Roughly 80% of adults experience some level of apprehension about dental procedures, with about 20% saying they are scared of them. These numbers are not surprising, as dental visits can often evoke feelings of vulnerability or unease for many people. However, dental treatment doesn’t have to be scary! Thanks to modern advancements in dental technology, there are many ways to make your experience at the dentist more comfortable. If you feel anxious about getting the dental care you need, consider visiting an experienced sedation dentist at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. We’re committed to easing your fears and providing a smooth, worry-free dental experience. As a family-run practice, we treat every patient with the same compassion and care we would extend to our own loved ones.
What’s the Difference Between Dental Fear, Anxiety, and Phobia?
It is common to experience some apprehension when going to the dentist. However, these different classifications of fear may help you better understand and communicate your feelings, allowing us to better address your needs.
- Dental fear: This is a feeling of unease related to dentistry with a specific cause. Whether you are afraid of drills, cavities, or another dental procedure, you can pinpoint the source of your fear.
- Dental anxiety: This feeling encompasses a more generalized fear of the dentist. Even if you can’t identify the exact cause of your nervousness, you consistently experience a general apprehension when seeking dental treatment.
- Dental phobia: This is the most extreme case, as people will actively avoid the dentist even at the expense of their oral health. Dental phobia is a recognized psychological phobia that describes an unrealistic terror related to going to the dentist.
If you suffer any of these conditions, receiving the dental treatment you need to live a happy and healthy life can be difficult. Fortunately, a sedation dentist can help!
What Is Sedation Dentistry and How Does a Sedation Dentist Help?
Sedation dentistry refers to the use of medications to help you relax at the dentist’s office. For some, relaxing at the dentist’s may sound impossible, but our trained sedation dentists offer effective solutions that make oral care more accessible.
There are various sedation methods that dentists use to address varying levels of dental anxiety:
- Laughing gas: Also known as nitrous oxide, this option is ideal for mild dental fear or anxiety. It’s particularly suited for less invasive procedures, as you remain awake, and its effects are easily reversible. We administer the gas through a mouth or nosepiece and carefully monitor your levels throughout the procedure. Once finished, we reverse the sedative’s effects with oxygen.
- Oral conscious sedation: This method uses medication, typically in pill form, to help you feel calm and relaxed, often inducing grogginess. You may even fall into a light sleep. While under oral conscious sedation, you’ll remain at ease throughout your treatment. However, you’ll need someone to accompany you to the appointment and drive you home afterward, as the sedation effects may linger.
- Intravenous sedation: With IV sedation, the medication is delivered directly into your bloodstream via an IV line. This method provides a deep sense of relaxation. During the procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels are carefully monitored to ensure your safety. This treatment is best for more extensive and invasive procedures or those with significant dental anxiety or phobia.
- General anesthesia: This option is generally reserved for the most invasive oral surgeries, as it induces complete unconsciousness.
Dental fear doesn’t have to be a barrier to receiving the dental care you need. Utilizing the appropriate sedation option, our sedation dentists will ensure you remain calm and comfortable throughout your procedure.
Don’t Let Dental Fear Disrupt Your Oral Health! Visit a Sedation Dentist!
At the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry, our compassionate staff is dedicated to helping you access the dental care you deserve. Whether you experience dental fear, anxiety, or phobia, a sedation dentist will prioritize your safety and comfort throughout your needed procedures.
We have helped many patients like you with our patient-centered solutions. Schedule a free consultation with the trusted professionals at the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry to discuss our sedation dentistry options.
Follow the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry on Facebook and Instagram to learn how we help our patients smile again.
