Understanding Dental Phobia

Did you know that up to 15% of Americans experience some form of dental anxiety, or dental phobia? This is a very real condition, one that goes beyond just getting sweaty palms in the waiting room. Understanding your specific reasons for dental phobia can help combat your fear, but it is equally important that you realize there are ways you can get the dental care you need without experiencing anxiety.

Sedation dentistry is offered in many practices throughout the country as a way to help patients relax during dental procedures. Finding out why you are scared of your dental appointment as well as discovering the right method of sedation will be invaluable to your oral health and well-being.

What Causes Dental Phobia?

There are many reasons that contribute to dental phobia. It could be a simple environmental factor such as the smell of latex or sound of a drill or your dental fear can be contributed to more emotional factors such as a fear of pain or embarrassment. Common reasons for dental phobia include:

• Fear of choking (gag reflux)
• Fear of diagnosis
• Fear of the drill
• Fear of embarrassment
• Fear of future dental work
• Fear of needles
• Fear of pain
• Fear of feeling powerless

What is Sedation Dentistry?

The good news is that your dentist can help you overcome dental phobia through sedation dentistry. It can be administered during invasive procedures or just a routine dental cleaning if that is what you need. There are many types of sedation dentistry and two types that are offered most frequently, Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and Oral Sedation.

Nitrous Oxide is given to patients through nosepiece and it provides a very comfortable level of sedation. This form of sedation goes away immediately after you stop breathing it. Oral sedation is also effective and involves swallowing sedative medications. They cause patients to become drowsy and some may even fall asleep. With oral sedatives, patients are still easily awakened. However, unlike Nitrous Oxide, you will not be allowed to drive home if you choose oral sedative medication. It is important to know that children can also benefit from sedation dentistry as well.

Whether your fear of dental work is a mild anxiety or a paralyzing fear, find a dentist that offers sedation dentistry so you can stay on top of your oral health. Dr. Tejal Kakade is proud to be a dentist who can help you have a positive dental experience. Our Carrollton clinic is staffed with compassionate and gentle team members, and we offer valued options in sedation dentistry, including Nitrous Oxide for kids and adults. Do you need help relaxing in the dental chair? Call us today to learn more.