Sleep Dentistry vs. Relaxation Dentistry

Serving Phoenix, Mesa and Scottsdale, Arizona

Dental phobia can be a difficult condition to deal with. Fear of the dentist leads you to avoid dental appointments, which leads to additional need for dental work, which leads to increased anxiety about going to the dentist.

Many dentists, including Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, provide help for patients with dental phobia. Among the most popular options is relaxation dentistry.

Sleep Dentistry

While some people refer to sleep dentistry and relaxation dentistry interchangeably, there’s actually a big difference between the two. Sleep dentistry uses general anesthesia, making the patient completely unconscious. This approach brings with it a higher likelihood of complications, as well as a number of risks specific to general anesthesia. Because of its inherent dangers, sleep dentistry is rarely used in cases of anxiety or phobias.

Relaxation Dentistry

Relaxation dentistry is a much more common approach, and it’s also very safe. Many patients with severe dental phobias have found great results with relaxation dentistry. With the use of a light oral sedative or nitrous oxide, they find themselves completely relaxed in the dentist’s chair, anxiety-free yet still aware. Time seems to go by more quickly, in a dream-like manner. It’s even possible to undergo a combination of procedures in a single session, decreasing the number of times you’ll have to return to the dentist.

Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro want to do everything they can for their patients with dental phobias. In addition to offering relaxation dentistry, they have designed their office to be extra patient friendly. With heating pads and pillows to make you comfortable, as well as flatscreens in each room so you can watch movies, the office environment is truly welcoming. And if you still feel anxious, relaxation dentistry is available to help you relax.

If you’d like to know more about relaxation dentistry and how it can help you overcome your fear of the dentist, please contact the Mesa, Arizona cosmetic and general dentistry offices of Dr. LeSueur and Dr. Dodaro, serving Mesa, Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona. We’ll be happy to answer your questions or schedule an appointment.