We Can Help Patients with Dental Phobia Feel Calm and Relaxed under Our Care

About 15 percent of Americans, or roughly 40 million people, experience anxiety relating to dental treatment. When feelings of anxiety stand between a patient and the dental care he or she needs, it becomes a problem. If you suffer from dental phobia, Dr. Danny O’Keefe in Jackson, MS, can provide you with gentle dentistry and sedation options to help you experience relaxation under our care. We understand that undergoing dental procedures or even routine cleanings can be very stressful for some, so we listen closely to our patients to determine how we can make visiting our office a pleasant experience. To learn more about how we can help you feel calm while undergoing dental treatment, contact our office today and schedule a consultation with Dr. O’Keefe.

Calm, smiling couple with beautiful teeth on gray background.
If you suffer from dental phobia, we can provide you with gentle dentistry and sedation options to help you experience relaxation under our care.

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

If you suffer from dental phobia, Dr. O’Keefe may recommend sedation dentistry. Sedatives are medications that can help you reach a state of relaxation so that you can remain comfortable and calm during treatment. We work with experienced anesthesiologists who can make sure that your sedation treatment is safe and effective. Depending on your needs, we can provide:

  • Oral conscious sedation, in which patients take a prescription pill several hours before the procedure to achieve a calm state of near-sleep during treatment.
  • Intravenous (IV) sedation, which is administered through a thin needle to help patients achieve near-sleep.
  • Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas. Patients inhale the mixture of nitrogen and oxygen to quickly achieve relaxation. The effects wear off quickly.

Dr. O’Keefe can discuss your concerns and review your medical history to determine which type of sedation is best for you. If you choose oral conscious sedation or IV sedation, you will need to arrange for a friend or loved one to drive you to and from your appointment.

A Calm, Inviting Atmosphere

Dr. O’Keefe believes that while sedation is a valuable method of helping anxious patients feel calm, a tranquil and relaxing office, a staff of friendly professionals, and patient education are also important. Many patients feel much less anxious about treatment once they fully understand the steps involved in their procedures. If the sounds of dental drills and other equipment trigger anxiety, we encourage patients to bring an MP3 player and listen to music through headphones during treatment. You and Dr. O’Keefe can also establish signals to use during treatment so that he can pause if you begin to feel uncomfortable or anxious. We can discuss further strategies to combat your dental phobia during your initial consultation.

Don’t Let Dental Phobia Interfere with Your Oral Health

Delaying regular cleanings or other treatments can only make dental health conditions worse, resulting in a need for more complex procedures. Dr. O’Keefe and our team provide sedation dentistry and compassionate dental care to help you feel comfortable under our care. Contact us today to learn more about how we can make your visit to our office calm and enjoyable.  

Dr. Danny O'Keefe

Family Dental Care

At Family Dental Care in Flowood, MS, Dr. Danny O'Keefe and his experienced team provide patients from throughout the greater Jackson area with superior general, cosmetic, and restorative dental care. Our office is equipped with modern dental technology and we offer complete sedation services to enhance patient comfort. Dr. O'Keefe is affiliated with:

  • The American Dental Association
  • The Mississippi Dental Association
  • The Academy of General Dentistry
  • The American Dental Society of Anesthesiology

To schedule an appointment, please fill out our online form or call (601) 936-2526.

Contact Us Today

"This office has the most professional dentists and dental staff. They treat you like family every time you're there. I've been a patient for over 15 years and I don't plan on leaving anytime soon." Rita O., Current Patient

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite