Anxiety and fear in the dental setting often impacts the oral health care for both adults and children. Those who have had traumatic experiences, even those not related to dentistry, are more likely to have poor oral health, bleeding gums, and cavities.
Time For A Change
According to study published in the Journal Of Dental Hygiene, “Trauma Informed Care in Oral Health Care”, a person with a history of trauma is linked with a heightened level of fear and anxiety related to dental care. The study goes on to say:
Individuals with high levels of dental anxiety report experiencing significantly more dental and non-dental-related traumatic events and PTSD symptoms than individuals with lower anxiety. Sexual abuse places victims at significantly higher risk for developing dental anxiety.
Individuals with a trauma history may experience significant anxiety and distress in the dental setting, even for treatment many providers and patients consider to be “easy,” such as a brief intraoral examination, radiographs, or oral prophylaxis. Aspects of the dental setting that may trigger memories and emotions related to the original trauma and may re-traumatize patients with a trauma history include, but are not limited to:
Reclining in the dental chair
Having the patient napkin placed around their neck
Having dental team members “hovering” over them
Not being able to speak or effectively communicat
Past trauma or PTSD caused by essentially any reason can have detrimental effect on your dental appointment. Their anxiety and fear can worsen the condition with simple dental procedures.
Solution
Fortunately, modern dentistry has an effective solution. IV sedation has helped many people with fear and anxiety from previous trauma, IV sedation. It is also safe for children when administered by a qualified Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Because the medication is administered intravenously, the sedation takes effect quickly. You won’t have to wait for your affected area to get numb.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests, the dentist should have a separate “a qualified individual”. They administer the sedation and to monitor both the vital signs and heart rate, because it “reduces risk of adverse events,” said Dr. Jeffrey S. Plagenhoef, the society’s president
With the help of a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, CRNA, to administer the sedation and monitor the patient’s vital signs, while the dentist performs the procedures, has proven to be safe.
