Do you suffer dental anxiety? Dental anxiety and phobias plague many Americans, and it can be incredibly frustrating to deal with and leave you feeling helpless. It can especially start to wear on you if you have dental issues that need to be treated.
Our Scottsdale dentist has solutions for you to help you get in for the treatment you need. Please do not hesitate to give us a call right away. We would be glad to get you set up with a free consultation to meet with Dr. Seerat Mann and her care team.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Dental anxiety is often associated with a much more severe condition known as dental phobia. If you have anxiety about seeing a dentist, you may feel uneasy getting into the chair, and you may have some symptoms like racing heart and excessive palms. A dental phobia is much worse.
Those who suffer a phobia of going to the dentist will struggle to sleep the night before going to the dentist. They may get physically sick at the idea of having to be in a dentist’s chair and may even have anxiety attacks in their dentist’s waiting room. It can keep them from even wanting to see a dentist.
Many people in this country face these problems. It can stem from needle phobia, phobias surrounding medications, or being afraid to be in pain. Many people even feel claustrophobic at a dentist’s office, keeping them from getting the care they need. Fortunately, we have options to help you deal with dental anxiety and phobias to get proper treatment.
How to Counter Dental Anxiety?
Dental sedation is the first line of defense for dental phobias. If you absolutely cannot make it into the office to get the treatment you need, we can explore sedation options.
There are types of sedation that we can send to a pharmacy that you would take before you come in to help you relax and receive the treatment you need. This method would typically be in the form of a pill. The popular prescriptions include Valium and Ativan, commonly prescribed anxiety medications.
You will need a ride to and from the dentist if you need dental sedation. You will not be considered safe to operate a vehicle under a sedative.
Dental sedation can also be nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas.” You are not put all the way out for your treatment, but you will feel incredibly relaxed.
The next level of dental sedation is IV sedation which leaves you generally unaware of the procedure but does not make you completely unconscious.
General anesthesia is used for dental surgeries primarily. It is not usually advisable to use for minor procedures because general anesthesia risks your health.
Can You Get Sedation for All Dental Treatments?
You cannot get any type of dental sedation for any dental procedure. As mentioned, general anesthesia is reserved for involved dental surgeries.
Most of the time, dental sedation is not offered for routine procedures such as cleanings or fillings. If you suffer severely enough dental anxiety, you may be able to get some level of sedation for your procedure.
This is something that we encourage you to give us a call about.
Call Our Scottsdale Dentist Today for a Free Consultation
If you are tired of dental anxiety getting in the way of you getting the treatment that you need, please do not hesitate to reach out to us right away. We have plenty of experience required to give you the right care and allow you to have proper dental sedation. To meet with our Scottsdale dentist, Dr. Mann, please call our office today to set up a free consultation.
