dental anxiety Archives | Williams Family Dentistry

Worried About Dental Sedation Safety

Posted on October 31, 2026 by writeradmin.

I am going in for a dental procedure and my dentist suggested oral conscious sedation because I am an anxious patient. I was fine with that and then I was in an online forum. It wasn’t even a dental forum and I happened to mention that I was getting sedation and I hope my roommate doesn’t film me. Then, I got a flood of replies about how people die from dental sedation. Only one person linked any documentation. It talked about a case in Arizona where someone died of complications from dental surgery and all the dentist got was continuing education in sedation. Am I at greater risk?

Bree

Dear Bree,

Oh, you have to love the internet. At least one person put some documentation. That helps. And, I’m familiar with this case. Let me start by putting your mind at ease right away by saying that oral conscious sedation (OCS) is very safe.

There are many types of dental sedation. In the case you learned about, here are the types of sedation their office made available to patients:

Local anesthesia
Nitrous oxide sedation
IV sedation, which they call “twilight sedation”
General anesthesia administered in the office
Hospital-based general anesthesia

Notice that your type of sedation wasn’t even offered there. In this particular case the patient received general anesthesia administered in the office. This is the type of sedation with the greatest risk factors. When I did some digging on this case, it appears the man had taken cannabis before his appointment, which raises the risk of throat spasms and can cause the throat to close up during anesthesia. The dentist argued that he was communicative and lucid when he arrived so he was unaware of the cannabis.

This is an important thing to mention to you. Even though you aren’t doing general anesthesia, any medication you take (including over the counter) will impact how your sedation works. Make sure you tell your dentist so that he can adjust accordingly.

As I mentioned before, OCS is extremely safe. In fact, it has changed the lives of patients with severe dental anxiety who were previously unable to get their dental work done.

This blog is brought to you by a gentle dentist in Lexington, KY, Dr. James Williams, a metal-free dentist.

I’m Discouraged About My Teeth

Posted on January 31, 2026 by writeradmin.

I will be upfront that I have avoided the dentist for a few years now. I had a really bad experience and I pretty much get hives just thinking about going back. However, I had a tooth start hurting and had to go in. They said I have one infection and four cavities. This is going to be a lot of expensive work. Not to mention I may be in hives for months. Any advice?

Abigail

Dear Abigail,

I’m going to address the fear issue first. When a patient is dealing with dental anxiety I have found that using dental sedation options is a life saver for them. There are different levels of sedation. Given your experiences and the fact that you have a tooth infection, I’m going to recommend you use oral conscious sedation. It’s so strong that you could sleep through your appointment if you wanted to. I hope this puts your mind at ease about getting to the dentist.

Now, let’s talk about affording the work you need. Obviously you need to deal with the infected tooth. This is serious. Most people don’t realize that you can die from an untreated tooth infection. In fact, between six to ten people in the United States die from tooth infections every year. I would focus on dealing with that.

Once that is finished you can have your dentist triage the remainder of your needed work. I would also make sure you are going to a dentist that strives to keep their prices as affordable as possible. Many of them actually put on their websites that they are affordable dentists. This will help you.

If you find that you have enough to take care of a bunch of work at once, you will find that by using dental sedation you can get more work done in one appointment than you would otherwise have been able to. This will allow you to get caught up on your dental work faster.

This blog is brought to you by a friendly Lexington Dentist Dr. James Williams.

Dentist Keep Berating Me

Posted on October 5, 2025 by writeradmin.

I have a tooth infection. Truthfully, it’s probably because I have been avoiding my dentist. Not only am I an anxious patient, but he makes me feel foolish. At my last appointment, he told me that I was acting like a child because I was shaking in the chair. But, honestly, I can’t control fear. I know I need to get this infection under control but the idea of sitting in his dental chair again has me ready to throw up. Is there anything you’ve heard of to help someone like me?

Jessie

Dear Jessie,

I am so glad you wrote. First, I am going to tell you that you are not with the best dentist for your situation. When you have dental anxiety, you need a compassionate, non-judgmental dentist who understands the fear you are experiencing. It sounds like your current dentist is the absolute opposite.

