Comfort-Focused Dental Care for High-Anxiety Patients
If fear or anxiety makes it difficult to visit the dentist, you are not alone. Some patients feel mildly nervous before an appointment, while others may delay dental care for years because the experience feels overwhelming.
At Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, Dr. Geoff Engelhardt and Dr. Raechel Nelson take a patient, low-pressure approach to dental care. We listen to your concerns, explain what to expect and work with you to make treatment feel more manageable.
When sedation is appropriate, our office provides sedation dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado with a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
Has dental anxiety kept you from getting the care you need? Call 970-484-4890 today to talk with our team.
A Dentist for Nervous and High-Anxiety Patients
Dental anxiety can come from many different experiences.
You may feel anxious because of:
- A previous negative dental experience
- Fear of discomfort
- Embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
- Concern about needing extensive treatment
- Difficulty sitting through longer appointments
- A strong gag reflex
- Dental sounds, sensations or injections
- Uncertainty about what will happen during treatment
Our first goal is to understand what makes dental care difficult for you.
For some patients, clear communication, additional time and a slower pace may be enough. For others, sedation may make it easier to receive necessary treatment.
You Will Not Be Judged for Delaying Dental Care
Patients with significant dental anxiety sometimes avoid treatment for many years.
Returning to the dentist after a long absence can feel intimidating, particularly if you are worried about what we may find or how much treatment you might need.
Our approach is straightforward and respectful. We focus on your current condition and what can be done going forward.
You will have an opportunity to ask questions, understand your options and decide how you would like to proceed.
When Sedation Dentistry May Be Helpful
Sedation may be considered for patients who:
- Experience significant dental anxiety or fear
- Have repeatedly postponed necessary dental treatment
- Need longer or more complex procedures
- Have difficulty remaining comfortable during treatment
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Have had previous difficult dental experiences
Sedation is not necessary for every anxious patient. Your medical history, medications, dental treatment and individual concerns all need to be considered before determining whether sedation is appropriate.
Sedation With an Anesthesia Professional
When sedation is used at Engelhardt & Nelson Family Dentistry, care is provided with a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
This allows the dental team and anesthesia professional to focus on their respective roles during treatment.
Before sedation is planned, your health history and current medications will be reviewed. You will also receive instructions about preparation, transportation, recovery and any other requirements that apply to your appointment.
The exact level and type of sedation will depend on your individual needs and the recommendations of the professionals involved in your care.
Experience Caring for Patients Who Need Sedation
Both doctors have advanced hospital-based residency training that included experience relevant to treating patients who require additional medical and comfort considerations.
Dr. Geoff Engelhardt completed a General Practice Residency at Northwestern University and Lakeside VA Hospital, where his training included anesthesia, surgery, geriatrics, oncology and the care of medically complex patients. He has completed approximately 300 hours of sedation-related education, much of it during residency.
Dr. Raechel Nelson completed a General Practice Residency at the University of Utah Hospital and has completed approximately 200 hours of sedation-related continuing education. She has participated in approximately 100 sedation dentistry cases with a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
Dental Anxiety and Medically Complex Care
Some patients have both dental anxiety and health conditions that make treatment planning more complicated.
Our doctors routinely consider medical history, medications and overall health when planning dental care. Patients with significant health concerns can learn more about our dentistry for medically complex patients.
Sedation is never recommended simply because a patient asks for it. We first need to understand your health, dental needs and level of anxiety so the safest and most appropriate approach can be discussed.
Using Sedation for More Complex Dental Treatment
Patients who need extensive restorative treatment or extractions may find longer appointments difficult because of anxiety.
When clinically appropriate, sedation may make these appointments easier to tolerate.
Our office provides a range of restorative care, including restorative dentistry, crowns, bridges, fillings, dentures and implant restorations. Dr. Geoff Engelhardt also performs routine and selected more complex tooth extractions depending on difficulty.
Sedation recommendations are made individually based on the treatment being performed and the patient’s health and comfort needs.
A Calm, Low-Pressure Approach Comes First
Sedation is only one part of caring for anxious patients.
Our practice emphasizes communication, honesty and giving patients time to understand their choices. We do not believe patients should feel pressured into treatment.
For many high-anxiety patients, knowing they can ask questions, take treatment one step at a time and understand what is happening can make a significant difference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sedation Dentistry
Can sedation dentistry help with severe dental anxiety?
It may. Sedation can help some high-anxiety patients receive care that would otherwise be difficult for them to tolerate. Your health history and treatment needs must be reviewed first.
Who provides sedation at your office?
When sedation is appropriate, it is provided with a nurse anesthetist or anesthesiologist.
Will I be asleep during sedation dentistry?
That depends on the sedation plan recommended for you. The anesthesia professional and our dental team will explain what level of awareness to expect before treatment.
Is sedation appropriate if I have medical conditions?
Possibly, but medical conditions and medications can affect whether sedation is appropriate. Your health history will be reviewed carefully before treatment is planned.
Can I receive sedation if I have not been to the dentist in years?
Potentially. We regularly welcome patients who have postponed care because of anxiety. The first step is an evaluation so we can understand your dental needs and discuss appropriate comfort options.
Do all nervous patients need sedation?
No. Some patients are comfortable with extra time, clear explanations and a slower approach. Sedation is considered when it provides a meaningful benefit for the individual patient.
Will I need someone to drive me home?
Depending on the sedation plan, transportation and recovery arrangements may be required. You will receive specific instructions before your appointment.
Take the First Step Toward More Comfortable Dental Care
Dental anxiety does not have to prevent you from taking care of your health.
Whether you have delayed routine care or need more extensive treatment, we can start by talking through your concerns and determining what would make the experience easier for you.
Call 970-484-4890 today to discuss sedation dentistry and dental care for high-anxiety patients in Fort Collins, Colorado.