Overcome Your Fears with Sedation Dentistry!
- Dr. Bryant Anderson
- Jul 14
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Dental anxiety is an incredibly common problem. According to research, up to 80% of adults experience some form of dental anxiety, which may be mild to severe. Nearly 20% of adults in the US have moderate to high dental fear that may keep them from getting needed care. At Anderson Family Dental, we’re committed to making every visit as comfortable as possible, and sedation dentistry in Winter Park, FL is a key part of how we do that.

WHAT IS SEDATION DENTISTRY?
Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to decrease feelings of anxiety, fear, overwhelm, or physical discomfort to deliver treatments comfortably. It involves medications that can help increase your pain tolerance, control stress responses like elevated pulse rate or blood pressure, and help you stay calm, relaxed, and comfortable throughout your visit.
HOW CAN SEDATION DENTISTRY HELP?
Makes dental visits feel less overwhelming or stressful
Helps you overcome dental fears and phobias
Suppresses an overactive gag reflex
Helps numbing agents like local dental anesthesia work better
Allows children to have comfortable and successful dental treatments
Minimizes tooth sensitivity and gum tenderness
Enables us to combine multiple treatments into fewer appointments
Makes long or complex treatments feel quick and painless
Controls tremors and other physical issues that make it hard to sit through dental visits
Protect your general health by allowing you to get needed treatments
Empowers you to take back control of your oral health
DO I NEED SEDATION DENTISTRY?
Maybe, but everyone is different. It’s important to understand that dental anxiety varies a lot from person to person, and even depending on the day or what kind of treatment you need.
Some people need help feeling confident getting a routine cleaning. Others may feel confident at regular visits but want to get several treatments completed in one appointment and prefer to nap through it. However, there are many ways to reduce dental fears, and sedation dentistry is just one approach. A consultation with our team will give you an opportunity to explore your options and find the right solution for your unique needs.
STRATEGIES FOR OVERCOMING DENTAL PHOBIAS
Like every treatment, we believe in providing a personalized approach to managing dental anxiety. Discussing your fears or negative dental experiences in your past is an important part of your first visit with our team. From there, we can create a plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Here are a few ways we help make every visit as comfortable as possible:
Communication. We want you to feel comfortable letting us know you’re uncomfortable! If you have any hesitance, questions, or just need to take a break, we’ll always listen to your concerns and make a plan that works for you.
Understanding Your Needs. Truly understanding your treatment needs and how they’ll improve your health and wellbeing can go a long way to helping you feel confident getting the care you need. We’ll always explain your needs and options and help you make fully informed decisions.
Distraction. Feel free to bring headphones and your favorite playlist! Fidget toys and stress balls can also help. If you can keep your mind on something else, your treatment will feel less overwhelming.
Replacing Bad Experiences with Good Ones. The best way to overcome dental fears for good is to start having good experiences in the dental chair. We know that may sound impossible, but with compassionate care that’s never rushed and always judgment-free, we can help you get there.
Stress relief strategies like meditation and deep breathing are very helpful for many people as well. Coupled with safe and effective sedation, we can help you enjoy better oral health and a more confident smile for life.
PEDIATRIC SEDATION DENTISTRY
Sedation can also be a great way to prevent dental fears from developing in the first place. Simple and safe interventions like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are a great option to help kids feel completely relaxed and comfortable getting their first filling or other treatments that could feel intimidating and lead to a lifetime of dental anxiety if not handled correctly. If you have questions about pediatric sedation dentistry near Winter Park, FL, we’re always happy to answer them!
LET US HELP YOU CHANGE THE WAY YOU THINK ABOUT SEEING THE DENTIST
Our team has helped hundreds of people overcome dental fears with a calm, compassionate approach and sedation options to help you stay relaxed and comfortable through every treatment. If you’re looking for sedation dentistry near you in Winter Park, FL you’ve come to the right place! Schedule your consultation and find out how our sedation options can help you overcome your fears and enjoy a healthier smile.

Dr. Bryant Anderson, DMD
Dr. Bryant Anderson knew from a young age that he wanted to become a dentist. He studied Biology and Chemistry at Utah Valley University. He continued his education at the University of Florida College of Dentistry earning his Doctorate in Dental Medicine. As a top-ranking graduate in his dental class, Dr. Bryant Anderson was inducted into the dental honor society OKU. READ MORE