Dental fear is common in children, but did you know that adults also suffer from it? In fact, it affects 36% of American adults. If your coping mechanisms don’t work, you should ask your dentist about sedation dentistry in Boca Raton.
Fear is a natural human response to certain situations and can result in distress, anxiety, and other uncomfortable symptoms. It also triggers the fight or flight response, an automatic psychological reaction that prepares you to either fight or flee.
Most people find it easier to flee rather than deal with fear. Unfortunately, avoiding your dentist because of fear can result in serious oral health consequences. If you are scared of the dentist, dental sedation might help.
If you can’t control your fear, be glad to know that your dentist can through sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry involves the administration of certain medications through different routes to keep you calm, comfortable, and relaxed during your visit to the dental office. The methods and the level of sedation used vary depending on your preference and your anxiety level.
Both children and adults can benefit from dental sedation. Dentists usually recommend it for individuals who show the following signs:
The level of sedation varies depending on your needs. Some of the factors considered are your health history, the procedure’s duration, anxiety level, and preference. Examples of sedation dentistry are oral conscious sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous sedation.
Your dentist will give you an oral sedative, usually in the form of a pill, 60 minutes before the start of your appointment. The most commonly used medications are triazolam and diazepam, but your dentist might also use lorazepam and zaleplon. For pediatric patients, dentists prefer to use liquid sedation.
Oral sedatives can make you feel groggy. Sometimes, it may even cause you to sleep. However, you can be awakened easily. It can temporarily affect your motor skills and memory, so dentists recommend bringing a family or friend to drive you home after the procedure.
Nitrous oxide, more popularly known as laughing gas, is another type of dental sedation, but instead of taking a pill, your dentist will put a mask over your nose so you can breathe the nitrous oxide gas in.
You will already feel relaxed and calm in as little as three to five minutes. The amount of gas you’ll receive is continuously adjusted throughout your treatment.
When the procedure is done, your dentist will exchange the nitrous oxide for pure oxygen to remove the nitrous oxide gas from your system. Since it leaves your body quickly, you may safely drive home after your visit.
Your dentist will administer the sedative directly into your bloodstream intravenously. Throughout the procedure, your dentist will monitor your vital signs (oxygen, blood pressure, and heart rate). The dosage can be adjusted when necessary. IV sedation is preferable for individuals with severe dental anxiety or if they will undergo complex and lengthy dental work.
Don’t let dental fear stop you from achieving optimal oral health. Ask about dental sedation today. At 5th Avenue Dental, we are dedicated to providing you with first-class dentistry. Our practice is equipped with the latest technology. Call us for a consultation.
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