Millions of Americans avoid appointments with the dentist due to dental anxiety. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist increases the risk of developing oral health problems such as gum disease and premature tooth loss. Dental anxiety can range from mild to severe, leaving some people panicked at the mere idea of sitting in a dental chair. Fortunately, dental anxiety can be treated.
Dental anxiety may have both mild and severe consequences. Some people may simply have a fleeting fear of the dentist, while for others, it might cause them to lose sleep, forget important appointments, or even change their eating habits. Patients with extreme dental anxiety may avoid getting necessary dental care for their whole lives. If this is the case, they will only go to the dentist during a dental emergency or when experiencing excruciating tooth pain. Some patients will not show up for their planned visits. All of these avoidable behaviors result in people delaying required dental treatment until their issues have progressed significantly.
For some patients, the anxiety that causes them to avoid the dentist can have adverse emotional consequences. Dental issues can make the patient self-conscious and insecure. They may smile less and try to cover their teeth when speaking. The embarrassment can affect their personal and professional lives, and their self-esteem may also take a hit. Fortunately, patients who suffer from dental anxiety now have various treatment choices to choose from.
For those with dental anxiety, empathy and understanding are valuable. The dentist will listen to their fears and concerns so they can feel welcome and comfortable. The patient will benefit from open, honest communication. During the conversation, the dentist will try to normalize the anxiety and avoid negative statements. Patients will also be encouraged to ask questions, and the dentist will provide updates throughout the treatment.
Giving patients with dental anxiety a chance to be involved during their appointment is a good idea. The dentist may even allow fearful patients to handle the saliva suction so they can control when they have to expectorate. The patient will also be able to signify when they need a break: Simple hand gestures can help patients control the pace of the procedure.
Distraction is another method that dentists use to calm their patients. Calming, engaging music in the dental office is helpful, and patients may be encouraged to bring headphones.
Dentists can induce relaxation in an anxious patient by using nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, provided via inhalation with a mask worn over the nose. The patient will breathe in a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. Patients will feel calm and at ease due to the gas but will still be able to talk to the dentist and anybody else in the room. They may or may not be able to recollect details of the procedure. The effect of nitrous oxide is often said to be pleasant. This option is safe and wears off soon after the mask is removed. Patients can drive themselves home after the procedure.
Another option is to use pills, usually Halcion, which is similar to Valium. The patient will take the pill an hour before the treatment. It will make them drowsy, and although they may fall asleep, they can be awakened easily. Patients will need a ride to and from their visit, however, because it is unsafe to drive after taking these medicines.
Intravenous anesthetic is also an option. Although patients often stay awake, they may have a brief sleep period. While undergoing this procedure, patients may still react to verbal stimuli.
General anesthesia is sometimes administered at a medical facility by intravenous injection or inhaled gas. During this technique, the patient sleeps throughout the procedure, so they do not wake up with any memories of the session. This method is utilized for patients with severe dental anxiety or before certain dental operations.
The dentist can make a patient relax physically and mentally to alleviate dental anxiety. Good breathing techniques are an excellent way to promote physical relaxation. These can ensure muscle relaxation concurrently by tensing a certain set of muscles when inhaling and relaxing them when exhaling.
Dental anxiety can be detrimental to a patient’s oral health. Clear communication has always been effective in alleviating patients’ fears, along with pharmacological, mental, or physical techniques. If you are afraid of the dentist or undergoing dental procedures, contact the dentist to discuss your options.
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