Overcome Dental Anxiety With Help From Sedation Dentistry

Do you find yourself feeling anxious before your dental appointment

? Do you ever feel sick to your stomach or get sweaty palms? Even though dental anxiety is very common, this fear can be easily managed, and is even preventable. Some people's fear of going to the dentist or getting dental procedures is so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office.

Dental anxiety and phobia are extremely common, with an estimated 9% to 15% of Americans avoiding the dentist because of this. If you suffer from dental anxiety you may feel a sense of uneasiness when it is time for your dental appointment. You may have exaggerated or unfounded worries or fears, as well. Those with dental anxiety or phobia have a higher risk of gum disease and early tooth loss. So talking to your dentist about sedation dentistry and other ways to overcome your fears is essential in maintaining a healthy, glowing smile.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the process of establishing a relaxed, calm state during a dental treatment through the use of sedatives. Sedation is an ideal solution for fearful patients or extensive treatments that would otherwise require multiple appointments. Different sedatives vary in degrees of relaxation. Conscious sedation involves administering a sedative, such as nitrous oxide or light oral sedation, while the patient is alert and awake to reach a state of light relaxation.

For severe cases of dental phobia, it's possible for a patient to undergo a major dental procedure and remember very little of it with the help of an anesthesiologist. The type of sedative a patient can receive will depend on the anesthesiologist's discretion, the patient's degree of anxiety and the extent of the procedure.

Maintain Open Communication

Studies have proven that the most important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is good dentist-patient communication. It is only natural for people to feel some level of anxiety when visiting their dentist. However, if personal anxiety is preventing access to needed care, you should have a discussion with your dentist before any treatment has been started.

By establishing trust at the beginning of treatment, patients are kept informed and in control throughout the entire process to calm dental anxiety. One option for communication is for patients to use hand signals throughout a procedure. When a patient feels uncomfortable, he or she can signal to the dentist to stop the procedure. This method empowers the patient and makes visiting the dentist less stressful for them.

It is important to realize that others share the same fears as you and are ready to help you overcome them through various procedures. If you are suffering from dental anxiety, speak with your dentist today to establish a line of open communication.

Your dentist in Prior Lake will be able to work with you to lower or eliminate your anxieties, providing you with quality, gentle and relaxed dental health care. Talk to your dentist today for more information on how sedation dentistry can help eliminate your fears.

by: Gen Wright

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