Combatting Dental Phobia with Sedation Dentistry
Posted on: 30 September 2015
Being afraid of the dentist is a common phobia all over the world and can be so bad in some sufferers that they avoid a visit to their dental clinic altogether. Fear can be a lifesaver in certain situations, but it can also stop us from engaging in practical activities that are essential to living a healthy lifestyle and getting the treatment we need.
If you are afraid of the dentist, the important thing to realise is that you are not alone. Millions of people suffer from this fear and as a result there are many dentists offering specialist services.
How Bad Is Your Phobia?
A fear of the dentist's chair can present itself in many different ways and range in severity, from very mild to debilitating. If you only have a mild phobia, you may dread the visit to your dental clinic but be able to get it over with. If your fear is more serious, you may require sedation in order to withstand even the most basic treatment. The good news is that more and more dentists are embracing phobia beating tactics in order to make visits easier on their patients.
The difference with a dental phobia is that it is one of the only phobias that if not faced could result in radical changes to your health. Most dental issues are degenerative in nature. For example, a decaying tooth may cause serious problems if not attended to. A neglected cavity could eventually cause an infection or abscess, both of which could result in loss of the tooth and certainly a great deal of pain.
What Is Sedation Dentistry And Is It The Right Choice For You?
Patients who suffer from severe dental phobia will often avoid making an appointment with their local dental clinic at all costs. If you really want to avoid dental issues in the future, sedation dentistry could be the answer to your problems. Sedation dentistry has been specially designed for patients who find a routine or emergency trip to the dentist completely unbearable.
Depending on the severity of your phobia and the treatment required, you may be given local or general anesthetic. The drugs administered will either help you to relax or put you to sleep during your treatment and help you to cope with everything that happens during your appointment. These drugs may include nitrous oxide, anti-anxiety medications or tranquilisers.
If you have been putting off your routine appointment with your dental clinic, speak to your dentist to see if they can provide sedation dentistry services. More and more Dentists are including these services as standard and will be able to help you to keep your teeth and gums in perfect condition.
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