You have a dental emergency on your hands with a tooth infection, which can’t be put off. These are serious and people still die every year from untreated tooth infections.

I am going to recommend that you do an internet search of all the sedation dentists in your area, then call around and tell them what is going on. I’m sure one of them will be able to get you in quickly.

What Can Dental Sedation Do?

A sedation dentist can give you a medication that can completely relax you. For severe dental anxiety, I recommend oral conscious sedation (OCS). This is administered to you by a pill. However, it is strong. So strong, in fact, that you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment.

The good news is that you will be so comfortable that you could even sleep through your appointment if you wanted to. Plus, my guess is that you have a lot of dental work that you need to catch up on because of the way you were treated. Using oral conscious sedation allows the dentist to get more work done at each session. You will be caught up on your oral health before you know it.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington Dentist Dr. James Williams.

Something Is Hinky With Her Dentist’s Diagnosis

Posted on September 8, 2025 by writeradmin.

I had a tooth that started bothering me a couple of weeks ago. I went to see a dentist. I’d not been to him before because I had not gone to the dentist in a while. I can’t ever remember the name of my last dentist, just that he gave me a filling. When I went to see this dentist he did an x-ray and told me that there is an infection in a tooth that already has a filling. The dentist told me that he sees less that a 10% chance of saving the tooth. He said he won’t know until he gets in there. He also told me the chance are likely that he’ll end up extracting my tooth. Then, I’ll need to replace it with a dental implant. Everything about this sounds awful and is the reason I avoid the dentist to begin with. What do you recommend? Do I have other options?

Anna

Dear Anna,

I’m glad you wrote. Bear in mind that I have not examined you. However, I am not impressed from what I’m hearing about your dentist’s instructions. First, if your tooth was as bad as your dentist is describing, then he would not need an x-ray to determine that. The filling would have fallen into the tooth from decay, which would be extensive.

I would really like you to get a second opinion from another dentist who can see you. It’s possible you have a tooth infection, but I really doubt it will be as bad as your dentist described.

A second thing I wanted to mention is a way to help you deal with your dental anxiety. You are not alone in your aversion to seeing the dentist. I have found that patients who, like you, have trouble going to the dentist find their life changed by seeing a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication that will relax you as well as give you a pain-free dental appointment. You will no longer have to fear the dentist or put off getting your teeth treated until you have a dental emergency.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.

Burning Mouth Syndrome or is it a Zirconia Allergy

Posted on April 30, 2025 by writeradmin.

I had a zirconia crown placed. Not only was the appointment itself a bit of a nightmare, but ever since the appointment I have had burning in my mouth. It reminded me a bit of when I was on chemo, only without the sores. My dentist said there are no allergies to zirconia so he doesn’t believe that is the problem. I’ve been to two different ENTs. The first one ruled out acid reflux, but could not figure out what was going on. The second one thought it might be burning mouth syndrome, but said we don’t know the cause of it. Is it possible they’re all wrong and this really is an allergy? I need more dental work, but am terrified to move forward without knowing what the cause of this problem is.

Evelyn

Dear Evelyn,

I don’t think it is wise of your dentist to say there are no zirconia allergies. The human body is very unique and even when something is very biocompatible, like zirconia, there could always be someone whose body doesn’t deal well with it. There was a dentist who wrote about some zirconia allergies, but while he posted about it, there is no documentation on the case itself. This makes me wonder if it is just something he heard about instead of witnessed.

You could go to an allergist to get checked for a zirconia allergy, but I am leaning toward agreeing with the second ENT that you are dealing with burning mouth syndrome. While it has been said there is no known cause for this, there have been clear signs that it is related to dental anxiety. Many patients who’ve experienced these symptoms also documented either having dental anxiety to begin with or a traumatic dental appointment that led to the anxiety. As you’d mentioned a traumatic appointment, this makes me think that would be the most likely cause for you.

The good news is that there is a solution to this. My suggestion is that you avail yourself of dental sedation for your needed dental work. I think your anxiety is going to be too high for simply using nitrous oxide. Instead, I’d like you to use oral conscious sedation. If your dentist does not offer that, then I would switch to someone who does.

