Dealing with Dental Jitters

Fear – it can strike when you least expect it or remain a low consistent dread. From spiders to heights, examinations to stage fright – everyone has their thing and for some, it’s the thought of visiting the dentist.

Dental Fears and Phobias

Dental jitters are common – rendering the burliest and brave of individuals completely fearful in the dental chair. It doesn’t matter if you’re five or fifty-five – fear associated with dental treatment can be debilitating – making some people avoid dental appointments for years. Approximately two-thirds of fearful patients link their fear to a dental experience, while the remaining one-third may have other health concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder that heightens what would be a normal case of dental nerves.

Sedation Dentistry

The good news is that there are ways to deal with dental fear and anxiety. Family Dentists at Metro Dental in Harvest Hills explain that the use of Sedation Dentistry can turn even the most reluctant patient into a raving fan as it calms nerves, reduces fears, and restores a patient’s confidence. Oral Conscious Sedation consists of taking medication before an appointment – the medication gently sedates a patient, but not to the point of unconsciousness. Dentists who are licensed to administer oral sedation have received training in the use and safe administration of drugs and aim to administer the smallest dose to achieve the desired result. Medications respond differently in each patient so it’s important to keep in mind that some individuals may achieve a deeper state of relaxation than others.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe

Sedation Dentistry has been used by dentists around the world for decades and is considered to be a safe and effective method of inducing a sedated state. Before sedation dentistry can be given, your dentist will go over your medical history to ensure suitability – full disclosure is required to protect your health. If you are taking other medications please inform your dentist, as some meds can inhibit the effects of sedation drugs.

Don’t let dental nerves stop you from seeing the dentist – talk to Dr. Jeff Chen and Dr. Verena Lam today about Sedation Dentistry – they’ll have you smiling in no time (587) 355-2524