If you get nervous at the very thought of going to see the dentist, you are not alone. Many Americans get dental anxiety. Fear and anxiety can cause people to skip important visits to their dentist, which keeps them from receiving preventative care and helpful treatment. Because of this, dental anxiety can actually increase the risk of developing dental complications. The longer that a person waits to go to the dentist, the longer the time a problem has to worsen. There are ways to manage your dental anxiety.
Let It Out
There are two things that you should let out when you are feeling anxious: your breath and your words. Focusing on your breathing can help to ease your nerves. Discussing the things that make you feel anxious can help to calm your nerves, too. When you feel yourself getting anxious, speak up to your dentist or someone on their team. You can even tell them about it at the time you set your appointment. If you talk it out, they may be able to help you determine the root cause of your anxiety. Are you scared of potential pain? Are you embarrassed of how long it has been since your last checkup? Once you both know the root cause of your anxiety, they may be able to help provide solutions in a non-judgmental way.
Sedation?
In some cases of dental anxiety, your dentist may prescribe sedation. Different sedative options are available depending on your specific needs. Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is one of the most often prescribed form of sedation. The gas is inhaled through a mask and it will keep you awake and alert, but calm and at ease. Oral sedatives may be prescribed for those with more severe cases of anxiety. For the most severe cases of dental anxiety, your dentist may prescribe IV sedation, which is provided intravenously by a trained anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will monitor you throughout your treatment.
We want to help ease your dental anxiety.
The team at Smith Family Dentistry in Greenville, TX, can try to help ease your dental anxiety. To schedule a consultation, call us at 903-455-5750. We proudly serve patients from Hunt County, Greenville, Royce City, Sulphur Springs, and all surrounding communities.