What If You Have Dental Anxiety?
If you need a dentist and you have dental anxiety (also called odontophobia), you’ll be relieved to know that there are a few options that can help.
At Vero Implants and Periodontics, we understand your dental anxiety. We have steps in place and tools at our disposal to make your dentist visit as pain-free and comfortable as possible.
Why Do People Fear Going to the Dentist?
Very few people enjoy and look forward to trips to the dentist. If you suffer from dental anxiety, you’re far from alone.
Many things can cause dental anxiety. Some people have experienced dental trauma in the past, and other people just need more information about the process of a given procedure.
The key to minimizing dental anxiety is being knowledgeable. Knowing what your procedure entails and which options are available to you will go a long way toward easing your dental anxiety.
Equally important, modern dental technology has made it much easier for patients to receive pain-free dental treatments.
Pain-Free Dental Anxiety Options
At Vero Implants and Periodontics, we offer several options to help you experience less pain and dental anxiety.
1. Sedation via Nitrous Oxide Gas
Most people are familiar with “laughing gas,” which is another name for nitrous oxide gas. This type of sedation is given to patients through the nose, putting you into a deep relaxation similar to “twilight sleep.”
When your dentist uses nitrous oxide, you are always fully awake and aware, but you will feel a bit light-headed and less anxious as you breathe in the gas. The best part is that the nitrous oxide wears off as soon as the breathing apparatus is removed, and there are no side effects.
If your dentist uses nitrous oxide gas to make you more relaxed, you can drive yourself to and from your appointment.
2. Oral Sedation
If your dentist uses oral sedation, you will take the prescription before your appointment. If your dentist prescribes oral sedation, you will need to have someone drive you to and from your appointment because the effects don’t wear off quickly.
3. IV Sedation
For oral surgery or implants, your dentist will probably use IV sedation. With IV sedation, you don’t lose consciousness, but you will be less aware of what the dental team is doing. Moreover, you’ll feel very relaxed.
IV sedation works very quickly. This type of sedation works fast, and you will feel no pain during your oral surgery or dental implant procedure. In most cases, you won’t remember anything prior to receiving the anesthesia.
Tips for Overcoming Dental Anxiety
In addition to sedation, there are other ways you can help yourself relax before a dental visit.
- Don’t arrive too early. Certainly, you should be on time for your appointment, but if you get there too early, you can become more anxious as you wait in the reception area.
- Meditate or practice other relaxation techniques. Studies have shown that you can find relief from dental anxiety by meditating or practicing breath work. You can do these things the evening before, in the morning before you leave your home, and even right before your dental procedure.
- Listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts to take your mind off your procedure. Anything you can use to distract yourself can help you to experience less anxiety.
- Find a dental professional who specializes in working with dental anxiety. Vero Implants and Periodontics has systems in place to help you with your dental anxiety.
- Bring someone you trust with you. Sometimes, just knowing someone in the lobby waiting for us can relieve anxiety.
Contact Us
If you suffer from dental anxiety, the team at Vero Implants and Periodontics is here to serve you. Contact us today to learn more about how our office helps patients with dental anxiety.