For many people, a trip to the dentist, even for a regular check up, can cause so much stress, fear, and anxiety that they are willing to skip essential dental services and even live with pain, often putting their oral and even general health at risk. While neglecting dental services out of nervousness or fear may seem like a reasonable trade off, the consequences of neglecting professional dental care can have serious implications, from cavities and tooth decay, to periodontal (gum) disease and tooth loss.

Studies have shown that the inflammation and bacterial buildup characteristic of periodontal disease can also lead to health implications for people with underlying conditions like diabetes, and those who are already at risk for heart attack and strokes.

Handling Dental Anxiety and Stress with Sedation Dentistry

So you’re aware of the importance of regular visits to the dentist, but you can’t exactly flip a magical switch to suddenly turn off what might be a lifelong fear of going to the dentist. If you’ve ever lived with the agony of a toothache or skipped a regular dental cleaning out of fear or anxiety, you may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Depending on the individual patient and the dental procedure, Dr. Ryan J. Donovan, a periodontist in Fort Myers, FL, offers nitrous oxide, intravenous, and oral sedation to help nervous patients through a range of dental procedures. Patients suffering from gum disease often need advanced treatments like deep cleaning or gum or bone grafting, depending on the extent of the damage. Whether a patient needs a new crown or filling, or a dental implant following tooth loss or extraction, sedation dentistry can help nervous patients obtain necessary dental services in a calm, soothing environment.

Sedation Dentistry in Fort Myers

To learn more about sedation dentistry and whether you are a good candidate, contact Fort Meyers periodontist Dr. Ryan Donovan today at (239) 931-4141 to request a consultation.