How dentophobia can affect your visits to the dentist
Oral health is considered one of the most important aspects of your overall health but can sometimes be affected by a deep fear of the dentist, more commonly known as dentophobia. This can cause a decline in your oral health as you may avoid visiting the dentist Brentwood to address dental issues and miss important regular checkups, which can detect any signs of these issues that you may otherwise be unaware of.
Causes of dentophobia
Dentophobia can be caused by a variety of factors ranging from a negative past experience or a sense of lack of control. You may put off visiting your dentist because you are afraid of the pain that is associated with some dental procedures, or you may even be scared of certain noises that dental instruments make. At Coptfold Dental, we understand that your fear of dentists may put you off from seeking medical help; however, we must stress its importance to prevent major dental issues from developing. Therefore, to help ease your distress, we offer some solutions to help make your visit to the dentist more pleasant.
What is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry is designed to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your dental appointments; it offers a moderate level of sedation to ensure you remain awake during your dental procedure but do not experience high levels of fear or anxiety. The levels of sedation in dentistry can vary based on your individual requirements, including your level of anxiety and the length of the procedure, so it is best to discuss your options with your dentist Brentwood prior to your visit.
Types of sedation available
The most common forms of sedation used in dentistry include nitrous oxide, intravenous sedation and oral sedation.
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask or a nosepiece and begins working within three to five minutes. Its calming effects can be controlled and adjusted via its dosage by your dentist Brentwood throughout the procedure. Once the treatment is complete, you will be given a dose of pure oxygen to flush out the nitrous oxide from your body, leaving you well enough to drive back home straight after the procedure is complete.
Another popular form of sedation is oral conscious sedation, which involves taking an oral sedative drug in the form of a pill a few hours before your procedure. Either your GP or dentist can prescribe you a variety of sedatives, such as diazepam or lorazepam, which have calming effects and make you feel less anxious during your procedure. In the case of children, a liquid sedative known as midazolam is often used to have the same effect.
Intravenous sedation is the most intense form of conscious sedation available in a dental setting; this involves sedative medication being delivered directly to your bloodstream through an IV line and constant monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels throughout the procedure. When receiving IV sedation, you will most likely fall asleep and have no recollection of the treatment taking place once you wake up. This is a suitable option for those who suffer from extreme anxiety and fear of the dentist and for those who are undergoing lengthy procedures.