Many people struggle with dental anxiety, which can keep them from getting the care they need to protect their oral health. At Marion Smile Center, we recognize how intimidating a dental visit can feel, so we focus on creating a supportive, comfortable environment for every patient. We’ll explore the causes of dental anxiety, share key stats, answer FAQs, and explain how Marion Smile Center uses sedation and comfort measures to help patients relax.
How Common Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is more widespread than many people realize. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), nearly 36% of Americans experience dental anxiety to some degree (source). For some, this fear may lead to avoiding dental appointments altogether, which can result in worsening oral health over time and eventually pain. It’s a downward spiral. By avoiding dental appointments and dental treatment, patients inadvertently cause little problems to become big problems!
Additionally, the Dental Anxiety and Fear Questionnaire reveals that about 9-15% of the population experiences extreme dental anxiety that interferes with their ability to receive necessary dental care (source). This shows how prevalent dental anxiety is and underscores the importance of offering solutions for those who struggle with it.
Understanding Dental Anxiety: Causes and Triggers
Dental anxiety can stem from various sources, such as a previous painful experience, fear of the unknown, or general nervousness about being in a clinical setting. The sounds of dental tools, the feeling of being in a reclined position, or even the anticipation of potential pain can all contribute to this anxiety. Additionally, for some patients, the fear of loss of control or feeling vulnerable during the procedure can be overwhelming.
How Marion Smile Center Helps You Overcome Anxiety
Our Doctors at Marion Smile Center are aware of the importance of addressing dental anxiety and providing supportive care to patients. At Marion Smile Center, we provide personalized care to ensure you feel comfortable during your visit. Our goal is to provide a relaxing experience, ensuring that you receive the dental care you need without unnecessary stress.
RX Prescriptions to Calm You: Valium & Triazolam
Dr. Mark Marion, DMD, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentist, and voted Top Cosmetic Dentist and Top Dentist by Pittsburgh Magazine each year for the past 12 years encourages patients to call our office to schedule an exam and diagnostic x-rays. At this simple and non-invasive appointment, Dr. Marion will discuss what treatment you may need. During that appointment, ask us how we can make you more comfortable during your future treatment appointments. Dr. Marion, who has a DEA license to prescribe controlled substances, not all dentist have such licensure, can prescribe two (2) pills which will calm you for your dental appointment.
1. Valium 10 mg One (1) pill to be taken before you go to bed the night before your appointment
2. Triazolam .25 mg One (1) pill to be taken one (1) hour before your appointment.
Valium, a benzodiazepine prescription, relaxes you, reduces anxiety and fear, and makes dental procedures more tolerable. The effects of Valium typically last from 4 to 12 hours based upon your body’s response. It produces sleep and amnesia at mild levels, so you may feel drowsy during your dental treatment; and you typically will not remember the details of your appointment. Valium is time-tested and safe for patients. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, weakness, and slurred speech.
The National Institute of Health notes that Triazolam is a commonly used medication for short-term insomnia treatment. Because of its rapid onset, short duration of action, and lack of active metabolites it is a near ideal anti-anxiety medication for dental patients. Being a “sleep” medication, it quickly puts you “to sleep”. The effects of Triazolam typically last between 2 to 4 hours based on your body’s response. The drug may make you drowsy during the daytime, may decrease your mental alertness, and may increase the risk that you could fall, so be careful.
Do not drive or operate machinery once you have taken either drug or for the next 24 hours.
Comfort Menu
We are proud to offer a Comfort Menu, designed to cater to your specific needs. Before your appointment, feel free to request any of the following amenities to make your visit more comfortable:
- Water
- iPads for children’s entertainment
- Lip balm
- Nitrous Oxide Sedation (fees apply)
- Noise-cancelling headphones & your choice of music
- Pillow
- Blanket
- Sensitivity polish
- Squeeze ball
These comforts help patients feel at ease, especially those anxious about procedures. The more you communicate with us, the better we can tailor your visit for maximum comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Anxiety
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- What if I am too scared to go to the dentist? You’re not alone! Many patients experience anxiety about dental visits, and we’re here to help. Our team at Marion Smile Center is dedicated to making your experience as relaxing as possible. Let us know about your concerns, and we’ll walk you through various options such as drugs that one of our Doctors can prescribe that can help alleviate any anxiety you may have, our comfort menu options which can help you feel more relaxed, and sedation options to make sure you feel safe and cared for.
