Do you put anxious patients to sleep?

NO. While I have received extensive training in IV sedation during my General Practice Residency, I decided against getting licensed to perform sedations. This is a common technique necessary to perform dental treatment on patients with extreme dental phobia. I have found that with patience and time, the dental phobia or anxiety can be overcome without any pharmacologic intervention. In some cases, I may recommend an oral anti anxiety medication prior to the appointment. In some cases, when I do feel treatment would best be performed under conscious sedation, I will provide a referral to an excellent dentsit that can perform the sedation and necessary treatment.