Drug-Free Treatment to Relieve Dental Anxiety and Pain
Do you feel anxious or fearful about visiting the dentist? If this is causing you to miss dental visits, you’re not alone. As many as 20% of Americans don’t get the dental care they need because of anxiety. While most dentists offer nitrous oxide or other sedation options to help combat dental anxiety, these medications don’t come without risks.
At ASE Dental, our Silver Spring dentist proudly offers a drug-free option for relieving anxiety, Alpha-Stim®.
What Is Alpha-Stim?
Alpha-Stim is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device used to help patients relax throughout their dental visits without the risk of any side effects. Patients will hold the device in their hands as clips are attached to their ears. As you hold the device, it delivers a natural level of microcurrent through your brain to simulate and modulate certain groups of nerve cells.
The Alpha-Stim process can significantly reduce symptoms of pain, anxiety, insomnia, and more. The treatment only takes 20 minutes and the portable nature of the device means it can be used in most settings.
Some patients are concerned about the concept of electric currents being delivered to their brain, but rest assured it’s a very gentle process. The current emitted by Alpha-Stim is so subtle that most patients don’t even feel it. Best of all, Dr. Bassford offers this treatment to our patients free of charge.
Alpha-Stim Benefits
In addition to relieving pain and anxiety, Alpha-Stim offers unique benefits that sedation and other options can’t match. Some of these include:
- Drug-free
- No risk of complications or side effects
- Cannot overuse/overdose
- Allows you to drive home
- Immediate, long-lasting results
- Patients report an average of 61% less anxiety
Alpha-Stim vs. Nitrous Oxide
When it comes to sedation dentistry, nitrous oxide is one of the most popular options. However, there are possible side effects that come along with using nitrous oxide, including:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Shivering
That’s why we proudly provide Alpha-Stim for patients with dental anxiety. Alpha-Stim causes no impairment or long-lasting side effects. There’s no risk of overdose or overuse, so patients can use Alpha-Stim for as long as needed, even for routine cleanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Alpha-Stim treatment may be covered under insurance depending on your provider. We recommend contacting your provider for more information about the details of your coverage. Our Silver Spring dental team will gladly work with you and discuss your payment options to ensure you get the care you need. If you have any questions, please contact our dental office at (301) 593-5500.
Patients who have used Alpha-Stim describe feeling the sensation of being awake, but relaxed. Some describe it as “the peace you feel upon awakening or just before falling asleep.” Many patients will notice an immediate relief of their dental anxiety symptoms during their very first treatment.
Ask Dr. Bassford About Alpha-Stim
If you suffer from dental anxiety, Dr. Bassford, our Silver Spring dentist, and her team will be happy to accommodate you. We encourage you to ask us about the benefits of Alpha-Stim and how this advanced device can improve your dental care experience. Call our practice at (301) 593-5500 to schedule a consultation today. You can also get in touch by filling out our online contact form, and we’ll get back to you shortly.