Do you often experience anxiety going to the dentist? You’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a pervasive issue affecting adults and children alike. Luckily, our dentist in Mission, BC, is here to help soothe the fear and make dental visits a lot more pleasant.
Do you want to learn more about how to fight dental anxiety? Contact Dr. Amol Shergill at Wren Street Dental today. Our dentist in Mission, BC, can guide you through bouts of dental fear by using tried-and-true methods, like sedation dentistry. Call (604) 820-8702 to learn more!
For some, the thought of sitting in the dentist’s chair can evoke feelings of fear, nervousness, or even panic. This anxiety often stems from past negative experiences, fear of pain, or a general fear of the unknown. However, avoiding dental care due to anxiety can lead to serious oral health problems down the line. Thankfully, there’s a solution: sedation dentistry.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry, sometimes known as sleep dentistry or relaxation dentistry, is a technique used by trained dental professionals to help patients feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures.
It involves the use of sedatives to induce a state of tremendous ease and relaxation, making it easier for patients to undergo treatment without fear or discomfort.
Types of Sedation
There are several types of sedation that dental professionals use in dentistry today, ranging from mild to deep sedation. The type of sedation used will depend on the patient’s level of anxiety and the complexity of the dental procedure.
Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas)
Laughing gas is a very mild sedative that dentists easily administer through a mask sitting over the patient’s nose. It induces feelings of relaxation and euphoria, helping patients feel at ease during treatment.
Oral Sedation
Oral sedation involves swallowing a prescribed sedative pill before the dental appointment. The medication helps patients feel drowsy and relaxed, making it easier to undergo treatment without anxiety.
Intravenous (IV) Sedation
IV sedation provides stronger sedation, as it involves administering sedatives directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous line. The result is a state of deep relaxation, and patients may not remember much of the procedure afterward.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is the deepest form of sedation, rendering patients completely unconscious during the dental procedure. Typically, dentists reserve this type of sedative for extensive surgeries or for patients with severe dental phobia who cannot tolerate other forms of sedation.
Benefits of Sedation Dentistry
When it comes to anxiety going to the dentist, sedation dentistry offers numerous benefits. First and foremost, it helps alleviate fear and nervousness, allowing patients to receive the dental care they need without unnecessary stress.
Additionally, sedation dentistry can help patients with sensitive gag reflexes, low pain tolerance, or difficulty sitting still for long periods.
Furthermore, sedation dentistry enables dentists to perform multiple procedures in a single appointment, reducing the number of visits required for treatment. This is particularly beneficial for patients with busy lifestyles or those traveling from out of town.
Anxiety going to the dentist? We can help!
If you experience anxiety going to the dentist, know that you’re not alone, and there are options available to help you feel more comfortable. Sedation dentistry can make dental visits a much more pleasant experience, allowing you to maintain good oral health without unnecessary stress or anxiety.
Learn more about sedation dentistry and other comfort options with the team at Wren Street Dental. Request information and appointments online, or call our dental office in Mission, BC, at (604) 820-8702 for more.
