Have you ever avoided visiting your dentist because you were overwhelmed with dental phobia? Well, you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is real and affects not only children but also adults. Fortunately, sedation dentistry has greatly advanced today; you need not be scared anymore.
Whether it is a simple procedure such as dental cleaning or a complicated one such as a root canal, sedation dentistry helps you reduce the pain and feel comfortable.
This article discusses if patients with dental phobia need sedation. Read on!
You Need Sedation Dentistry Options
A dentist understands the importance of healthy teeth and gums and how a less attractive smile can make a bad impression. They offer dental care that leads to healthy, beautiful teeth with sedation and relaxation techniques for people who are afraid of the process.
Some patients would prefer to remain awake during their dental procedures, while others want to remain asleep.
Dentists are accustomed to personalized treatment plans tailored to the patient, including sedation when needed. A good dentist will carefully listen to your concerns and assess if you are comfortable with the treatment.
They will ask you a few questions about your medical history as well as any medicines you are currently taking. They will also discuss the type of dental procedure with you and prescribe a suitable relaxation or sedation option depending on your anxiety level. This will help your dentist to provide you with the best possible care.
A Relaxed Patient Means a More Thorough Treatment
Patients with dental phobia or anxiety generally tend to react to every small step of the treatment. This makes it quite difficult for the dentist to take proper care of them to a level where they need it. They will only look forward to completing the procedure so that the patient can be comfortable.
On the other hand, a relaxed patient will sit back, relax and give the dentist ample time to do his work.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Available
1. Nitrous Oxide
Nitrous oxide, also known as the laughing gas, is one of the most commonly used anesthesia across the world. It helps to keep patients relaxed during dental procedures. Nitrous oxide is considered to be mild since the patient will remain conscious throughout the procedure. Since the anesthesia comes in the form of a gas, its effects will wear off quickly once the patient stops inhaling it. Our dentist at Bayswater Dentist recommends this type of sedation.
2. IV Sedation
IV sedation is meant for patients who need deep sedation. The sedation drug is administered via an IV line to the patient’s vein. The dentist will continually adjust the sedation levels during the procedure.
3. General Anaesthesia
This type of anaesthesia is recommended for patients who require a more intense pain management method or have high levels of anxiety. General anaesthesia allows the patient to be completely unaware of what is happening during the procedure. In most cases, dentists recommend it only if the procedure is going to be an extensive one.
Signs and Symptoms that you Need Sedation Dentistry
If you exhibit one or more of the following signs and symptoms, sedation dentistry can help you.
- Fear and anxiety
Dental anxiety is a very real and debilitating condition that can have a serious impact on your quality of life. Signs and symptoms of dental anxiety can include: feeling tense, stressed, and anxious before or during dental visits; avoiding dental visits altogether; experiencing physical symptoms, such as heart palpitations or sweating, during or after dental procedures; experiencing nightmares or flashbacks after dental visits; and developing severe depression or anxiety disorders. If you are struggling with signs and symptoms of dental anxiety, please speak with your dentist about the different types of anesthesia available.
- Gag Reflexes
When you experience dental anxiety, your gag reflexes may become more pronounced. This reflex is a response to the feeling of choking or being in an intense situation where you can’t breathe. When your gag reflex is strong, you may throw up or have a fit of coughing.
If you notice that your gag reflex is becoming more pronounced, it’s important to talk to your dentist about it. This could be a sign that your anxiety is getting out of control and needs to be addressed.
- Low pain threshold or very sensitive teeth
Some people have a lower pain tolerance compared to others. Some feel like they cannot get numb enough to reduce pain and discomfort. Sedation dentistry will help such a patient to have a perception of pain altered.
- Extensive Treatment
Some extensive or complicated dental procedures such as tooth extraction, multiple restorations, and root canal anesthesia services will help increase the level of comfort. It will also give the dentist ample time to complete the procedure.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
- Dentists Can Work More Quickly
Dentists can work more quickly and comfortably when the patient is under sedation dentistry. The use of nitrous oxide can significantly reduce the time it takes to complete a dental procedure, as well as the number of visits necessary. This s because the patient will feel less pain and will be more comfortable.
- Relieves Fear from Bad Experiences
A majority of patients have dental anxiety due to bad experiences they had with the dentist while they were young. Unfortunately, such memories can make them fear visiting the dental office and is detrimental to their oral health. Luckily, with sedation dentistry, patients can enjoy a comfortable and relaxed dental experience while their dentist takes care of their oral health.
- Eliminates Pain Associated with Treatments
Most patients fail to visit the dentist due to the fear associated with dental procedures. Anyway, nobody enjoys feeling pain in their gums or teeth. Sedation dentistry helps in reducing pain and making treatment more comfortable.
Bottom Line
If you have postponed visiting the dentist due to dental anxiety, it is high time you make that visit. Lack of dental treatment can lead to severe issues in the future. Visit us at Bayswater Dentist for all your dental needs, and our dentist will walk you through different sedation dentistry that will make you feel comfortable during the treatment.