subject: Help For People Who Are Afraid Of The Dentist [print this page] For some people in Tampa, dentistry fills them with dread and they avoid their annual checkups. Dental health is too important to ignore, but there are solutions for people who are nervous about visits to the dentist.
The Consequences of Fear
The anxiety people feel about dentistry can come from a number of sources. The high-pitched whining of the drill is about as pleasant as fingernails on a blackboard. Patients might be afraid of the pain of dental work or even a simple cleaning. Some patients suffer more than anxiety; they have serious phobias that can make it nearly impossible for them to stay in the chair long enough for the dentist to do his job.
The problem is that avoiding the dentist isn't like skipping a manicure. Some fearful patients put off making an appointment until they have a toothache but this is a dangerous choice. If ignored, decay could go deep enough that what would have been a quick filling six months ago is a root canal and crown today. Even worse, bacteria from periodontal disease can migrate into the bloodstream and cause serious health problems including heart disease.
The Answer: Sedation Dentistry
Using sedation during the visit can dramatically ease the stress of patients who have dental anxiety. Mild drugs are used to relax a patient, calm fears and allow any procedures to go more smoothly.
In the past, sedation dentistry used drugs injected into a patient's bloodstream but modern dentists have a number of other drugs available. Nitrous oxide, also called "laughing gas", is one of the most common techniques. Other patients can be helped by oral medications they can take before the visit.
After experiencing sedation dentistry, many patients mistakenly assume they slept through the event. In fact dentists prefer the patients be conscious and responsive so don't use medications that cause patients to sleep. A side effect of the medication is patients don't remember much of the procedure even though they were awake.
Is Sedation Dentistry Safe?
Patients who have never experienced sedation dentistry may be concerned about any long-term effects. The drugs used are quite mild and the incidence of negative outcomes is extremely low. Patients should discuss their concerns with the dentist as well as providing a complete medical history to ensure the right sedation technique is used. For example, a dentist might prefer oral medication to nitrous oxide gas when treating patient who has asthma or other respiratory conditions.
The important benefit of sedation dentistry is it improves access to dental care. Patients who might otherwise avoid the dentist or have phobias so severe they would be untreatable now can get the care they need to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile.
Many Tampa dentistry professionals offer sedation techniques so local residents have one less reason to avoid the care they need.
by: Christine Harrell
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