Dental anxiety is a common problem many people have that can make it difficult for them to feel comfortable at the dentist and may make them avoid their appointments. However, not attending regular cleanings and other necessary dental appointments can harm your oral health. Here, we discuss how sedation dentistry can be a wonderful option for patients with dental anxiety to keep them relaxed and comfortable while getting dental treatment.
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Dental Anxiety
You may want a beautiful, charming smile, but does the thought of going to the dentist cause you to panic? If so, you’re not alone. Several patients experience dental anxiety, especially if they’ve had bad dental experiences in the past. It is estimated that around 36 percent of the general population is affected by dental anxiety. However, getting a minimum of two professional dental cleanings a year is essential for maintaining good dental hygiene. Still, it can be challenging to bring yourself to those appointments if you experience dental anxiety.
It’s completely understandable to feel anxious about dental visits. However, our goal is to ensure that this anxiety doesn’t lead to avoidance of necessary dental care. If you avoid going to the dentist regularly, you’ll be putting yourself at a higher risk of serious dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
What Is Sedation Dentistry?
For people who struggle to go to the dentist due to their dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can be a huge relief. Sedation dentistry involves using a sedative, which is a medication that helps the patient feel relaxed during dental appointments. This allows for a more comfortable, pain-free dental experience.
Many people are nervous about going to the dentist due to previous unpleasant experiences, fear of the unknown, a sensitive gag reflex, etc. This can often lead to feeling tense during appointments, being afraid to open their mouths wide, flinching and moving around when getting treatment, or even not going to the dentist at all. Sedation dentistry lets you feel relaxed during your dental appointment, so you may receive treatment without feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
What Are the Types of Sedation Dentistry?
The type of sedation used will likely depend on the severity of the patient’s dental anxiety and the treatment they are receiving. In general, there is a range of sedation options that go from mild to deep sedation. More mild sedation options allow the patient to feel relaxed while still being completely awake and able to answer questions normally. Moderate to deep sedation makes patients more drowsy and may even put them to sleep.
Your dentist will discuss your sedation options with you and recommend which ones will work best for you and your treatment. Additionally, talking to your dentist about your dental anxiety is essential so they can be aware of it and make accommodating adjustments to enhance your experience. Your dentist may also have helpful tips other than sedation dentistry that can help ease your anxieties while sitting in the dentist’s chair.
What Dental Treatments Can Be Done Under Sedation Dentistry?
Sedation dentistry can be an option for a range of dental work, from routine cleaning appointments to more invasive procedures such as crown fittings. La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics offers orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and tooth replacement services.
Whether you’ve always felt uneasy about going to the dentist or have recently developed dental anxiety, ask your dentist about your sedation dentistry options. Make sure to share anything in particular that bothers you or triggers your anxiety during your appointments so your dentist can help you feel more comfortable.
Want to Know More About Sedation Dentistry in San Diego, CA?
To learn more about the sedation dentistry options you have in San Diego, CA, call La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 281-0653 or complete our online contact form.
