If you have a fear of the dentist, you are not alone. According to the American Dental Association, about 40 percent of people in the U.S. have some form of dental anxiety. About 20 percent of people are so scared of dentists that they would rather live with dental problems instead of dealing with a dentist. Of course, that only makes their oral issues worse.
The good news is that many things can be done to help people overcome their dental anxiety. One of the most effective ways to deal with it is sedation dentistry. This type of dentistry uses medication to keep patients relaxed during dental visits.
Some cases of dental anxiety are more extreme than others. Less severe cases can be overcome by using therapeutic techniques like:
When all this fails, sedation dentistry becomes the most effective way to overcome the phobia.
As was mentioned earlier, sedation dentistry involves the use of medication to deal with dental anxiety. Let us take a closer look at the different types of sedatives used.
Oral sedatives like valium are often used in sedation dentistry. These pills are generally given to the patients to take about an hour before the appointment. It helps to keep patients relaxed during procedures, and some even end up falling asleep. A simple nudge from the dentist is typically enough to wake the patient. One thing that should be noted about oral sedatives is the fact these tend to be slower acting.
Patients taking oral sedatives typically have to arrange a ride to and from the dentist's office.
Nitrous oxide is the most common sedative option when it comes to dealing with a fear of the dentist. It is a fast-acting, safe gas that is administered with a mask that covers the patient's nose. The dentist can adjust how much of the gas goes in at all times, making it easier to keep the patient relaxed.
The effects of nitrous oxide can be felt within minutes of inhaling the gas. That means it can be administered right before a procedure starts. The effects wear off just as quickly, and patients are fully aware within minutes of the taking the mask off.
Dentists can also opt to sedate patients using IV sedation. This option involves the use of IVs to deliver sedatives into the patient's bloodstream. With this procedure, the sedative is injected directly into the patient's vein, leading to a deeper level of relaxation and calm. Like oral sedatives, patients who opt for IV sedation will not be able to drive themselves home after the procedure.
The fear of dentists is not always just in a person's head, and the right sedatives can be used to keep patients relaxed. Ready to overcome your dental phobia? Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today!
Call (979) 710-2216 today to reach Rivers Family Dentistry.
We understand that visiting the dentist can be a nerve-wracking endeavor for some people. Any level of dental anxiety will affect how comfortable one feels at the dentist. Through years of practice, we have learned that people often psych themselves out when it comes to visiting the dentist and because of this, will typically not visit…
A full-service dental practice provides a broad range of services. That includes standard cleanings as well as certain oral surgeries. With a variety of dental professionals on staff, you can get many different treatments performed. However, even during a regular checkup, a dentist looks for things beyond cavities and gum disease, which includes any signs…
We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Bryan, TX area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Family Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Implants, Veneers, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges and Root Canals.
Our dental office provides preventative care to patients with the goal of helping them maintain healthy teeth and gums. We do so by cleaning teeth and removing plaque/ tartar. This allows us to help our patients avoid getting cavities or gum disease.Also, by cleaning teeth on a regular basis, we make it possible to prolong…
If you are considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, you might want to talk with an implant dentist first about what getting implants entails, including aftercare for your implants. The dentist will be able to share with you how the procedure will work, what recovery looks like, and what you should be doing to…
Dental problems can seem to happen out of the blue, but knowing what to do next can result in better health outcomes for your smile. Calling an emergency dentist is often the best next step. These general dentists can help when dental issues cannot wait for a scheduled checkup. With prompt treatment, they work quickly…