Do you feel anxious when going to the dentist? Do you avoid making dental appointments? Has it been more than six months since you’ve seen your dentist?
Even though routine dental care is not painful, around 15% of Americans experience anxiety before dental procedures, including simple check-ups. To help patients relax, many dentists offer sedation dentistry services. Sedation is a safe, comfortable method of managing anxiety during your dentist visit. If you’ve been avoiding important dental work, sedation dentistry may be right for you.
How Does Sedation Dentistry Work?
There are several varieties of sedation dentistry. Your dentist will collaborate with you to decide which is best, depending on your level of anxiety and the type of procedure being performed. Here are some common forms of sedation:
- Nitrous oxide. Often referred to as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is a well-known type of inhalation sedation. It has no color, odor, or irritants. Nitrous oxide eases pain and relaxes anxiety, while allowing the patient to remain conscious.
- Oral sedatives. Usually taken in pill form, an oral sedative is a medication meant to calm nerves and relax muscles. Depending on the sensitivity of the patient, he or she may fall asleep.
- IV Anesthesia. One of the most powerful forms of in-office sedation, anesthesia is administered intravenously. The patient will fall asleep and have no awareness of the procedure, waking up when it’s over.
Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?
Even though it puts their oral health at risk, some people would rather suffer with painful conditions, including broken teeth or gum disease, rather than have a dentist take care of them. Your oral health is important to your overall wellness. Dentists don’t want fear and anxiety to prevent you from vital dental procedures. You may be a good candidate for sedation dentistry if you struggle with:
- Teeth sensitivity
- Fear of needles
- Overwhelming anxiety
- A strong gag reflex
- Difficulty staying still during procedures
- Trouble getting numb from standard injections
A dentist may also suggest sedation dentistry if you are facing a severe, painful, or lengthy procedure. Most dentists and hygienists are experienced, gentle, and caring, wanting you to be as comfortable as possible while they take care of your health.
Visit Our Cary Dentist Office for Anxiety-Free Sedation Dentistry
If you’ve avoided any dental procedure, from a simple teeth cleaning to a tooth extraction, don’t let dental anxiety prevent you from being happy and healthy. Schedule an appointment or call (919) 467-0654 today to discover the benefits of sedation dentistry.