26 Jul Relax and Take the Edge Off with Sedation Dentistry
Does the thought of visiting the dentist bring you anxiety and stress? Many people suffer with phobias and anxieties related to dental settings. Fortunately, sedation dentistry can help you receive the care you need to maintain oral health and prevent disease. Sedation dentistry assuages emotional distress so that you can relax comfortably during dental treatments.
Dental Fears and Phobias
Did you know that dental fears are a common type of phobia? It’s true. A number of people experience moderate to severe anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist or receiving treatment. In addition to developing debilitating fears, dental-related phobias keep people from receiving routine care, which can lead to costly and more invasive procedures when problems advance.
Since dental phobias are a common issue, many dental professionals receive training to acknowledge and manage their patients’ emotional state. Not only can sedation dentistry help you feel comfortable during treatment, it can help you establish positive associations with dental settings to help reduce the severity of future anxiety.
Types of Sedation Dentistry
The most common methods for combatting dental anxiety include the administration of nitrous oxide and prescription medications.
Nitrous oxide is delivered through a soft nasal mask in gas form. This compound is a drug-free way to improve patient comfort by relieving pain and relaxing the body. Nitrous oxide is a great method for combatting mild to moderate dental phobia because it is effective and wears off quickly. Since its effects wear off fast, patients can drive themselves to and from their appointments.
Prescription medications can help mitigate dental phobia and anxiety, too. Most of the time, medications from the benzodiazepine class of drugs are used for sedation dentistry. These medications slow down the central nervous system to relieve feelings of stress, worry, and fear. This treatment option does impair cognitive and motor function so it’s important that patients have a close friend or family member drive them to and from our practice.
Our practice offers sedation dentistry and relaxation techniques to ensure our guests’ comfort. We take a compassionate and gentle approach when providing oral care – especially to patients with dental fears and phobias.
Contact Kozlow & Rowell Dentistry today to reserve a checkup or consultation with our caring team.