When something scares us or makes us anxious, we naturally tend to avoid it. But what if your nervousness conflicts with necessary medical or dental care? Dental visits can provoke anxiety in many people, significantly affecting their willingness to seek the care they need. This apprehension, often called dental phobia, affects about 36% of the U.S. population, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to maintaining optimal oral health. Sedation dentistry presents a compassionate solution for individuals wrestling with dental fear. This innovative approach incorporates various sedation methods to ensure that dental procedures are comfortable and stress-free.
Do You Have Dental Phobia?
Dental phobia is a significant concern that can lead to the neglect of oral health. This anxiety surrounding the dentist’s office can be caused by several sources, such as fear of pain or needles, past traumatic experiences, or the discomfort associated with the noises and sensations of dental procedures. Some factors that might cause a patient to avoid the dentist are:
- The sound of drills or other dental equipment
- Fear of needles, drills, blood, or anesthetic
- A sensitive gag reflex
- Feeling claustrophobic or helpless in the chair
- Embarrassment over poor dental health or bad breath
- Previous bad experiences, family history, or stories from others
- Having special needs or requirements
Sedation Dentistry Can Help Patients and Dentists Alike
Sedation dentistry utilizes medication to help nervous patients relax during their visit to the dentist. It’s an effective way to alleviate anxiety and make necessary treatments more accessible and less daunting. It also helps us dentists complete our work more quickly and efficiently, making the process easier for everyone involved.
Sedation can range from mild, where the patient is relaxed but awake, to stronger sedation levels, where the patient may fall asleep or not remember the procedure. Dr. Hall and Dr. McNeil will carefully consider the medication and level of sedation before we begin, and a knowledgeable and caring staff will monitor the entire process.
Types of Sedation Used in Dentistry
Our practice offers various sedation forms to cater to individual needs and levels of dental phobia. Oral and nitrous oxide sedation are among the most common, providing a comfortable and relaxed experience for patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist.
- Nitrous oxide: Commonly known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide works by inhaling a gas that induces feelings of relaxation and well-being. It’s a flexible sedation method whose effects wear off relatively quickly. After a short wait, you can drive yourself home and return to your daily activities.
- Oral conscious sedation: This involves taking a pill about 60 to 90 minutes before the procedure. It helps reduce anxiety and can induce a state of drowsiness. You may even fall asleep during the procedure. If so, we can complete the procedure while you sleep, and a trained staff member will gently wake you when it’s over. If you remain awake, many patients will remember little to nothing of the procedure afterward, even though we might have a conversation. This medication will require you to have a ride home, as you’ll continue to feel the effects for a few hours afterward.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Our commitment to patient care means providing a safe, welcoming environment where we listen to your concerns and prioritize your comfort. Sedation dentistry is a safe and effective way to manage dental anxiety when conducted under the supervision of experienced and certified professionals. Our team is well-trained in sedation protocols, ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout every procedure. We perform thorough consultations to evaluate your health history and determine the most appropriate sedation method tailored to your needs.
Take the First Step Towards Dealing With Dental Phobia
If dental phobia has kept you from seeking necessary dental care, sedation dentistry might be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact us and schedule a consultation with our team to explore how sedation dentistry can make your next dental visit a comfortable and positive experience. Don’t let fear or anxiety keep you from achieving and maintaining a healthy smile.