Since it’s still early in the year, if you need to shore-up your oral health, it’s not too late to take action by scheduling a dental visit. If the thought of receiving dental care causes anxiety or phobia for you, then setting an appointment is not as simple as it may appear on the surface. You’re not alone, though, as over 75% of Americans deal with dental anxiety. Thankfully, with the help of a sedation dentist in Dublin, there’s a way to receive the care you need in a comfortable manner. Read on to learn more!
Who is Sedation Dentistry for?
While up to ¾ of the American populace suffer from some form of dental anxiety, studies show that 20% have the more acute issue of dental phobia. The difference is that ‘phobia’ is an intense fear, which often is the result of a bad experience in the past, while anxiety represents a state of nervousness or worry. With sedation dentistry, either issue can be addressed so that you don’t have to miss out on the vital care you need.
Here are some of the other scenarios that sedation dentistry can be helpful in:
- Multiple procedures need to be performed at one visit
- Have a strong gag reflex
- Fear of needles
- Have physical disabilities
- Don’t respond well to Novocain (numbing medication)
The Different Types of Sedation Dentistry
The most common form of sedation dentistry is nitrous oxide, which is a mild sedative gas that is breathed through a mask during treatment. The fast-acting medication creates a jovial mood, with its effects dissipating soon after it has been discontinued. Therefore, you’ll be able to drive yourself home afterwards without any impairment.
For more acute cases of anxiety or phobia, your dentist may recommend oral sedation. You’ll be given a pill to take about an hour before your appointment, so that by the time your treatment starts, you’ll already be calm and relaxed. Because of the strength of the medication, it will take several hours after your procedure has concluded for the effects to wear-off. For your safety, you’ll need to have someone else drive you around for the rest of the day.
The Door is Open for Care
If you’ve been missing out on the valuable dental care you need because of anxiety or phobia, then you no longer have to place your oral health at risk. By taking advantage of sedation dentistry and receiving consistent dental care, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding complex issues like gum disease, tooth loss and dental emergencies. Excellent dental health is now available for you!
About the Author
Dr. Eric Buck earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. For over 15 years, he has been a trusted dentist who patients can count on for gentle and effective care. Dr. Buck understands that dental visits can be a little unnerving for some, which is why he offers sedation dentistry at Distinctive Smiles. He can be reached for more information through his website.