You have needed dental work and you don’t want to end up with a dental emergency because of your past experiences. Using oral conscious sedation will relax you enough that you could even sleep through the appointment if you wanted to. It can completely change your life.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.

Do I Need an Oral Surgeon to Remove this Tooth?

Posted on January 31, 2025 by writeradmin.

I had a molar that was bothering me. It took me a while to get to the dentist. I waited until the pain was too much. He did a root canal treatment. I did not go back to get the crown. I guess you’ve figured out by now that I avoid dentists. It never seems to go well when I go. No offense, but I think you people like causing pain sometimes. Anyway, once again the pain became more than I could deal with so I went to see a different dentist. He said the tooth is infected and too far gone. His suggestion is that I extract the tooth. He asked me if I wanted to do with an oral surgeon instead of with the dentist. I’m torn. A surgeon would put me to sleep. But, that’s a lot of money. He also said there is a lot of bone, which makes me think that maybe it will be trickier. What do you think?

Adam

Dear Adam,

I don’t like the predicament that this dentist put you in. He hints that it is tricky without giving you any details? That is not what a dentist normally does. It makes me wonder if it is the dentist who is not used to doing these type of extractions and is trying to scare you into seeing someone else. Another possibility is there is something else going on but he just is a bad dentist at explaining things.

Normally, these type of extractions are fine being done at a dentist’s office. My suggestion is that you get a second opinion, but when you do, make certain that you see a sedation dentist. You are not alone in having dental anxiety. As a result, you avoid the dentist, which leads to a more painful appointment.

Dental sedation can give you pain-free appointments, which can get you on the right track with your oral health and help you to have dental care which doesn’t make you want to avoid the dentist. It honestly changes lives. Make sure that whoever you consult offers oral conscious sedation which is a stronger type of sedation for those with severe anxiety.

Once your tooth is extracted, you really will need to replace it. If you don’t, the adjacent teeth will shift or tip into the open space, which will throw off your bite. The best tooth replacement would be a dental implant.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. J.E. Williams

Can’t Stand Going to the Dentist

Posted on October 31, 2024 by writeradmin.

Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I cannot stand going to the dentist. I know you are just doing your jobs, but if feels like you are just trying to hurt people. Every single dental appointment I have have ever had has been excruciatingly painful. My dentist said it is because I have a high tolerance to Novocain. Because of this I haven’t been to the dentist in a while and I am starting to get concerned about my oral health. Is there any way to get the care I need without feeling like I’m being tortured by a psychopath?

Stanley

Dear Stanley,

I’m not offended. In fact, I understand what you are going through. Even better, I know the solution. It isn’t as much that you have a high tolerance for Novocain as it is that your dental anxiety, which is justifiably real given your experiences, is burning off your numbing medication.

The solution is to see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication that will completely relax you. Once you are relaxed, then the numbing medication will work to its full effect. There are levels of sedation that you will read about on the page I linked to. Normally, I would suggest that someone start with the lowest form of sedation. Instead, given all that you have been through, I would like you to use oral conscious sedation.

This is strong. Really strong. In fact, you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you afterward until you are lucid and steady on your feet. The side benefit is that whatever dentist you end up with will be able to get significantly more work done at each appointment than would normally be possible. You will be able to catch up on your dental work significantly faster than you would otherwise.

The sooner you get your work caught up the better because it gives you a greater chance at saving the maximum amount of teeth. If, by chance, there are teeth that you cannot save I would highly recommend that you replace them with dental implants. These are the closest to having your own natural teeth in your jaw bone again.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.

Being Scared of the Dentist Cost Me a Tooth

Posted on August 31, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have been scared of the dentist most of my life. Because of that I haven’t gone in years. The only thing that got me there was because I had a tooth hurting so much that I thought there was no way that I could be in more pain than I already was, so I went. He told me the tooth was way too far gone and there was no way to save it. Now I have to get some stupid removable denture. I’m too you for a fake tooth. He also said I have a few teeth that need a lot of work. I don’t want to end up with a mouth full of dentures. Is there any way to get past the morbid fear I have?

