If you suffer from dental anxiety, a general dentist can help. Dentists have skills, tools and techniques to use to calm you down before and during the treatment. Find out how your dentist can help and then schedule an appointment. There truly is no reason to be afraid of going to the dentist.
Patients who are afraid of dental procedures should talk it out with the general dentist beforehand. Many find that simply voicing their fears helps resolve the anxiety, while others calm down after they find out what to expect. When the mystery is taken out of the procedure, it is much easier to calm down and relax.
Dentists also offer a variety of sedation options to patients. These options reduce dental anxiety and help patients relax during a variety of procedures.
A general dentist might recommend nitrous oxide for nervous patients. Patients simply breathe a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen through a mask. The gas works in a matter of minutes, and patients feel much more relaxed. Along with helping to ease nerves, nitrous oxide also helps with pain associated with specific dental procedures.
The gas quickly wears off after the patients stop breathing it in. People can usually drive themselves home after the procedure.
Oral medication is also an option. Patients take medication prior to the procedure. It makes them groggy, and many do not recall the procedure afterward. Patients cannot drive themselves home if they choose this type of sedation.
Those who require additional sedation might be eligible for IV sedation. Patients are still awake during the procedure, but they are groggy and unlikely to remember it afterward. A driver is needed for patients who undergo this type of sedation.
Dentists also help patients by using lasers instead of standard drills. Lasers can be used to remove decay and treat gums. They are also used for root canals and teeth whitening. Simply switching to lasers is enough to put many patients at ease.
Some patients find they relax if they are distracted during the treatment. Dentists now offer various options for distracting patients who need to take their minds off the procedure.
Chairside TVs are becoming commonplace in dental offices. Patients have the option to watch their favorite shows while undergoing a procedure. Many are so focused on the show that they practically forget they are at the dentist.
Some dentists offer headphones, while others let people bring their own. It is important to talk to the dentist prior to the treatment to ensure that headphones are OK. Also, if the dentist does not provide headphones, remember to bring a phone to stream the music.
It is easier than ever before to feel calm at the general dentist. Patients can talk it out, undergo sedation techniques and use distractions to feel calmer. Laser dentistry might even be an option. With so many choices, there is no reason to skip another dental appointment.
Request an appointment here: https://www.providencefamilydentistry.com or call Providence Family Dentistry at (678) 496-7021 for an appointment in our Mableton office.
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