You don’t have to be fearless to get dental care. You just have to be brave enough to give the dentist a call. Unfortunately for many patients this seemingly simple act is a struggle. In fact, estimates indicate more than fifteen percent of Americans suffer from varying degrees of dental anxiety. If this includes you, there is hope. Sedation dentistry provides a safe and effective way to help keep patients calm before and during treatment, so they can receive the care they need without the fear they don’t. It’s time to stop worrying about your dental visit, and see how your dentist can help move you past the fear and towards a healthier smile!
Ways Sedation Can Help
A great smile requires regular preventive care. While brushing and flossing at home can help keep your smile healthy, regular dental checkups and cleanings are also a crucial form of prevention. That’s because only a professional cleaning can remove plaque buildup once it has calcified onto your teeth. And since removing plaque can help reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease and other dental problems, you don’t want to skip out on biannual dental visits, even if you are afraid.
Sedation, either a pill form taken prior to your visit, through the use of nitrous oxide at the dentist’s office (often called laughing gas), or through the use of an IV, can help calm your nerves and keep you comfortable throughout your procedure. In some cases the dentist may even recommend a combination. Ask your dentist which would be right for you, based on the scope of your treatment (more invasive procedures may require stronger sedatives as well as the use of local anesthesia), the level of your anxiety and your overall health.