Cammie

Dear Cammie,

I’m sorry about your painful tooth! Don’t beat yourself up too much. You are definitely not alone in having dental anxiety. A large number of people do. Most of the time it is caused by trauma at the dentist when they’re young. Too often a child’s first experience at the dentist is with a dental emergency. Those are rarely pleasant experiences, as you’ve seen as an adult.

I have two pieces of good news for you. First, there is a way for you to have anxiety free and pain free dental appointments. If I were in your position, I would see a dentist who offers dental sedation. They can give you a medication that would actually allow you to sleep through your dental appointments. People who have been afraid of the dentist for years have found that dental sedation changed their life forever.

A second thing I’d love to tell you about is dental implants. These are a much better tooth replacement option than removable dentures. Because they are anchored to your jaw bone, they are completely secure and the closest thing to having healthy, natural teeth.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.

After Three Appointments, My Dentist Still Can’t Get Me Numb

Posted on June 29, 2024 by writeradmin.

I have a serious problem. I’m dealing with a rather challenging tooth infection that needs to be treated. I’m currently living off of antibiotics and pain killers, but these will not last forever. Unfortunately, even though I have had three different appointments with my dentist, he has been completely unable to get me numb enough to get any treatment done. I’m about to the point where I’m going to see an oral surgeon in order to get the tooth removed, but I was hoping to save the tooth. Do you know why I cannot go numb? At each appointment, he has given me a minimum of five shots of Novocain and none of it them has worked.

Any help you can offer will be greatly appreciated.
Avery

Dear Avery,

I am sorry that you have had these experiences. This probably hasn’t made your desire to go to the dentist any better. Bear in mind I have not examined you, however, I believe I do know what is happening as well as a solution for the problem.

Most people are at least a little anxious when it comes to going to the dentist. That anxiety drives up your metabolism. In some patients, this results in it reducing or, in more extreme cases, completely burning up any effectiveness of the numbing medication. This is very likely what is happening to you. Then, the more bad experiences you had with it the higher your anxiety got.

I am going to suggest that you see a sedation dentist. They can provide you with a medication that will help you to relax, thereby getting the numbing medication to do its job. There are different levels of sedation available, the lowest is nitrous oxide and when your procedure is over, you can go right back to your day with no problems. However, given your recent experiences, I feel you are going to need something stronger. I would try oral conscious sedation. This is very strong. So strong that you will need someone to drive you to and from your dental appointment as well as stay with you for a few hours after your appointment to ensure that you are lucid and steady on your feet. The good news is that you will be so relaxed that, not only will you have an anxiety-free and pain-free dental appointment, but you are very likely to sleep through your entire appointment.

I would consider your situation a dental emergency. Don’t stay with this dentist. Get to one who can give you sedation so you can get the treatment you need before this becomes a life-threatening situation.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James Williams.

Do I Go To A Dentist or Oral Surgeon First for Dentures?

Posted on December 19, 2023 by writeradmin.

I have been afraid of the dentist since I was a child. As a result, I only went to the dentist when a tooth was so bad it needed to be removed. Now I am to the point that I need dentures. For the tooth extractions, do I go to the dentist or the oral surgeon?

Danny

Dear Danny,

Any dentist should be able to do the tooth extraction surgery for your tooth extractions. I would go to a dentist who could do both the extractions and create and place your dentures. You don’t want to go to two separate practitioners for this. Don’t call the office and ask them if the dentist is able to do the pre-denture surgery as well. Instead, just ask what the normal procedure is for that office. This way you are getting someone with experience and not someone who says that just to get your business.

Because of your experiences with the dentist that led to your dental anxiety, I am also going to recommend you see a sedation dentist for your procedure. This is administered by a pill and will give you a pain-free/anxiety-free experience. There is no need to put you through any more trauma.

I do want to make sure you understand that your jawbone will begin to shrink after your teeth are removed. After about ten or so years, you will no longer have enough jawbone left in your body to retain your dentures. The way to prevent that is to anchor the dentures to dental implants. This is something I would discuss with your dentist before making a final decision.

This blog is brought to you by Lexington, KY Dentist Dr. James E. Williams.