- What sedation options are available for anxious patients? We offer several sedation options to help you relax during your dental procedures. These options include:
- Oral Sedation: Medications like Valium, Triazolam, or Halcion to help you relax prior to your appointment. See the above section on RX prescriptions for more details.
- Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide helps you feel calm while remaining fully awake.
- IV Sedation: For more complex procedures or those requiring deeper sedation, IV sedation is administered by an anesthesiologist, allowing you to be relaxed and unaware of the procedure.
- How does sedation dentistry work? Sedation dentistry can help patients remain calm and relaxed during procedures. We have a variety of different options to help you relax both before and during your dental treatment appointments. These include oral sedation, you’ll take prescription drugs before your appointment, Nitrous Oxide, you’ll inhale during the procedure, and IV sedation administered intravenously by an Anesthesiologist for deeper sedation. Each option is tailored to your comfort level and the type of procedure you are undergoing. It’s best to discuss which options would be best for you at a consultation appointment with Dr. Marion before scheduling your procedure.
- What if I have specific fears, like needles or sounds? We understand that some patients have specific triggers for their anxiety. Please let us know if you are uncomfortable with anything—such as needles or certain noises—and we will do our best to accommodate you. Before administering any injection, Dr. Marion first applies a topical Lidocaine gel on to the gums at the site where he will be injecting anesthetic. Most patients say that with this strong numbing jelly they feel very little if anything at all while getting the injection. We offer noise-cancelling headphones, and with sedation options, you may not even remember the procedure.
- What Happens if I Keep Avoiding the Dentist Because of My Dental Anxiety?
Avoiding the dentist due to dental anxiety can lead to several negative consequences for your oral health. Postponed dental visits can turn minor issues like cavities or gum disease into more serious, costly problems.
Potential outcomes of avoiding dental care due to anxiety:
- Cavities and Tooth Decay: If left in the mouth, cavities typically grow larger and can cause more severe tooth decay. Additionally, the destructive bacteria that causes cavities “spreads” to the healthy adjacent teeth. This can lead to painful symptoms, infections, or the need for root canals or extractions.
- Gum Disease: Without regular cleanings and exams, plaque and tartar can lead to gum disease. Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be treated with professional cleanings by our Dental Hygienists using advanced technology. At Marion Smile Center, our hygienists use microscopes to detect bacteria, DNA testing to assess infection levels, and specialized tools that clean beyond what floss can reach. These instruments deliver therapeutic rinses deep into gum pockets to eliminate harmful bacteria. If left untreated, gum disease can progress to periodontitis, increasing the risk of tooth loss.
- Infections: Dental infections can spread quickly if not addressed. Infections in the tooth or gums can become abscesses, leading to intense pain and the potential need for extensive treatments, including surgery. Many Surgeons are now requiring their patients to complete any dental treatment and overdue professional cleanings before any scheduled surgery with their M.D. We often get requests from patients to complete their Surgeon’s forms verifying that any dental treatment has been completed. A common one we see frequently is Orthopedic Surgeons requiring dental clearances before knee or hip replacements. Reducing infections in the mouth promotes healing throughout the rest of the body.
- Higher Treatment Costs: The longer you wait to address dental issues, the more likely it is that dental treatments will become more complex and expensive. Regular checkups and early intervention can save you from pain and costly procedures in the future.
- Overall Health Impact: Oral health is closely connected to overall health. Poor oral hygiene and untreated dental issues have been linked to various health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. Scientists have proven that the bacteria in the mouth is the same bacteria found in diseased hearts. So, by reducing the plaque in your mouth, your entire body systemically will benefit too. This includes improvements in the health of our diabetic patients as well.
At Marion Smile Center, we understand how overwhelming dental anxiety can be. We offer sedation options and comfort measures to help manage anxiety and maintain your oral health. Don’t let fear stop you—contact us today to make your visit stress-free.
