Break the Cycle of Dental Anxiety

Every day, dental offices are filled with patients who are having cleanings, getting their wisdom teeth extracted, or enjoying cosmetic dentistry services. Are you the only one who’s too afraid to get into the dental chair? Although you may feel alone, St. Charles dentists say that dental phobias affect more than 75% of American adults each year. You are not alone!

Dental anxieties and phobias are real, and they can be debilitating. In many cases, a dental phobia can prevent you from visiting the dentist regularly, and you may find that you’ve slipped into a cycle of seeing the dentist only when you’re having a dental emergency. For a large number of adults, the dental anxiety cycle looks something like this:

  1. A history of avoiding dental checkups.
  2. A common dental problem such as bleeding gums or a cavity develops.
  3. Simple dental treatments are not sought and the dental issue becomes more severe.
  4. Invasive treatments become necessary.
  5. The thought of advanced treatments and financial expenses triggers or increases anxiety.

To break the cycle that often leads to pain, health complications and tooth loss, dentists may rely on simple forms of sedation dentistry. Here’s what you should know about dental sedation:

  • Your lengthy dental treatment can be performed while you are relaxed and sedated.
  • Dental checkups and even cleanings can be easier and more pleasant with sedation.
  • You can remain awake, but relaxed, under sedation.
  • Sedation provides are pain-free dental experience.
  • Sedatives are an excellent way to control your sensitive gag reflex.

How does it work?

  1. The dentist will need to meet with you and review your medical history before prescribing sedatives.
  2. You will be instructed to take one dose the night before your appointment and another the day of your appointment.
  3. A responsible adult will need to drive you to your appointment.
  4. You will receive painless and relaxing dental care while you rest in the dental chair.
  5. A responsible adult will drive you home.

To find out if sedation dentistry is an option for you, contact a St. Charles dentist for a pre-treatment consultation today.