subject: Overcome Your Dental Anxiety With Oral Conscious Sedation [print this page] With advances in dentistry, diagnosis and treatment is easier and more comfortable than ever before. Sedation dentistry enables patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist to receive dental treatment necessary for a healthy smile. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist it is also important to express your concerns with your dentist in Amarillo. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your individual needs, in addition to working with you to reduce your anxiety before you even step foot in the dental office.
Unlike general anesthesia, which renders a person completely unconscious, oral conscious sedation allows you to be able to speak and breathe on your own. Even though you will not actually be asleep, you will enjoy an enhanced state of relaxation. Your next dental appointment will be a dream and hours in the dental chair will feel like minutes.
Before Your Visit
When you make your appointment, your dentist's office staff will tell you what to expect and answer any questions you might have in order to make you more comfortable during your visit. Next, make sure to relax. When you are nervous, some people tend to hold their breath, which decreases oxygen levels and increases feelings of panic. Focus on breathing regularly and slowly. Additionally, you should:
*Eat high-protein foods in order to produce a calming effect. Sugary foods tend to have a reverse effect on your mood.
*Skip caffeine, as it can make you more anxious if consumed.
*Most importantly, communicate with your dentist by using hand signals to inform your dentist that you are uncomfortable.
It is important to talk to your dentist about your specific fears as they will be able to accommodate your needs appropriately. The best defense against anxiety is knowledge.
What is Oral Conscious Sedation?
Oral conscious sedation utilizes oral sedative medication to significantly reduce your fears and discomfort. Not requiring needles to administer the medication, you can rest easy. Oral conscious sedation will put you at ease so you experience little to no discomfort. Approximately an hour before your appointment, you will be instructed to take a pill that will allow you to relax. However, your dentist may also administer a local anesthetic to ensure that you don't experience any pain. At this point in the procedure you will be so relaxed you will hardly even notice.
Two appointments are typically required for a procedure using oral conscious sedation. During the first visit, your dentist will take a detailed health history. If you are comfortable, he will look in your mouth and tale dental x-rays if needed. Next, you will be given a prescription for a sedative medication to take the day of your sedation appointment so you can relaxed with a tranquil state of mind.
The benefits of oral conscious sedation include:
*Very effective for mild to moderate anxiety
*Safe and easy
*You can breathe and speak on your own
*Less expensive than IV sedation
If you suffer from anxiety or fear of the dentist, it is important to talk to your dentist about available options for relieving your anxiety. With advancements in dentistry, you no longer need to fear going to the dentist for treatment. Talk to your dentist in Amarillo today for more information on how you can relieve your anxiety.
