How to Deal with your Dental Phobia
- Posted on: Nov 15 2017
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You’re an adult now. So, why haven’t you grown out of your fear of visiting the dentist yet? You’re not alone. Nearly 9%-20% of Americans foster a profound fear of the dentist chair. Sedation dentistry is a great option for those who deal with dental anxiety.
The four types of dental sedation
Your level of dental anxiety will determine the type of sedation you choose.
- Inhaled minimal sedation: This form of sedation works quickly and wears off fast. It is given through a mask placed over your nose. The mask allows you to breathe in a combination of nitrous oxide and oxygen that will make you feel groggy and pleasantly relaxed.
- Oral sedation: This form of sedation stands as the more common method because it is simple to use. Your dentist will give you a specific medication to take one hour before your procedure. In most cases, the pill used is Halcion, which comes from the same drug family as Valium. Although the pill will make you feel drowsy, you will remain conscious. In some cases, you may fall asleep.
- IV moderate sedation: This type is administered through a vein and into your arm using a needle. This method is noticeably quick at making you feel groggy and can be easily adjusted by your dentist throughout the procedure.
- Deep sedation and general anesthesia: The fourth and final method uses a combination of medications that will make you feel close to unconscious. In same cases, you will become completely unconscious. This form is not easy to be awakened from until the anesthesia has worn off.
How to know if you are a good candidate
You don’t need to be terrified of the dentist to use dental sedation. Other situations that merit the use of sedation include: if you need a large amount of dental work completed, you have overly sensitive teeth, you have a bad gag reflex, you can’t sit still in a dentist’s chair, or you have a low pain threshold.
Schedule your dental check up
The best form of dental care is preventive care. Schedule your next dental check up with Dr. Casey Patterson today for a full dental exam, cleaning, and x-rays. You can reach our team at 805-584-1194.
Posted in: Sedation Dentistry
