When it comes to visiting the dentist, many patients face crippling anxiety that may cause them to avoid getting the dental care they need. This anxiety can be brought on by many things, including a fear of pain or negative past experiences. Dr. Mitchell and his team are dedicated to helping patients have safe, positive and comfortable experiences at Mitchell Dental Studio. In some cases sedation dentistry may be offered as an option to help achieve this goal.
What Is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety describes feelings of fear or general unease that arise in a dental setting. This emotion can lead individuals to postpone or completely avoid necessary dental care which can significantly jeopardize dental health or lead to more pain or more costly treatment becoming necessary. Common triggers for dental anxiety include, the sound of dental drills, dental injections or simply the dental environment itself.
In more severe cases, dental anxiety can escalate into an irrational fear known as dental phobia. Several mental health conditions can also raise the risk that an individual will experience dental anxiety.
Overcoming Dental Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry
Nitrous Oxide: This type of sedation is referred to as “laughing gas” due to the pleasant sensation it creates in some patients. It involves wearing a mask through which a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is inhaled. Its effects are typically felt within a few minutes and wear off quickly. Under this type of sedation, patients remain awake and responsive to instructions and they are able to drive themselves to and from their appointments. Patients using Nitrous Oxide are able to resume normal activities immediately following the procedure.
Oral Sedation: Some patients benefit from taking medication in the form of a small pill prior to their procedure. The medication is commonly taken approximately one hour before the scheduled dental appointment. It is important to note that patients using this type of sedation will need someone to accompany them to and from the dental visit as they will not be able to drive while taking this medication.
General Anesthesia/ IV Sedation: In certain cases, such as when treating young children, individuals with special needs, or those with severe dental anxiety, general anesthesia may be deemed necessary. General anesthesia involves a form of unconscious sedation, meaning that the patient will be completely unconscious throughout the dental procedure and will need a ride home. This is most commonly done in a hospital setting.
Schedule Your Appointment
Do not let dental anxiety prevent you from visiting the dentist. At Mitchell Dental Studio, you can undergo dental treatments in a relaxed manner free from stress and pain. Contact us today to book an appointment where we can determine if sedation dentistry is right for you.
