You look at the calendar on your phone, and you read the alert a few times to make sure it’s right even though you don’t really need to. Today, you’re supposed to visit the dentist, and you’re already nervous even before you get into your car. Millions of Americans suffer from this kind of fear, and it actually has a name: dental phobia. Whether you’re only slightly anxious about going to the dentist or completely terrified, a sedation dentist knows exactly how to help. They are specially trained to do one thing: to give you a beautiful smile while helping you have the most relaxing and calm dental experience of your life. How do they do it? Read on to learn about the different ways they can finally take the stress out of your dental care.
Nitrous Oxide
You’ve probably heard of nitrous oxide before—it’s more commonly known as “laughing gas.” This is the gentlest form of sedation a dentist can use, and it’s great for those who are only slightly tense about receiving dental care. All you have to do is inhale the gas through a small nasal mask, and within a minute, you’ll feel a warm lightness throughout your body that will help you quickly relax. It can be used for a wide array of procedures, ranging from routine checkups and cleanings to dental implant placement. After a treatment is completed, the mask is removed, and the effects wear off almost instantly.
Oral Conscious Sedation
This method is best for those who suffer from more mild to moderate dental phobia. With this approach, you’ll be prescribed medication to take about an hour before your appointment so by the time you sit in the treatment chair, you’ll be completely physically and mentally relaxed. You’ll still be awake for the entire appointment, but time will seem to fly by very quickly, and many patients have little to no memory of their visit afterward.
IV Sedation
This is the strongest form of sedation a dentist can use, and it’s ideal for those with extreme dental fear, people with developmental disabilities that prevent them from being comfortable in the treatment chair, or those who wish to have multiple procedures completed in one appointment.
A powerful sedative is administered via a painless injection in the hand or arm, and it’ll make you feel like you’ve slept through your entire appointment, even though you’ll be awake (but very drowsy) the entire time. One of the advantages of IV sedation is that the sedative level can actually be adjusted during your treatment, so your dentist can make sure you’re completely comfortable the entire time.
Which One Is Right For Me?
If you believe sedation could help you move past your fear of the dentist, simply contact a sedation dentist in your area today. During a consultation, you can talk about your anxiety level, and the dentist will be able to determine which sedation method is best for you. After that, you can breathe a sigh of relief. With a properly trained sedation dentist, taking care of your teeth no longer has to be a source of stress, and now you can finally look forward to getting the fresh, clean smile you’ve always wanted.
About the Author
Dr. Sarah Yarnell is a general, cosmetic, and sedation dentist based in Jonesboro, AR. She is a Master of the College of Sedation Dentistry, and she loves using her skills to help people overcome their dental fears every day. She currently practices at Woodsprings Family Dentistry, and she can be reached through her website or by phone at (870) 932-8488.