If you are fearful or anxious about going to the dentist, you are not alone. Many people avoid or delay dental care due to dental phobia or dental anxiety. Whether you have sweaty palms in the waiting room or have a paralyzing fear of even walking into the dental office, there are ways to help. Sedation dentistry has allowed countless patients to get the quality dental treatments they need and deserve despite their level of anxiety.
What is Sedation Dentistry?
Before we discuss what sedation dentistry is, it is important to learn what sedation dentistry is not. Sedation dentistry does not mean that you will be put under or put to sleep. It is not limited to adults or patients with a disability. Sedation dentistry is also not just for lengthy or major dental procedures. Instead, sedation dentistry is a safe, easy and highly effective means to help anxious or fearful patients relax in the dental chair during any type of treatment, from routine cleanings and fillings to root canals and extractions.
Sedation dentistry can involve nitrous oxide gas (laughing gas) or oral conscious sedation (taking a sedative pill). There are advantages and disadvantages to both forms of sedation, and your dentist can help you decide. Both options can put patients into a very relaxed and peaceful state during dental treatments with little to no lingering side effects afterwards.
Why Does the Dentist Stress You Out?
There is not a standard list qualifications that you must meet in order to receive sedation dentistry. In general, if not being able to relax in the dental chair is keeping you from the dentist, you are an excellent candidate. Here are some common reasons why patients choose sedation dentistry at Group Health Dental:
- Afraid of pain
- Fear of needles
- Aversion to sights, smell or sounds of dental office
- Bad memories of past dental experience
- General anxiety disorder
- Physical or mental disability
- Severe gag reflex
If you think you could benefit from sedation dentistry at your next dental appointment, please let us know. We are here to make your dental care experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
