How Sedation Dentistry can Help Dental Anxiety

It doesn’t take a long amount of time for your oral health to break down, and it will happen to you, even if you are diligent about brushing and flossing. Seeing your dentist twice a year is one of the best things you can do to maintain your teeth and keep them for life. Almost everyone already knows this. However, there are some who simply cannot bring themselves to go to the dentist, no matter how their teeth are.

For those who have dental anxiety or dental phobia, the issues are deeper than simply having their teeth cleaned. The problem is that the longer they avoid the dentist, the bigger their problems become, which may lead to a more intensive, and longer, dental plan than they ever thought could happen to them.

There are several things that can be done to relieve your dental anxiety these days so that you can get the care you need, even if you’d rather never see the dentist. Sedation dentistry is the best method for those anxious about the dentist. In short, sedation dentistry calms you with medication or gas so that you simply don’t care that your teeth are getting cleaned. You are not completely unconscious, but are still able to listen your dentist’s instructions and follow them.

Types of Dental Sedation

Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is not just for children or those who are having teeth extracted. It is probably the most commonly known dental sedative and can be used on those who are fearful in the dentist’s chair. Administered through a mask and breathed in, nitrous oxide calms the entire body. Nitrous oxide is only one way to calm your dental anxiety. Several oral medications can be given prior to your dental procedure. These include:

• Ativan (larazepam)
  
  
• Sonata (zaleoplon)
  
  
• Vistaril (hydroxyzine)
  
  
• Valium (diazepam)
  

Some of these medicines you may already be aware of, but did not know they had dental applications. They are very safe when used for your dental anxiety. The type of medication given depends on the procedure and your age and weight, as well as the amount of anxiety you feel.

Some of the side effects may include retrograde amnesia, meaning you will not remember all, or any, of your dental appointment. Many people see this as a bonus rather than a drawback if they have dental phobia. This may also make it easier for you to schedule your next dentist appointment knowing that you will not really remember anything, or have anxiety. It may also take a little while for the medication to wear off. Due to this, it is advised that you have someone drive you to and from your appointment.