Visiting the dentist can be unnerving at times, especially for those who are in pain and suffer from dental anxiety. This condition can make dental appointments a time of extreme unease and fear for individuals who experience it. Learning about what might cause this type of phobia and how dental sedation can ease it may help people who fear cleanings, device fittings and other orthodontic procedures.
While some people make it a point to visit a dentist annually for a cleaning and routine checkup, others may delay these appointments because of the anxiety they can cause. The degree of anxiety can vary from person to person and may stem from many reasons, including
These issues may cause those who suffer from them to delay dental treatment, which might make matters worse. Sedation could be a viable solution for these individuals, especially for those who experience moderate to extreme anxiety before and during the appointment.
Patients who experience dental anxiety may benefit from sedation to ease the issue. This is sometimes known as twilight dentistry because the sedative leaves individuals conscious and able to respond to questions and guided actions but puts them in a sleepy, relaxed condition during the procedure. Sedation is typically delivered intravenously and may leave patients feeling drowsy afterward. Those interested in this type of dentistry may have to find a clinic that specifically offers sedation, as not all dentists have experience with it.
Dental sedation can benefit patients and dentists alike. Those undergoing a procedure, such as having a tooth pulled or a root canal, can feel relaxed and less fearful while in the chair, which may make it easier for dentists to perform a job. Patients who feel extreme anxiety may react emotionally with either tears or anger, and sedation can reduce these emotions. Most patients who undergo this type of dentistry recover from sedation easily and with few side effects; however, since drowsiness may occur, it may be wise to have a friend or family member on hand to drive the patient home.
In many cases, dental sedation can be used as a helpful tool to support and improve oral health. Patients who delay or avoid seeing a dentist, especially for long periods of time, are more at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Those who are already experiencing symptoms have an increased chance of dealing with worsening oral pain, severe decay, weakened tooth structure, tooth damage, infection, and tooth loss. When patients with dental anxiety utilize sedation to undergo important dental work, these risks are minimized and good dental health can be restored.
Those considering the use of sedation during a dental procedure may want to discuss the procedure with a clinic to learn whether it is the best choice for the type of work needed. For example, if tooth extraction and treatment of inflamed gums are necessary, sedation may be useful for keeping a patient quiet and relaxed for a long period while the dentist need not worry about anxiety symptoms preventing him or her from performing the job efficiently. Patients may want to keep in mind that dental sedation can affect everyone differently and discussing medical history with a dental professional may help them make the best choice possible.
Talk with your dentist about other interventions that can help you feel more comfortable and at ease during dental appointments. Distraction can be a powerful tool, so ask if the office has exam rooms with television screens for patients to watch movies or shows while having their teeth cleaned and evaluated. You may also want to consider listening to music, an audiobook, or a podcast.
Meditation can be a powerful tool in dealing with stress and anxiety. If you are new to this practice, you can find virtual programs to download to your phone. Starting with five-minute sessions and working your way up can help you learn powerful strategies for calming your mind when you are fearful or anxious. It may also be helpful to see a mental health therapist who can help give you more positive strategies and tools for coping with dental anxiety.
Dental anxiety can have a detrimental effect on those who experience it and cause them to delay important oral care. Sedation may be a useful tool for easing these feelings and allowing affected patients complete access to dental treatment. Other methods can also help patients feel calmer and more relaxed at dental appointments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.sterlingvadentist.com or call Brighter Smile Family Dentistry & Orthodontics at (703) 994-4044 for an appointment in our Sterling office.
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