Dental anxiety shouldn’t keep you from getting the care you need. At Andover Family Dentistry in Andover, KS, Dr. Howell and our team make every visit comfortable, stress-free, and even enjoyable. From nitrous oxide sedation to massaging chairs and TVs in every room, we create an environment where you can relax and feel at ease.
Whether you have mild anxiety or a significant dental phobia, we have options to help you feel comfortable throughout your visit.
Nitrous Oxide For Relaxation
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a safe, effective sedation option for anxious patients. You breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a small mask during your procedure.
Benefits of nitrous oxide:
- You remain fully conscious and responsive
- You feel relaxed and at ease
- The effects wear off quickly once the mask is removed
- You can drive yourself home after your appointment
- It’s safe for both children and adults
Nitrous oxide is ideal for patients with mild to moderate anxiety or those having routine procedures.
Comfort-Focused Treatment
We design every aspect of your visit with your comfort in mind. Our private treatment rooms feature massaging chairs that help you relax while we work. You can watch your favorite shows on the TV mounted in every room.
We use gentle techniques throughout treatment, take breaks whenever you need them, and check in frequently to make sure you’re comfortable. Our team moves at your pace, never rushing you.
Gentle Injection Techniques
Many patients are anxious about needles. We use techniques that minimize discomfort during injections.
Before any injection, we apply topical numbing gel so you don’t feel the initial pinch. We use the thinnest needles available and administer anesthesia slowly to reduce pressure. Most patients are surprised by how little they feel.
For qualifying procedures, we also offer no-shot dental fillings that eliminate the need for injections altogether.
Relaxation Amenities
From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the comfortable, welcoming atmosphere. Our office includes a coffee bar where you can enjoy a beverage before or after your appointment.
These small touches make a big difference in how you experience dental care. Many patients tell us they actually look forward to their visits.
Sedation For Significant Anxiety
For patients with severe dental anxiety or those undergoing lengthy procedures, we offer additional sedation options.
- Oral sedation uses a prescription medication taken before your appointment. You’ll feel deeply relaxed and drowsy but remain conscious. You’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
- IV sedation delivers medication directly into your bloodstream for deeper sedation. This option is ideal for complex procedures or patients with extreme dental phobias.
Dr. Howell will discuss which sedation option is right for your needs.
Creating A Calm Experience
Beyond sedation and amenities, we create a calm experience through our approach to patient care. Our team is patient, understanding, and trained to work with anxious patients.
We explain what we’re doing before we do it, use non-threatening language, and give you control with hand signals to pause treatment if you need a break. These communication strategies help you feel safe and in control.
Personalized Comfort Planning
Everyone’s anxiety is different. During your first visit, we’ll discuss your concerns, past experiences, and what would make you feel most comfortable.
We’ll create a personalized plan that might include sedation, breaks during treatment, headphones to listen to music, or extra time to ask questions. Your comfort is our priority.