subject: How Your Dentist Can Help Eliminate Your Dental Anxiety [print this page] If you get nervous before having to go to the dentist, you are not alone. Some estimate that up to 20 percent of Americans display symptoms of dental anxiety. Many people are so afraid of the dentist that they neglect making an appointment even when they are experiencing pain and need to undergo a dental procedure to fix it. Avoiding the dentist can contribute to the development of severe problems that can be unpleasant and expensive to fix. If you are feeling nervous about going to the dentist, the most important thing you can do is to have good communication with your dentist. If your dentist knows that you are feeling anxious, then he or she will be able to use treatment methods to make sure you are feeling as comfortable as possible.
NuCalm
Nucalm is one method that many dentists use to help relax their patients. Without the use of any strong sedative drugs, you will be fully relaxed while your dentist works on you. NuCalm is administered in four steps. In total, the process takes about three to five minutes to take full effect.
*You begin by chewing on tablets that counteract adrenaline in your body. These all natural tablets will help your body relax and not panic during the procedure.
*Microcurrent stimulation patches are then put behind each ear. By running a small amount of electricity through your brain, your body will be more receptive to the tablets you took earlier.
*Your dentist will then put noise-dampening headphones on your ears. During the procedure, you will hear soothing music that will help to relax you and distract you from the noises of the dental office.
*You will also wear light-blocking glasses during the procedure. This will help to negate visual stimuli and help you to stay completely relaxed during the procedure.
After the procedure is over, you will feel like you just awoke from a nap, even though you remained conscious for the entire time.
Sedation Drugs
For some extreme cases, using a sedation drug to combat anxiety can be effective. Many dentists have been specially trained to administer medication to make you feel totally relaxed through the dental visit. The most common form of sedation is offered orally. Patients simply take a prescribed pill that will put them into a relaxed state. Patients also can receive this medication through an IV, although if you are afraid of needles, this procedure can be problematic.
The other main form of sedation is through nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide is an odorless and colorless gas that, when inhaled, can cause the user to be distracted from pain and feel a sense of giddiness. Many dentists today still use this method to make their patients feel more comfortable during dental procedures.
To learn more about how your dentist can help you eliminate your dental anxiety, talk to your Ozark dentist today.
