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Dental Anxiety - Mid-Valley Dental Care, CA
Dental Anxiety
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How our team at Mid-Valley Dental Care can help with dental anxiety management?

At Mid-Valley Dental Care of Northridge, California, we start by “Listening, Caring and Explaining”. We understand that visiting the dentist’s chair can be an anxiety-ridden experience for some patients. This is why we work with you to provide dental anxiety management options including oral conscious sedation, inhalation sedation, I.V. sedation and a sincere caring attitude to ensure a positive, pain free, relaxing and comfortable experience each time you visit our office.

The special care you will experience here at Mid-Valley Dental Care will relieve your fears, lower anxiety, and create a peaceful environment to accomplish the smile you’ve always wanted.

Why do I have dental anxiety?

Does the thought of the dentist make you break out in a cold sweat? Or perhaps you become restless and shaky when your dental appointment is approaching? The culprit could be dental anxiety, one of the main reasons why many patients shun dental appointments. 

So, why do you fear the dentist? Past negative experiences cause most dental fears. This could range from a traumatic event during a dental visit to something as simple as hurtful comments made by dental staff. 

The other common causes of dental anxiety include:

  • A feeling of being powerless
  • Embarrassment by the current state of your oral health
  • Anecdotal stories from friends, relatives, or media about bad dental experiences
  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Fear of needles
  • Sounds, smells, or sights associated with a dental office

How common is dental anxiety?

When you have dental anxiety, you may feel like you are alone. However, dental anxiety is common and affects children and adults alike. Approximately 36% of the population has dental anxiety, and 12% suffer from extreme fear. As you can see, dental anxiety is common, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed about discussing it with your dentist.

What are the consequences of dental anxiety?

Dental anxiety results in avoidance. It starts by missing dental cleanings and check-ups. Before you know it, minor problems advance into significant issues that are painful and costly. Advanced dental problems also require complex restorative treatments, which further exacerbates your dental fear. Dental anxiety can create a vicious cycle of fear that’s hard to break without professional help. 

What are the different sedation dentistry options?

Like many dental treatments, there is no one-size-fits-all sedation dentistry treatment. We offer several sedation options to suit different needs. Available sedation dentistry options include: 

  • Nitrous oxide: It’s the mildest form of sedation. The patient inhales nitrous oxide through a mask placed on the mouth. The calming effects are immediate and stop almost immediately when you stop inhaling the gas. 
  • Oral sedation: The patient takes oral medication before the appointment. When you sit on the dental chair, you’ll be deeply relaxed to undergo treatment. Patients need someone to escort them to and from the dental office. 
  • IV sedation: It’s the strongest form of dental sedation. The anti-anxiety medication is administered directly into the bloodstream through an IV line created on the arm. 

Is sedation dentistry safe?

Absolutely yes! Sedation dental care is safe when administered by trained personnel. We are trained to administer precise doses for safe and effective outcomes. 

Does sedation dentistry make me unconscious?

Sedation dentistry doesn’t necessarily make you unconscious unless general anesthesia is used. You remain deeply relaxed but responsive when communicating with our team. 

I have dental fear—what’s next?

Don’t let dental anxiety take control of your oral health. Call (818) 886-3500 and schedule an appointment with Mid-Valley Dental Care. Our sedation dentistry options in Northridge, California, will help you overcome your dental fear. 

Terence Lau, DDS, FICOI, FAACP

With more than three decades of education and experience, Dr Terence Lau is a leader in his field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cell-Molecular Biology from CSUN, he earned his DDS from USC School of Dentistry and received specialized Periodontal Prosthodontics training under experts and pioneers in the field at the University of Washington. He focuses especially on minimally invasive Bio-Aesthetic Implant Surgery, advanced laser dentistry, and more. Dr. Lau is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ACOI, ASO, AAID, AADSM, DOCS, AAFO, and AACFP, and is a nationally recognized lecturer and founder of Bio-Aesthetic Implant and Laser Solutions.

Connect with Dr. Terence Lau on LinkedIn

Casey Lau, DDS

Dr. Casey Lau has over 10 years of experience in comprehensive dental care, with an emphasis on minimally invasive bioesthetic dentistry. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and his DDS from UCLA. Dr. Lau specializes in occlusion, orthodontics, cosmetic enhancements, and laser dentistry, with expertise in implantology, clear aligner therapy, oral sedation, and much more. He is a member of the AGD, ICOI, AO, ADA, CDA, DOCS, IAO, and AACA. Along with his wife, Dr. Lau co-founded Elims Oral Care, offering eco-conscious oral care products.

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Kayla Lau, DDS, RDH

Dr. Kayla Lau started out as a dental hygienist before she earned her DDS from the renowned USC School of Dentistry. Specializing in restorative and aesthetic dentistry, she is highly skilled in using neuromodulators like Botox and dermal fillers to improve orofacial pain relief and facial aesthetics. Dr. Lau is passionate about Biomimetic Restorative Dentistry, having trained with pioneers in the field. She is an active member of the AGD, ADA, CDA, SFVDS, ABD, and IAAFA, committed to enhancing smiles and overall oral health.

Real Patients. Real Results.