Whether you had a negative experience at the dental office as a child, or you have read a few online horror stories, you aren’t alone if you have a touch of dental anxiety. In fact, approximately 75% of people suffer from dental phobia. For some, it even prevents them from visiting the dentist at all! Fortunately, with modern dental techniques, you don’t have anything to worry about. Here’s why seeing your dentist is so important and how sedation dentistry can help!
Why Is Seeing Your Dentist So Important?
You may think that the easiest solution to dental fear is avoiding your dental visits. After all, you aren’t in any pain. The issue is that if you are putting off your routine cleanings and exams, you’re allowing your smile to be completely vulnerable to tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. When caught early on, they can usually be easily treated with minimal discomfort. By putting off dental issues, they will only become worse, and you could end up needing a more invasive, costly dental procedure that could have been completely avoided. Ultimately, the sooner you see your dentist, the better!
How Can Sedation Dentistry Help?
If you’re worried that your fear will get the best of you, there are sedation options available. Because dental phobia is so common, your dentist is keeping people just like you in mind. Patients who opt for sedation dentistry are able to receive their essential dental care in a perfectly calm, relaxed state. Here are two common options:
- Oral Conscious Sedation: If you need to undergo a dental treatment, but you’re nervous, oral conscious sedation is an excellent choice. Before your appointment, you will take a pill that will relax your body while you remain conscious during the treatment. You will still be able to communicate your dental team, but you will be in a worry-free state. For this sedation option, you will need to have a trusted family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment.
- IV Sedation: Another sedation option is the IV method. This involves administering a sedative intravenously. One of the greatest benefits of IV sedation is that it works very quickly. It also is much easier to regulate than oral sedations. Just like with oral sedatives, you will need to arrange to have a ride home after your procedure, as the effects can take a little while to fully wear off.
You don’t need to let dental fear get in the way of your oral health. With the help of sedation dentistry, you will be in the dental chair stress-free in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Renu Michelsen is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 20 years. She earned her dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Art A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and she continues to complete several hours of advanced training every year through prestigious organizations, like SPEAR Education. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Orange County Dental Society. For more information on sedation dentistry or to schedule an appointment at her office in Orange, visit her website or call (714) 538-1178.
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