People are afraid of the dentist even though dental work is crucial to protecting the smile. Dental care ensures you can laugh, smile, eat, and speak properly—which are all important daily functions. It’s understandable why people are uncomfortable in the dental chair, but it’s possible to alleviate those fears so teeth can receive necessary care. If you’re looking for advice on how to reduce dental anxiety, read our advice below:
Be Honest With Your Dentist
When patients first see the dentist, letting them know about your dental fear will help them tailor treatments to meet your needs. It’s your dentist’s duty to accommodate your dental needs, whether you require a slower pace or more thorough information about dental procedures.
Some specific requests patients can make include:
• Can I have more time for the anesthesia to set in?
• What can I expect from this procedure?
• What will be the most uncomfortable part?
For some patients, a detailed understanding of the procedure will reduce fear and allow treatment to proceed. Others may need a distraction, such as music played through headphones, so be sure to ask your dentist what sort of amenities they offer, and if you can bring music.
Find a Dentist that offers Sedation
If other methods do not work to calm fears, dental sedation is another option. Sedation generally comes in three forms: nitrous, oral, and IV. In summary, they relax patients through medication and give a sense of euphoria throughout your treatment. These sedation options leave patients conscious and responsive to the dentist’s instructions. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is generally safe for most patients, even children. Oral and IV sedation are reserved for adult use, and require patients to be picked up and dropped off at the practice.
In all cases, dentists examine a patient’s medical history and make sure dental sedation is best for treatment.
Contact Orion Dental Group for Gentle Care
Our Lloydminster dental practice offers dental sedation and accommodates to patient’s needs. If you have dental fear or acute anxiety, please contact us. We will see what we can do to relieve discomfort and provide the dental treatments you need.