Don't Let Dental Anxiety Keep You from Getting Proper Care. We Have Sedation Options

If just hearing the word dentist makes your palms sweat, you aren’t alone. Dental anxiety is extremely common, affecting 36% of Americans, and can prevent people from getting the care they need. But putting off dental visits only leads to bigger problems down the road, like painful cavities, gum disease, or even tooth loss.

At CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki, we understand your fear is real, and we take it seriously. That’s why we offer safe, effective sedation options to help you feel relaxed, comfortable, and in control during your visit.

Read on as Niki Cochran, DDS, explains how sedation dentistry can help conquer dental anxiety, why skipping dental care is problematic, and what your sedation options are.

Why do so many people avoid the dentist?

Dental anxiety can stem from many different sources. 

Maybe you had a painful experience as a child, or you’re sensitive to sounds, smells, or the feeling of someone working in your mouth. Others worry about needles, gagging, or simply feeling embarrassed about their dental health.

Whatever your reason, you deserve compassion, not judgment, and our team is here to meet you where you are. So, don’t hesitate to talk to us about your fears and concerns.

Why skipping dental care is detrimental to your oral health

Skipping regular cleanings and delaying treatment can lead to:

• Tooth decay and infections
• Gum disease and recession
• Difficulty eating or speaking
• Chronic pain
• Higher long-term costs

Even something as simple as skipping cleanings can allow plaque and bacteria to build up, which can then lead to an increased risk of dental work down the road.

How sedation dentistry helps you tackle dental anxiety

Dental anxiety isn’t just “nerves”—it can feel overwhelming and trigger physical symptoms like a racing heart, nausea, or even panic attacks. Sedation dentistry helps break this cycle by calming your body and mind, enabling you to get the care you need without fear.

Here’s how it helps:

It can reduce physical tension in your body

Sedation relaxes your muscles and eases that “fight-or-flight” response so you can sit comfortably during your visit.

It can dull sensations

Sounds, smells, and the feeling of dental tools are less noticeable, which helps you stay calm and less reactive.

This, paired with local anesthetics, means that you’re comfortable and pain-free during your procedure.

It can ease your time perception

Sedation can make long procedures feel much shorter, and in some cases, you may not remember the visit at all. This is particularly helpful if you need extensive dental work or several procedures at once.

It builds your confidence

With each anxiety-free appointment, your fear can lessen, making future visits easier and less stressful.

If anxiety has held you back for years, sedation dentistry can be the breakthrough that helps you take control of your oral health and feel proud of your smile again.

Explore your options at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki

We offer multiple sedation options to help take the fear out of your visit:

Laughing gas

Laughing gas — officially called nitrous oxide — helps you relax quickly and wears off just as fast. You’ll stay awake but feel calm throughout your appointment, and you can even drive yourself home afterward.

Oral sedation

With this option, you take a small pill before your visit. Dr. Niki prescribes it for you before your procedure here at CLE Smiles by Dr. Niki.

You’ll remain conscious but feel deeply relaxed and may not remember much of the procedure. You may even fall asleep! Because of this, sometimes sedation dentistry is called sleep dentistry. 

Common pills for oral sedation include medications like Valium (diazepam), Halcion (triazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam). Dr. Niki recommends the right one for you based on your needs and medical history. She gives you clear instructions on when and how to take it before your appointment, so you feel calm and prepared when you arrive.

If you opt for oral sedation, be sure to arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home.

To learn more about your sedation dentistry options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Niki. You can click here to request an appointment online, or call our Lakewood, Ohio, office at 216-616-1385.