Don't Let Dental Fears Keep You from the Dentist

Most people recognize that seeing their dentist regularly is important for their dental health. Dental issues tend to worsen quite a bit when they go untreated. However, there exists a huge chunk of the population that fears going to the dentist. For them, dental sedation could be the answer. Read on to find out more.

Causes of Dental Fear

Many people carry around anxiety related to previous bad dental experiences. While some people can move on and find a gentle and caring dentist, some are unable to overcome the crippling fear. Other people are quick to gag and are too embarrassed to let the dentist know about it. Dental anxiety builds on itself until the sufferer gets nervous at just the thought of going to the dentist.

Solutions to the Fear

Those enmeshed in fear might find comfort and better dental health with the right dentist along with some sedation options. Some find that they can slowly drop the stronger sedation options as they become gradually accustomed to having dental work performed. Here are a few tips to help you or someone you know get back to the dentist again.

• Speak to a dentist. These professionals are not unaware of how some people feel about going to the dentist. Many dentists go the extra mile to help the fearful get the dental work they need. Meeting with a dentist (no work will be done) for a few moments can help some who need to slowly ease into the situation.
• Ask about sedation. Certain dentists use sedation more than others. You might want to phone a few offices and ask about sedation dentistry, then make an appointment to speak to the dentist. When it comes to sedation, it's not about one certain form of anesthesia but about making a choice from several options.

Sedation Options

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) is a safe and effective way to deal with dental anxiety. It's administered through a mask and wears off quickly once the procedure is over. Patients are not asleep, but they won't be able to remember anything about the appointment later.

Lidocaine can be used to numb a specific area in the mouth. Ask the dentist to apply a gel that deadens the area of the injection so that you won't feel a thing.

Intravenous (IV) drugs can be administered through a vein. This form of anesthesia lasts longer, and patients will be groggy afterward and need transportation home.

General anesthesia is reserved for dental surgery and puts the patient completely to sleep. This is the strongest form of dental anesthesia available.

Learn more by visiting a family dental practice.

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