Oral Health: If you have a dental phobia, you know how difficult it can be to actually get your teeth cleaned and worked on by a dentist. Maybe you avoid it altogether and try to suffer through your problems, or maybe you’re tough enough to go and get it done, but dread every moment. You’re not alone.
Millions of people feel exactly how you do. But that doesn’t mean you’re doomed to skipping appointments and letting your dental health suffer.
Thankfully, conscious sedation dentistry exists these days, and it’s allowed even the most anxious patients to relax, sit in the chair, and enjoy great oral health. But don’t just show up at any dental office and ask for sedation. Knowing how to prioritize oral health when you fear the dentist takes a special skillset that few dentists have.
Here’s what’s inside:
- Why Dental Phobia Is So Common
- What Is Conscious Sedation Dentistry?
- The Different Types of Conscious Sedation
- How To Prioritize Oral Health When Fear Takes Over
- Choosing the Right Sedation Dentist
Why Dental Phobia Is So Common
Did you know that fear of the dentist is pretty common? Research by NYU found that nearly 73% of adults surveyed reported experiencing fear when going to the dentist.
Even more Americans say that they have either a severe fear (36%) or extreme fear (12%) when it comes to going in for dental work. The Cleveland Clinic reports these numbers are consistent across the population.
What causes someone to fear the dentist?
There can be many reasons, but there are a few usual suspects. Bad childhood experiences typically take the cake. Having painful procedures done as a kid can really make you wish you’d kept your mouth shut as an adult.
The sight of the tools, the sound of the drill, the smell of the office, and even feeling trapped in the chair can be anxiety-inducing triggers as well.
However you slice it, dental phobia creates this awful cycle of fear. You fear the dentist, so you avoid them, which leads to your oral health declining. Then, when you do go to get care, you usually require more intensive procedures,s which further increases your fear of going back.
Fear = avoidance, which equals bad dental health. Bad dental health = feeling like you have to go to the dentist and undergo more intense procedures. More intense procedures = increased fear.
Enter conscious sedation dentistry.
What Is Conscious Sedation Dentistry?
For those unfamiliar with conscious sedation dentistry, here’s how it works.
The process involves administering medication to the patient to help them relax while still being able to understand what is going on and follow instructions.
With conscious sedation dentistry, the patient will not be put to sleep. That means protective reflexes are maintained (like not choking on saliva), and the patient can breathe on their own.
Basically, conscious sedation dentistry is an excellent way to take the edge off of anxiety at the dentist without being put to sleep.
For anyone looking to explore sedation dentistry services in Henderson, NV, it’s worth reaching out to learn more about the conscious sedation dentistry options available.
IV sedation, in particular, is very cool because it allows the dentist to adjust the level of sedation on the fly. So if they start work and realize the patient is feeling tense, they can administer more sedatives. Vice versa, if they think the sedation level is too high.
It’s amazing what can be accomplished when a patient isn’t tense.
By taking the fear out of the equation, patients who otherwise would run from the dentist are coming in for regular checkups and keeping their mouths healthy. And that is awesome.
The Different Types of Conscious Sedation
There are different types of conscious sedation methods, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Types of Conscious Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide – Also called laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a mild form of sedation that is administered by way of a mask you breathe through. It wears off quickly, so most patients can drive home after their appointment.
- Oral Sedation – This is a pill you take prior to your appointment. It keeps you awake, but you’ll likely feel very groggy and won’t remember much about your appointment.
- IV Sedation – IV sedation is the strongest type of conscious sedation. It is administered through a needle directly into your bloodstream. Your dentist can increase or decrease your level of sedation at any time.
Depending on your needs and your level of anxiety will depend on which type of sedation you’ll need. Talk to your dentist about which is right for you.
How To Prioritize Oral Health When Fear Takes Over
Alright, now it’s time to put that new knowledge to use. If you struggle to actually get dental work done because you have a fear of dentists, follow these tips to start getting the routine care you need to stay healthy.
FIRST: Find A Sedation Dentist
This is step one, and you cannot skip it. You need to find a dentist who specialises in sedation dentistry an,d even more specifically, working with nervous patients. This is a tiny niche, but there are dentists out there who specialise in just that.
Schedule a Consultation Appointment
You do not need to walk into the dentist’s office ready to get work done. You can schedule a consultation visit to get you and the dentist acquainted. Ask questions and learn more about your options when it comes to sedation.
Tell Them You’re Afraid
Please tell your dentist that you’re afraid. They cannot read your mind and won’t know how you’re feeling unless you tell them. The more they know about your fear, the better they can prepare for your appointment to make you comfortable.
Get on a Routine
Once you find a good dentist and feel comfortable going to your appointments, it’s important to do them. Do NOT skip your appointments because you don’t have any pain.
This cannot be stressed enough! Waiting for something to feel “bad enough” to go to the dentist is almost always a disaster. Whatever problem you have has usually progressed enough to require intervention. And intervention is almost always more uncomfortable than yearly checkups will ever be.
Don’t Wait Until It Hurts
Checkups should be your friend. Once every six months, you go in, open up, let them take a peek around, and leave with a clean bill of health. There is no downside to these appointments.
Choosing the Right Sedation Dentist
If you’ve tried searching your area for “dentist for nervous patients” or “sedation dentist near me,” you’ll know that it can be tough to find the right one. Here are a few things to look for when trying to find a new dentist who can help you with your fear:
- Certifications – Does the dentist have the proper certifications to administer sedation?
- Monitoring – When patients are under sedation, do they monitor their vitals?
- Reviews – Google your dentist and read through the reviews. Are there others just like you who speak about their anxiety?
- Consultation – A good sedation dentist will have you fill out new patient forms, go over your medical history, discuss your fears, and go over your options.
Bringing It All Together
Nobody wants to go to the dentist. But that doesn’t give you the right to neglect your teeth. Taking care of your teeth and gums is just as important as any other part of your body.
Hopefully, this has explained what conscious sedation dentistry is and how it can help you overcome your fear of the dentist. To sum it all up:
- Sedation dentistry is very common and can help with any anxieties you may have about visiting the dentist.
- There are different levels of sedation, so your dentist can tailor your appointment to your needs.
- Take action and find a dentist who specialises in nervous patients. Start with a consultation to learn more about your options.
- Go to your checkups every six months and don’t be afraid to go in when something does hurt.
Breaking the cycle of fear and avoidance starts with taking that first step. Schedule your appointment today!
Final Words:
In the end, having a healthy smile doesn’t have to be hindered by dental anxiety. Through the use of contemporary conscious sedation techniques, such as moderate nitrous oxide or highly regulated intravenous sedation, you may turn a stressful situation into a relaxing and controllable one.
Transitioning from reactive emergency visits to proactive, regular treatment is crucial. Regaining your dental health starts with finding a specialist who understands your anxiety and puts your comfort first. Instead of waiting for discomfort to motivate you, take charge of your dental health now by making an appointment and seeing how stress-free it can be.
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