly sedates the patients in order to ease their anxiety and fear brought on by their upcoming treatments. It works by blocking the neurological impulses that relay fear and anxiety.

We will prescribe a medication in pill form that you will take about an hour before your appointment. With dental sedation, patients relax and are calm, yet fully awake and able to communicate during treatment. You will remain full conscious and able to breathe independently during the procedure.

Once the procedure is complete, most patients do not remember anything regarding their procedure; despite being awake throughout it. You must have a responsible adult escort to and from your appointment as oral medications will impair your ability to drive.

Computerized Anesthetic

sedation dentistry in East Hanover, New Jersey

Local anesthesia is used in a wide range of dental procedures to numb the patient and make treatment more comfortable. Many patients, however, are afraid of needles and the actual injection itself, making it difficult or impossible to relax the patient prior to treatment.

Dr. Raj Upadya has a solution: The Wand, a computer controlled anesthetic. The Wand is ideal for all patients but especially those who are afraid of injections. The Wand looks similar to a ballpoint pen. It works by delivering a very slow, controlled dose of anesthesia for a pain-free experience.

Much of the pain associated with an injection is due to the improper administering of the anesthetic. Often, the anesthesia is delivered too quickly, causing a painful, piercing sting.

By contrast, the Wand is lightweight and easy to use. The dentist operates the device using a foot pedal, giving him complete control and attention over the hand piece. Most patients don’t even realize that their mouth is being numbed.

With computer controlled anesthetic, Dr. Upadya is able to complete more dental work in a single visit, saving the patient time and money.

How to cope with dental anxiety Infographic

Dental Anxiety FAQs

Is dental anxiety common?

Dental anxiety is very common and affects people of all ages. A prior bad dental visit experience is typically the most common reason. Most dentists have patients with anxiety and trauma daily. If you communicate with them, there are extra steps dentists can take to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

What happens if you haven’t been a dentist in years?

Patients should visit their dentist twice a year to maintain their oral hygiene. If you have not been to the dentist in a year, you may have cavities. Your dentist will deep clean your teeth and inspect for cavities and any signs of infections.

Why am I so scared to get my tooth pulled?

Many patients are very fearful of getting a tooth extraction procedure. Patients should remember that during the extraction, they will not feel anything. Modern technology provides us with safe dental sedation options. Patients will be comfortable during the procedure.

How do you get over dental anxiety?

The best way to overcome dental anxiety is to communicate with your dentist. We recommend communicating your concerns and anxieties with us. Our dentists have options to make your dental visit as comfortable as possible. We also recommend bringing headphones and listening to music to calm your nerves.

How can dentists reduce dental anxiety?

If you suffer from dental anxiety, you can take anti-anxiety medications like diazepam an hour before your dental appointment if your dentist recommends it. Nitrous oxide may also be used as a conscious sedation.

What are some symptoms of dental anxiety?

Some of the most common symptoms of dental anxiety include sweating, nausea, and abnormal blood pressure. If you suffer from dental anxiety, communicate with us; we can help make your visit as comfortable as possible.