While nobody really likes going to the dentist, for some it is a manageable encounter. But for many adults and children, it is much more, anxiety sets in with just the thought of sitting in the dental chair. If your loved one has a disability or special needs, this can compound the fear and anxiety.
Avoiding or delaying dental treatment often leads to a vicious cycle, heighten anxiety, more complex and costly dental treatments, and even health problems.
“Drills, needles, and pain, oh my! Coping with dental anxiety,” an article by Harvard Medical School, says:
“It’s very common for people to fear going to the dentist. When dental fear is severe and leads people to delay or cancel treatment, these individuals may meet criteria for 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.”
These types of traumatic dental experiences as child turn into adults with an intense fear and even phobia of the dentist. All the sights, sounds, and strangers standing over you, can be overwhelming for just about anyone. On top of that, you had to sit still through the entire painful procedure.
“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.
Today’s advancements have led safe IV sedative. Which allows a child or adult to receive the dental treatments they need without all the stress, anxiety, or pain. The dentist can accomplish several procedures in one office visit. Best of all the patients won’t even remember much about the appointment.
If you or a loved suffers from dental anxiety, there is help, contact Blue Sky Solutions Anesthesia Associates for more information.
