Dental Anxiety
Many people feel anxious before and during dental procedures. It's okay to feel nervous or even fearful when anticipating an appointment. We understand that our patients aren't all the same, and we have great news: you have options! You can experience dental treatment in a comfortable, customized approach with several different methods of sedation.
The most common forms of sedation used in dentistry are inhalation, oral, and intravenous sedation. While making dentistry much easier for you, it is important to understand that they are not pain-killers, and regular numbing medications still prove essential. But sedation will make every part of your treatment more enjoyable if you're anxious.
Oral Sedation - Oral sedation is an excellent option for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. It is simply taken in pill or liquid form and ingested at a set time before treatment. The drug produces a calming effect to make the visit to our office a much less stressful experience. Oral sedation is simple, safe and has very few side effects.
Inhalation Sedation - Inhalation Sedation is commonly used to make treatment more comfortable. The sedation is inhaled through a mask and produces a state of relaxation. Local anesthetic will be administered in conjunction with nitrous oxide to eliminate pain. Nitrous oxide is designed to make procedures easier for nervous patients and has been effective for many years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs of dental anxiety?
Dental anxiety can manifest in different ways, but some common signs include:
- Feeling physically sick (sweating, nausea) at the thought of a dental visit
- Experiencing trouble sleeping before an appointment
- Having intense nervousness in the waiting room
- Feeling claustrophobic or panicked when instruments are placed in your mouth
- Fear of needles or injections
- Feeling embarrassed about the condition of your teeth
Am I alone in this?
Definitely not. Dental anxiety is widespread, and there's no shame in admitting you experience it.
What can I do to manage my dental anxiety?
There are several strategies to help you cope with dental anxiety. Here are a few:
- Communicate with your dentist: Be upfront about your anxiety. A good dentist will be understanding and work with you to create a comfortable experience.
- Consider relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety before and during your appointment.
- Distraction is key: Listen to music, watch a movie on a tablet, or squeeze a stress ball to take your mind off the procedure.
- Explore sedation dentistry: In some cases, sedation options like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation can help you feel more relaxed during treatment.
Concerns? Questions? We are happy to provide you with the options that may work best for you! We want you to feel safe and confident through every step of your dental care. Call our office today!