Do you fear going to the dentist? You aren’t alone. Studies find that more that half of Americans suffer from some amount of dental anxiety or fear. However, dental phobia is a more serious issue that leaves people full of panic and terrified, even if they know that their fears are irrational. There are many different reasons that people suffer from this, and with modern dental technology, there is a solution! Your sedation dentist in Columbia shares why people suffer from dental phobia and how sedation dentistry can help patients overcome their fears.
What Causes Dental Phobia
Here are some of the most common reasons that people develop dental phobias and anxiety:
- Fear of Pain: A lot of the time, this stems from a negative early dental experience or a “horror” story that they have heard from someone else. Fortunately, with modern dental advances in technology and medicine, going to the dentist today requires minimal discomfort and most of the time, none at all!
- Fear of Needles: For certain dental procedures, dentists inject a local anesthetic in the area that they are working in to prevent pain. Many people are uncomfortable with the idea of needles, but most are able to put up with their queasiness for a few moments until the injection is over. For others, their fear of needles is much worse, especially when inserted into the mouth.
- Lack of Control: Being reclined in the dental chair with an open mouth, many people feel like they lack control of the situation and therefore feel uncomfortable.
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
Your dentist understands that going to your dental appointments may be difficult for you due to dental anxiety or phobias. This is why they offer sedation dentistry as a way to help patients relax during their treatment. Depending on your individual needs, you have several different options:
- Nitrous Oxide: This is more commonly known as “laughing gas” in the office. This is a mild sedative that is inhaled and works quickly. You will have a light euphoric feeling soon after breathing it in through a nasal mask. You will be conscious the entire time, but more relaxed. As soon as the mask is removed, the effects will wear off. This way you can drive yourself to and from your appointment.
- Oral Sedation: This option involves taking a prescribed pill about an hour before your appointment. By the time you get to the office, you will be perfectly relaxed. Because this method has stronger effects and takes longer to wear off, you will need a trusted friend or family member to take you to and from the dental office.
- IV Sedation: This is an even stronger level of sedation. It is best for patients who don’t even want to know what’s going on. A sedation medication will be administered directly into your bloodstream. You will remain conscious throughout the treatment but may experience short-term amnesia. Because it takes a while for the strong effects to wear off, you will need a trusted friend or family member to take you home from your appointment.
Just because you have dental phobia doesn’t mean that you need to neglect your smile. By communicating with your dentist about your fears and opting for one of these sedation options, you will be able to keep up with your oral health anxiety-free!
About the Author
Dr. Matthew Hart is a sedation dentist serving patients at Beck Dental Care in Columbia, TN. He earned his dental degree from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry and has gained over a decade of experience. Dr. Hart has received training in IV sedation and other areas in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (931) 388-8452.