Anxious About Cosmetic Dental Work? Our Gentle Care Makes the Difference
Ooltewah, United States – December 16, 2025 / Peterson Family Dentistry Ooltewah – Collegedale /
If your heart races at the thought of sitting in a dental chair, you are far from alone. Dental anxiety affects millions of people across the United States, and for many, this fear has prevented them from getting cosmetic treatments that could transform their smile and boost their confidence.
A comprehensive meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry analyzed data from 72,577 adults worldwide and found that 15.3% of people experience some level of dental fear, while 3.3% suffer from severe dental phobia. More recent research paints an even broader picture. A 2024 census-matched survey in the United States found that 72.6% of respondents reported some degree of dental fear, with 26.8% experiencing severe anxiety.
These numbers tell us something important: if you have been putting off cosmetic dental work because of fear, you are part of a large group of people facing the same challenge. The good news is that modern dentistry has developed effective solutions to help anxious patients receive the care they need in comfort.
Why Dental Anxiety Keeps People from Getting the Smile They Want
Dental anxiety does more than cause temporary discomfort. It creates a cycle that can seriously impact your oral health and self-esteem. When fear keeps you from the dentist, small cosmetic concerns can become bigger problems over time. Stained teeth become more discolored. Minor chips go unrepaired. The smile you want stays out of reach.
Research from the DentaVox survey of over 18,000 respondents identified the top triggers for dental anxiety:
- Fear of pain (39%)
- Chemical smells in the dental office (24%)
- Sound of the dental drill (21%)
For many people, past negative experiences at the dentist created lasting fear. Studies show a strong correlation between previous traumatic dental visits and ongoing anxiety. This means that one bad experience years ago could still be affecting your willingness to pursue cosmetic treatment today.
The psychological impact extends beyond the dental chair. Many people with dental anxiety report feeling embarrassed about their smile but trapped by their fear. They avoid social situations, cover their mouth when laughing, and hold back from fully expressing themselves. The desire for a better smile conflicts with the anxiety of getting treatment, creating frustration and reduced quality of life.
How Peterson Family Dentistry Creates a Stress-Free Experience
At Peterson Family Dentistry in Chattanooga, TN, the team understands that anxious patients need more than just technical skill. They need an environment designed from the ground up to reduce stress and promote comfort.
The practice philosophy centers on what they call “old-fashioned hospitality” combined with modern dental techniques. This means taking the time to listen to your concerns, explaining procedures in plain language, and never rushing you through an appointment. The goal is to make every patient feel like a valued guest rather than just another name on the schedule.
“We see patients every day who have avoided dental care for years because of fear,” says David Peterson, DDS, of Peterson Family Dentistry. “Our approach is simple: we treat every person with patience and respect, we explain everything before we do it, and we offer sedation options that let even the most anxious patients get the cosmetic results they want. Seeing someone smile with confidence after years of hiding their teeth is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
The office environment itself reflects this commitment to patient comfort. Rather than the clinical, sterile atmosphere that triggers anxiety for many people, Peterson Family Dentistry focuses on creating a welcoming space where patients can relax before, during, and after their procedures.
Oral Sedation: The Key to Comfortable Cosmetic Dentistry
For patients whose anxiety goes beyond what a calming environment can address, Peterson Family Dentistry offers oral sedation dentistry. This option has transformed the dental experience for countless patients who previously thought they could never sit through cosmetic procedures.
Oral sedation involves taking a prescribed medication before your appointment. By the time you arrive at the office, you will already feel relaxed and at ease. The medication creates a state of deep calm while allowing you to remain conscious and responsive throughout your treatment.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, oral conscious sedation “makes you quite groggy, and you may even fall asleep. But you’ll still be able to communicate with your dentist if necessary.” This level of sedation is ideal for cosmetic procedures because it allows you to cooperate with your dental team while experiencing minimal awareness of the treatment itself.
The benefits of oral sedation for cosmetic dentistry include:
Reduced awareness of time passing. Lengthy cosmetic procedures feel like they take only minutes. This is especially helpful for treatments like placing multiple veneers or comprehensive smile makeovers that require extended chair time.
Minimized gag reflex. Many patients struggle with a sensitive gag reflex that makes dental work uncomfortable. Sedation helps suppress this reflex, making procedures smoother for both you and your dental team.
Less post-treatment discomfort. Patients who receive sedation often report less soreness and faster recovery than those who remain fully alert and tense during procedures. When your body is relaxed, it responds better to treatment.
Multiple treatments in one visit. Instead of spreading your cosmetic work across several anxiety-inducing appointments, sedation allows your dentist to complete more work in a single session. This means fewer visits and faster results.
At Peterson Family Dentistry, oral sedation can also be combined with nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for patients who need additional relaxation. This layered approach ensures that even those with severe dental phobia can receive comprehensive cosmetic care.
Cosmetic Treatments Available Under Gentle Sedation
With anxiety managed through oral sedation, you can access the full range of cosmetic treatments that will give you the smile you have always wanted. Peterson Family Dentistry offers several options that can be performed while you rest comfortably:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Years of coffee, tea, wine, and normal aging can leave teeth looking dull and discolored. Professional whitening treatments at Peterson Family Dentistry deliver dramatically brighter results than over-the-counter products. The American Dental Association notes that professional whitening uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents than home products, achieving more noticeable results in less time.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth. They can correct multiple cosmetic concerns at once, including chips, cracks, gaps, misalignment, and severe discoloration. For anxious patients, the veneer process traditionally required multiple uncomfortable appointments. With sedation, you can have your teeth prepared and impressions taken while feeling completely at ease.
