Sedation dentistry can calm dentist anxiety

If the thought of sitting in a dentist's chair evokes strong feelingsof anxiety and actual fear, you are not alone. The truth is most people don'tactually enjoy visiting the dentist, but regular dental cleanings andoccasional dental work is vital to good oral health. People who avoid going tothe dentist because of apprehension are doing themselves a great disservice andcould be contributing to much more severe dental issues in the future.

Sedationdentistry is a technique employed by many dentists today to help calm the nervesof patients who:

- Have a general phobia of dentists

- Are afraid needles and shots

- Find it difficult to get numb from Novocain

- Will undergo multiple dental procedures during onevisit

- Will undergo complex dental procedures

- Experience a gag reflex easily

- Have special needs or physical disabilities

- Find it difficult to remain calm and still duringprocedures

- Have highly sensitive teeth

- Have had unpleasant experiences with dentists inthe past

- Dislike the sounds and smells of a dentist'soffice

How does sedationdentistry work?

In sedation dentistry, an experienced dentist will use one of severaldifferent sedation drugs to alter the patient's central nervous system andleave the patient feeling relaxed. The drug may just leave the patient feelingtranquil or it may actually cause the patient to fall asleep. Regardless of howthe drug affects the patient, he/she will most likely not remember the majorityof the procedure (including the sounds and smells)"¦an attractive side-effectfor most patients. The patient will not be unconscious.

Sedation drugs used in a dentist setting are generally safe. A dentistwill discuss the different options available and determine if you are a candidate for thistechnique. Some common, highly effective choices include:

- Valium (Diazepam)

- Ativan (Lorazepam)

- Triazolam

- Vistaril (Hydroxyzine)

- Sonata (Zaleoplon)

In some cases the patient will take the sedation drug in a pill form(no needles) one hour prior to the appointment time. Because the effects of thedrug may last up to six hours, the patient will need to be driven to theappointment as well as driven home by a family member or friend after theprocedure is completed.

If you have avoided going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety,sedation dentistry may be the perfect solution to get you back on the road togood dental health. Whether you simply need a cleaning or a cavity filled oryou need a more complex procedure such as a root canal or dental implants,sedation dentistry can give you the confidence to take the trip to thedentist's chair.