Do you have dental anxiety?
One of our top rated dentists in Lincoln has solutions.
If you have anxiety, you know just how difficult it can be to accomplish certain things. If you have dental anxiety, you know that it can affect whether or not you seek dental treatment. Anxiety in general is a natural response to stress and a general feeling of uncertainty about things or events that have yet to occur. If you have dental anxiety, do know that you aren’t alone. Many people suffer from dental anxiety, and as a result, forego necessary dental treatment. At Preserve Family Dentistry, however, we understand just how serious your anxiety might be and, therefore, we will do what it takes to make sure you get outstanding care. We cater to individuals, who for whatever reason, might shy away from the dentist. We care about you and your dental health and for this reason, we offer a variety of solutions to help you get the care you deserve. In our article we’ll cover:
- What is sedation dentistry? Your Lincoln dentist explains!
- Is sedation dentistry dangerous? Sedation dentistry is a safe, effective way to get the dental care you need.
- How will I feel after dental sedation? Occasionally, patients may feel nauseous, but eating a light meal with your pill, can help.
Dr. Kathryn Alderman is one of our top rated dentists in Lincoln, NE and has been treating patients with high anxiety for many years in the area. Her goal as one of our top rated dentists in Lincoln, NE is helping patients overcome their fears and have positive experiences while in her care.

“In my experience, many patients avoid coming to the dentist for years due to anxiety from past experiences and fear of the unknown. After those years pass and patients start to experience dental problems, they may continue to avoid treatment due to fear of judgment from dental providers or embarrassment about the condition of their teeth. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is to help my patients who have anxiety regain their dental health. I am very passionate about helping people improve their overall health by treating their dental conditions.”
“Sometimes patients come to myself, or a dentist in Lincoln, NE for emergency care because they have dental problems that require immediate treatment due to infection or discomfort. In these cases, their anxiety is even higher than usual. I want to empower my patients to have healthy teeth and be healthier and happier overall. All of my patients are offered realistic options for ways in which we can treat their dental conditions. My delivery of these options are done in a way that keeps patients comfortable, which in turn allows me to give them exceptional care.”

One of our top rated dentists in Lincoln, NE discusses sedation dentistry:
What is sedation dentistry?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“When patients read about sedation dentistry online, they may have questions because there are various forms of sedation dentistry available. In some practices, the dentist uses laughing gas, or Nitrous Oxide. Other practices use oral sedation, which is a prescription medication that the patient takes prior to the appointment. This is the type of sedation we offer at Nebraska Family Dentistry. A deeper form of sedation is IV sedation and is normally used by oral surgeons for more advanced procedures.”
“The type of medication we prescribe is a benzodiazepine. Patients who take this medication before their appointments are expected to be very sleepy and relaxed. Many of them doze off and nap during their treatment. Patients who choose this option need someone to bring them to and from their appointment and should take the day off from work to relax afterward. If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for sedation dentistry, call our office and schedule a consultation with me. I will carefully review your medical history with you prior to prescribing the medication for your treatment.”

What patients would benefit from using sedation dentistry?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“Patients who have had bad experiences in the dental setting in the past, those who have strong gag reflexes, or those who have had great difficulty getting numb for past dental treatment could benefit from using sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry may also benefit patients who have anxiety and have busy or demanding schedules. It may also work well for those who would like to complete years worth of dentistry in just a couple of appointments rather than scheduling several short appointments.”

How long is a sedation dentistry appointment?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“The length of your appointments depends upon how much dental work you would like to complete at each visit with our dentist in Lincoln, NE. For some patients, shorter appointments are more comfortable. For most, completing as much treatment as possible, in as few appointments as possible, helps them avoid missing out on work and family obligations.”

What are the side effects of sedation dentistry?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“Occasionally patients may feel a little bit nauseous if they did not eat a small meal with the medication such as crackers or a piece of toast. Otherwise, the medication can make patients feel a little groggy and tired for a few hours.”

What are the risks of sedation dentistry?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“There are some risks in taking any new medication if you have not taken it before. In our practices, we screen all of our patients to be sure they are healthy enough for sedation dentistry with our dentist in Lincoln, NE. Patients who are healthy and have medical conditions that are well-controlled are candidates for sedation dentistry. Patients with severely compromised health may not be candidates for sedation dentistry. Pregnant women are not candidates for sedation dentistry.”

How should patients get ready for their sedation appointment?
Your Lincoln dentist answers…
“Patients should have had a physical with their physician within the last 3 years to rule out any breathing problems or underlying medical conditions that could compromise the airway. Financial arrangements and informed consents are handled prior to the appointment day. Patients must have a driver to and from their appointments. They should not return to work or care for small children while under the influence of this medication.”
“The day before the appointment, patients should drink lots of water and eat well. The day of the appointment, they should eat a small meal. Nothing too heavy, so that the medication can be absorbed better. Toast or some crackers or a small bowl of cereal are good options.”
“I want patients to know that even if they have anxiety about dental care, I can provide them with a comfortable, positive experience using sedation dentistry. If you would like to learn more about sedation dentistry, contact our office and schedule an appointment.”
Your Lincoln Dentist,
Dr. Kathryn Alderman
If you have additional questions about sedation dentistry from one of our top rated dentists in Lincoln, NE, you can contact us at Preserve Family Dentistry (402)413-7000.

The information on this page was written by Dr. Anton Diy.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists says: “I want each patient to feel valued and respected. Your comfort is my top priority. I will make sure to always check your comfort level throughout treatment and will try hard to provide effective distraction, compassion, and gentle touch during the administration of a local anesthetic. I would love to see you in my chair and would be honored to provide your dental care.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or his partners, online 24/7 at a Preserve Family Dentistry Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Roca, Bennet, Firth, Eagle, and Walton!

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