| It is no secret: most people are afraid of the dentist. Whether it is the bright lights and the drills, thoughts of the nitrous oxide, or even a fear of needles, just the thought of going to the dentist is enough to make many of us uncomfortable. The thought of root canals, cavities and even teeth cleaning simply leaves some people shaking in their boots! According to data gathered by the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, also called D.O.C.S. Education, thirty percent of the American population avoids the dentist out of fear!
For those of us who have been avoiding our check-ups and trying to ignore our tooth aches, there is a great solution to help us through tough appointments: sedation dentistry. During sedation dentistry, a sedative like tranquillizers or anti-anxiety medication is administered to patients to create a relaxing and anxiety-free experience. These sedatives can be administered in a number of ways. In the past, the most common sedation practices were inhalation, using nitrous oxide or laughing gas, and intravenous or IV sedation. Today, the most common practice is oral sedation, or the administration of pills. This technique allows patients to avoid needles.
One of the major benefits of sedation dentistry for patients is that the sedation procedure can help them feel as though their appointment lasts only minutes. Even complex dental procedures that take hours can seem to go by in a blink of an eye. This also means that the more complex dental processes, such as smile makeovers or extensive oral rebuilding, can be accomplished in fewer appointments—saving cost and time for the patient! Though these sedation practices will not truly increase pain thresholds or put the patient to sleep, sedation dentistry allows patients who may be anxious about these long, complicated oral procedures to feel more comfortable.
Because sedation dentistry is able to address the fears and anxiety of going to the dentist, more and more people are making their way back to their dentist’s chair. Patients of sedation dentistry feel so at ease that they are more likely to receive the routine care that their dentist recommends, and they are less likely to neglect their oral health. This has the added bonus of helping these patients solve dental problems before any drastic procedures are needed to correct the damage!
Next time you find yourself worrying about going to the dentist for any procedure, consider finding a dental office that offers sedation dentistry. You will not only be able to cure any dental problem that you may have, but you will also find yourself more at ease. Conquer your dental fears and achieve the bright, healthy smile that you have always wanted!
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