Are You Afraid Of The Dentist? Options You Can Consider

Going to the dentist for checkups and procedures is a normal part of everyday life. Seeing your dentist regularly is a healthy and important part of maintaining good oral health. However, many people suffer from severe dental anxiety. Fortunately, there are some things your dentist can do to help ease your nerves and make the process less intimidating. The following are some things you need to know if you are wary of the dentist:

What Causes Fear of Going to the Dentist?

A fear of visiting the dentist is quite common. Much of the time, fear of going to the dentist is due to a poor experience in the past. Other people fear the unknown when they go to the dentist, particularly when they need a procedure that is new to them. Some also fear a lack of control over the situation at hand. Thankfully, modernizations in dentistry help to ease many minds when it comes to fearful expectations. Thankfully, there are some ways to better cope with dental fears to avoid serious dental problems due to avoiding dental care.

What Are Some Options to Deal with Dental Fear?

If you are considerably nervous or fearful of going to the dentist, you should let the dental office know when you make an appointment. For most procedures, the dentist would typically use topical anesthesia to help prevent feelings of pain. However, if the thought of that scares you, the dentist can arrange for additional options. Make sure these options are available at your dental office prior to your appointment.

One option is nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas. The gas helps to calm you and make you more at ease during your procedure. You will not be asleep with this option, but it is known widely to help. If you feel the nitrous oxide gas will not do the trick, you can request sedation. Sedation is generally done by an anesthesiologist who will be there throughout the procedure. You will receive the sedation medication through an IV in your vein. While you are under anesthesia, your vital signs will be continually monitored. This is an ideal option for those who are considerably afraid of the dental procedure and would otherwise avoid going to the dentist, further risking their oral health.

Can You Reduce Your Fear of the Dentist?

If you are unsure if you want to undergo IV dental anesthesia, it is helpful to know of some ways to help reduce your fears. Before you have your appointment, visit the dental office and meet the dentist and staff. Many times, just knowing those who will be working on you helps to ease any fears you might have. Also, research the procedure you need ahead of time. Knowing what to expect can also be helpful. Most importantly, talk to your dentist about your fear. They may be able to help talk you through it and help you feel better about your dental needs.

To learn more about IV sedation dentistry, speak to your dentist. 

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