Most of us probably get a little nervous before a doctor or dentist visit. But for some patients, a trip to the dentist office is downright terrifying. Dental phobia is very real, and some people may even postpone their dental appointments or cancel them altogether to avoid experiencing that kind of anxiety. When that happens, the patient’s oral health suffers, and oral health is directly connected to overall health, so it’s important to go to the dentist!
Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the stress of dental phobia. One of the most effective ways to do that is with oral sedation. This method involves the dentist prescribing an oral sedative for the patient, which is taken a short time prior to the dental appointment. The effects of the sedative are quite noticeable. The patient will remain awake but feel completely relaxed through the entire visit. The strength of the sedation will depend on the patient’s needs. It can range from light to more moderate, depending on the dosage prescribed by the dentist. There are typically no risks or side effects from oral sedation, although the patient will need a ride to and from the dental appointment.
Severe anxiety about dental appointments isn’t the only time when oral sedation is used. People who have quite sensitive teeth also benefit from this method of sedation, as do people who have to undergo lengthy dental procedures (such as a root canal or a dental implant for example). If you have a low pain threshold or a highly evolved gag reflex, you might also find that oral sedation makes a dental appointment much more comfortable than it would be otherwise. Patients who don’t like needles typically prefer oral sedation over IV sedation, since it’s administered orally rather than through a needle.
If you experience extreme anxiety about visiting the dentist, or if you have an upcoming lengthy dental procedure or any of the other symptoms listed above, ask your dentist if you might benefit from oral dental sedation. Remember the important role that your oral health plays in your overall health. In this day and age, there’s no reason why anyone should have to postpone or cancel dental appointments because of anxiety. We are fortunate enough to live in a time when dental technology has become so advanced that even the most fearful patient can undergo virtually any dental procedure in a calm, comfortable, relaxed frame of mind.
