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Suffering From Dental Anxiety? This Special Treatment Can Help

Visiting your dentist twice annually is essential for optimum oral health. We all know this, yet, many of us are still burdened with dental anxiety (nervousness about dental appointments). As a result, we shy away from or postpone dental checkups. If this sounds like you, don’t be too hard on yourself—dental anxiety is common. And luckily, many treatments are available to manage it; chief among them being dental sedation. But now, you may wonder…

What is Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation, or sedation dentistry, is a method for quelling pre-dental nervousness. It helps to calm you down, easing the anxiety associated with dental visits. This treatment is a mild form of sedation that alleviates anxiety but enables you to retain consciousness. However, you may also experience bouts of short-term forgetfulness and the numbing of pain. 

Who Needs Dental Sedation?

People experience varying degrees of uneasiness before dental visits; however, it doesn’t prevent them from attending their appointments. Conversely, people suffering from dental anxiety may experience symptoms such as:

  • Panic attacks
  • Feelings of faintness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Mood swings
  • Profuse sweating
  • Sobbing, mobbing, or even crying

If you are experiencing one or more of these symptoms before your dental visits, it may be due to dental anxiety. Consequently, dental sedation may be an appropriate option to help calm your nerves and make you feel relaxed at the dental clinic. 

Types of Dental Sedation Options

At Stoney Trail Dental, we want you to feel comfortable during your time with us. For this reason, we offer numerous dental sedation options to help calm your dental anxiety. Some of which include:

  • Laughing Gas: This method involves delivering nitrous oxide via a mask covering your nose. Its effects are swift and wear off quickly, so you can still drive home safely once your procedure is complete. 
  • Oral Sedation: Oral sedation keeps you conscious; however, you will remember very little regarding the procedure. This treatment is delivered via pill form; the pill is provided about an hour before treatment, so it has time to take effect. It’s important to note that this method will leave you feeling tired for about 24 hours, which means you must have someone to drive you home after the dental appointment. 
  • IV Sedation: This sedation option is applied using a topical cream to the numb region where the insertion of the IV occurred. Also, you will require a friend or loved one to drive you to and from the dental appointment if you opt for this sedation option. 

Key Takeaway

Dental anxiety is a common problem that can impact anyone from young children to full-grown adults. However, despite its prevalence, it is manageable. At Stoney Trail Dental, we have the tools, procedures, and knowledge to ease your dental anxiety, and create a pleasurable experience. So contact us today to book your appointment

Blog posts from Stoney Trail Dental are for general information only. The content should not be considered medical advice. If you need professional medical advice or assistance, please contact your local doctor or clinic.

Gurshant

Medically reviewed by Dr. Gurshant Grewal - a registered dentist on May 29, 2023

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