While going to the dentist may not be very pleasant, for many it is a manageable experience. But for a countless other people, anxiety and fear keep them from getting the oral health they need.
According to Harvard Health, “Unfortunately, this behavior can spiral into a vicious cycle of dental pain, health problems, worse anxiety, and more complex and costly dental procedures.”
If anxiety is keeping you or a loved one from going to the dentist or delaying treatment, then you may meet the criteria for odontophobia or dental phobia.
There are many different reasons for and triggers of dental anxiety. For some, they have had a previous traumatic experience; for others, they are extremely afraid of needles.
Because the origin of fear can vary from patient to patient, it is critical that you identify your fears and share this with your dentist or another health care professional
There are many ways to manage pain during dental procedures, but most of them don’t address the anxiety or mental stress associated with the appointment. Which is why so many adults and children are turning to IV sedation to help calm their nerves.
Managing your dental anxiety has many advantages. Neglecting routine dental care can turn a simple filling into a painful root canal. Which can lead to costly procedures and even affect the rest of your health.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. For example, people with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have periodontitis, a type of bone and gum disease, which could lead to tooth loss. In fact, studies have shown that controlling diabetes can help control gum and bone health, and vice versa
The same hospital level IV Sedation can be brought to your dental office for any type of procedure. This can be a game changer for those who have a difficult time sitting in a dental chair.
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist administering the sedation and monitoring the safety of the patient, allows the dentist to focus solely on the procedure.
It is important to know, the patient will still be conscious and responsive during the procedure, but will not remember much, if any, of the appointment, they will be in a deep state of relaxation.
