subject: Overcome Your Fear Of The Dentist With Sedation Dentistry [print this page] Are you afraid of visiting the dentist? Do you let this fear keep you from scheduling regular appointments and cleanings? If so, you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from dental anxiety that causes them to irrationally fear making a trip to the dentist. If you are one of these people, it is extremely important that you take steps to overcome this fear and regularly visit your dentist. Consistent dental appointments will allow your dentist to effectively clean your teeth and check them for any developing problems. To deal with dental anxiety, many dentists offer some form of sedation dentistry. By administering medication that fully relaxes you, any anxiety you are feeling will melt away and you will be able to visit your dentist without any stress or anxiety. If you are feeling anxious about visiting the dentist, talk to your dentist about sedation dentistry.
Oral Sedation
One of the most popular sedative methods that your dentist may use is the practice of oral sedation. Once you and your dentist have decided that an oral sedative is the best method for you, he or she will simply prescribe a pill that you will ingest before your appointment. Once the medication begins to take effect, you will feel calmer and more relaxed. Your dentist will generally prescribe a mild to moderate sedative, which means that you will stay conscious throughout the entire procedure. This will allow you to respond to your dentist's questions and commands. However, you will be completely relaxed and you won't feel pain during the procedure. Many of the medications you may take have amnesic properties as well, meaning that you may not even remember the procedure after it is over. Because the medication will affect your ability to drive, you will need to bring a companion with you to drive you to and from the office. Once you get home from the appointment, you will relax comfortably for the rest of the day. You will be able to return to work the next day and will feel no residual effects from the treatment.
Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as "laughing gas" is another popular sedative method. To undergo nitrous oxide sedation, you will simply inhale the gas through a small mask that you wear during treatment. Almost instantaneously, you will feel a sense of well being and your anxiety will disappear. The effects of the nitrous oxide will last until you discontinue inhaling, when they will stop almost instantaneously. Over many decades of use, doctors and dentists have proven that nitrous oxide treatment is extremely safe and that side affects are minimal.
To learn more about oral or nitrous oxide sedation, call your Beaverton, OR dentist to make an appointment today.