Cosmetic Bonding
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair chips, close small gaps, and reshape uneven teeth. It is one of the most conservative cosmetic treatments available because it requires minimal removal of natural tooth structure. Under sedation, bonding procedures become even simpler, allowing you to wake up with an improved smile.
Crowns and Bridges
When teeth are damaged beyond what bonding can repair, crowns provide full coverage that restores both appearance and function. Bridges replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to neighboring natural teeth. Both procedures require precise preparation work that sedation makes much more comfortable.
Complete Smile Makeovers
Some patients benefit from combining multiple cosmetic treatments to achieve their ideal smile. A smile makeover might include whitening, veneers on visible teeth, and crowns on damaged back teeth. Sedation makes it possible to accomplish significant transformation in fewer appointments with minimal stress.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry with oral sedation at Peterson Family Dentistry, knowing what to expect can help reduce anticipatory anxiety.
Before Your Appointment
Your treatment begins with a consultation where you discuss your cosmetic goals and concerns. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your anxiety history, and learn about your options. Your dentist will review your medical history to confirm that oral sedation is safe for you.
If sedation is appropriate, you will receive instructions about how to prepare. You should not eat or drink for several hours before your appointment. You will also need to arrange for someone to drive you to and from the office because the medication will impair your ability to drive safely.
During Your Treatment
You will take your sedation medication about an hour before your procedure begins. By the time your cosmetic work starts, you will be in a relaxed, drowsy state. Many patients describe feeling like they are in a pleasant daydream. You may doze off during treatment, and that is perfectly normal.
Your dental team will monitor you throughout the procedure to ensure your safety and comfort. They can adjust your sedation if needed and will check in with you regularly.
After Your Procedure
When your treatment is complete, you will need some time for the sedation to wear off. Your driver will take you home, where you should rest for the remainder of the day. Most patients report minimal memory of the actual procedure, which is a significant benefit for those whose anxiety stems from past traumatic experiences.
The Cleveland Clinic advises that full recovery from oral sedation typically takes about 24 hours, during which you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions. By the next day, you will feel normal and can appreciate your new smile.
Taking the First Step Toward Your Dream Smile
Dental anxiety is real, but it does not have to control your life or keep you from having the smile you deserve. At Peterson Family Dentistry, patients with all levels of anxiety receive compassionate care designed to make cosmetic dentistry possible for everyone.
The combination of a gentle treatment approach, a welcoming environment, and effective oral sedation has helped countless Chattanooga residents overcome their fear and achieve beautiful results. Whether you need simple teeth whitening or a complete smile makeover, you can receive treatment in comfort.
If you have been postponing cosmetic dental work because of anxiety, consider scheduling a consultation to learn more about your options. Peterson Family Dentistry has two convenient locations to serve you:
- Ooltewah-Collegedale Office: (423) 396-4222
- Chattanooga Office: (423) 206-9660
Your dream smile is within reach. With the right support, you can get there without stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is oral sedation safe for dental procedures?
Yes, oral sedation is considered very safe when administered by trained dental professionals. Your dentist will review your complete medical history, current medications, and any health conditions before recommending sedation. The medications used have been safely employed in dentistry for decades. During your procedure, your vital signs are monitored to ensure your safety throughout treatment.
Will I be completely unconscious during oral sedation?
No, oral sedation produces a state of deep relaxation rather than unconsciousness. You will be drowsy and may fall asleep, but you can still respond to verbal commands and gentle touch. This is different from general anesthesia, where you are completely unconscious. Many patients prefer oral sedation because they remain technically awake while feeling calm and unaware of the procedure details.
How long does oral sedation last?
The effects of oral sedation typically last several hours after your procedure ends. Most patients need a full 24 hours before they feel completely normal and can safely drive or return to work. You should plan to rest at home for the remainder of the day following your appointment and have someone available to help you if needed.
Can I get multiple cosmetic treatments done in one sedation appointment?
Yes, this is one of the major advantages of oral sedation for cosmetic dentistry. Because sedation allows you to remain comfortable for extended periods, your dentist can often complete multiple treatments in a single visit. This reduces the total number of appointments needed and helps you achieve your cosmetic goals faster.
What if I have extreme dental phobia, not just mild anxiety?
Peterson Family Dentistry treats patients across the entire spectrum of dental anxiety, including those with severe phobia. For patients who need additional support beyond oral sedation alone, the practice can combine oral sedation with nitrous oxide for enhanced relaxation. During your consultation, be honest about the extent of your anxiety so your dental team can create the most effective comfort plan for your specific needs.
Will I remember anything from my cosmetic procedure?
Most patients who receive oral sedation have little to no memory of their procedure. This amnesia effect is actually beneficial for anxious patients because it prevents the formation of new negative memories associated with dental care. You may remember arriving at the office and leaving afterward, but the treatment itself typically becomes a blur.
How soon can I see results from cosmetic dentistry?
Results vary depending on the specific treatment. Professional teeth whitening produces immediate visible improvement. Cosmetic bonding is also completed and visible the same day. Veneers and crowns require a short waiting period while your custom restorations are fabricated, but you will see your final results within a few weeks of starting treatment.
Contact Information:
Peterson Family Dentistry Ooltewah – Collegedale
9325 Apison Pike #119, Ooltewah, TN 37363
Ooltewah, TN
United States
Dr. David Peterson
https://petersonfamilydentistry.com/