Patient Testimonials: Real Experiences with Our Comfort and Sedation Options
At Marion Smile Center, we value the feedback from our patients, and we are proud to share their experiences to help alleviate your concerns. Here are a couple of testimonials from patients who have experienced dental anxiety but felt at ease thanks to our team’s support and our comfort options:
- Cami B.: “I have this humiliating fear of dental procedures. It’s bad y’all. I can get a cleaning. But when I need work done. It’s bad. Bad. I cry. I have anxiety for a week before. And I knew I needed a few fillings replaced. And a crown. Maybe two. And decided to try Marion Smile Center since I heard the staff was good there with giant babies like me. Not only did I feel listened to and understood… I felt zero shame for my fears and even better. Zero pain. This has never happened to me before. Ever. I had two old fillings replaced and one crown. Two hours of dental work. And not once did I have any discomfort. I feel like this is a miracle. They offer an array of items to assist with your anxiety. They call it the Comfort Menu. For me? I chose a blanket and squishy ball… they offered me noise canceling headphones but I opted out because I want to know what’s going on. So, instead they kept me informed step by step of what they were doing. How long it would take. And what I could expect at every transition. They gave me lots of little breaks and were always checking on my comfort level. Yes. They have cool tech. Yes, their office is modern. Yes, they have a gorgeously decorated waiting room. But the biggest asset this office offers, is the team of folks who somehow have made me now suddenly unafraid of the dentist. And you have no idea what that means to me.” (Google)
- Jay L.: “I have been terrified to go to the dentist since I was a child. I had let my teeth get into a very bad state. I decided I could not let things get worse because I had several missing teeth and cavities in most remaining teeth. Last night I began the process of getting everything taken care of. Having 1 very bad tooth removed and my 1st two cavities filled. The experience was nothing like what I was used to. The staff was extremely friendly and made sure I was comfortable the entire time. I had absolute minimal pain. If I had experience like this as a child, my teeth would have been in so much better shape. I highly recommend Dr. Marion especially if you have dental anxiety like I do.” (Google)
These testimonials show how our personalized approach, sedation options, and comfort amenities help patients overcome dental anxiety and receive treatment stress-free. To read hundreds of our patient testimonials, click here.
Sedation Dentistry at Marion Smile Center: Tailored to Your Needs
As part of our commitment to helping patients with dental anxiety, we offer the following sedation options:
- Oral Sedation: Dr. Mark Marion, DMD, FAGD can prescribe drugs such as Valium, Triazolam, Halcion to help you relax before your appointment. You’ll take the prescriptions at specific times before your visit to help you relax while minimizing lingering side effects.
- Nitrous Oxide: This light sedation, also called laughing gas, allows you to remain awake while feeling calm and at ease throughout your procedure. It’s a great option for mild anxiety and works quickly. After the procedure, oxygen is administered, making it safe for the patient to drive themselves home.
- IV Sedation: For more complex procedures, IV sedation from an anesthesiologist is available. This option helps you feel deeply relaxed and often results in little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
At Marion Smile Center, we’re here to help you choose the sedation option that best suits your comfort. For more information on our sedation dentistry options, or for a printable guide, click here.
Final Thoughts: Be Open, Be Honest
At Marion Smile Center, we are here to ensure that every patient feels heard, comfortable, and well taken care of. We encourage you to be open and honest with our team about your concerns so that we can provide the best possible care. Whether you are seeking routine cleanings or more complex procedures, we are here to help you achieve optimal oral health with minimal anxiety.
No matter your level of dental anxiety, we offer solutions to help you feel at ease. Marion Smile Center actively prioritizes your comfort—offering everything from a personalized comfort menu to sedation dentistry to ensure your visit is pleasant and stress-free.
Don’t let dental anxiety keep you from getting the care you need. Call 724.452.4300 to schedule your appointment with us today and take the first step toward a more comfortable dental experience in Zelienople, PA. If you would like a friendly team member from Marion Smile Center to give you a call, click here to request an appointment!
