There is no need to suffer through a dental procedure or to avoid one out of fear or anxiety.
Not everyone has a great impression of going to the dentist. Statistics indicate that as many as 50% of Americans fear going to the dentist, even for just a regular dental exam.
Whether you have had a bad experience in your past, or you have heard awful stories from someone else, you need not fear your next dental procedure.
Why are So Many Americans Afraid of the Dentist?
An overwhelming majority of Americans who fear the dentist do so from past traumatic experiences. A catch 22, when people avoid regular exams, it usually makes for a more unpleasant experience when they go to the dentist.
There are also other predisposing conditions like anxiety and phobias, which can cause extreme fear of the dentist, which have no direct relation to any dental experience.
If You are Afraid, Don’t Be!
If you are someone who fears the dentist the good news is that you don’t have to. There are many ways to make your dental procedure go more smoothly that come with very little, to no risk, for the patient.
If you are worried about your next dental exam, there is no reason to be anxious, it is okay to speak up and to ask for dental sedation to calm your fears.
Types of Sedation that Can Be Used
When you hear of oral sedation, it is not uncommon to think of anesthesia and IVs, but the truth is that there are many ways for the dentist to make your treatment painless.
Nitrous oxide is an odorless gas that will make you feel euphoric, and it comes with very few risks.
Oral sedation, such as medication that allows you to be alert and awake, but not fully conscious, is also an excellent way to take the pain and anxiety of your dental procedure away. Oral sedation allows you to take a medication about twenty minutes before you go to your appointment.
It will often make you sleep comfortably through the exam or procedure and have no recollection of what happened. The best part is that it is a short lasting medication that will have you alert and awake as it wears off. Just make sure to have someone with you to drive you home since you might still be a little groggy.
There is no need to suffer through a dental procedure or to avoid one out of fear or anxiety. If you are looking for a little help to stave off your anxiety, simply speak up and ask your dentist for something to make you a bit more comfortable. Inexpensive and easy, oral sedation is much better than avoidance or pain.
St. Louis Dental Sedation
The method of sedation can be achieved by administrating oral medications, intravenous medications, or Nitrous Oxide “laughing gas”. Using the lightest level of sedation is minimal sedation. It involves a mild sedative, such as a Valium-like medication or Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas.) This kind of sedation requires no additional training for the dentist.
When you come in for your appointment Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Daugherty will decide which level is best for you. We look forward to meeting you. Call us at (314) 862-7844 and one of our friendly team members will be happy to speak with you or simply make an appointment online.
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