Do You Struggle With Dental Anxiety?

Do you find yourself canceling dental appointments (or not making the appointment in the first place) because the thought of going to the dentist fills you with dread? Many individuals with dental anxiety put off going to the dentist. Unfortunately, what may have been a minor fix could become a major problem if left untreated. Filling a cavity is much quicker and much less expensive than losing the tooth and needing a dental implant.

Sometimes, it’s the memory of an unpleasant prior experience in the dental office that prevents a person from going back. Other times, it’s embarrassment and fear of ridicule that causes a person to keep postponing their appointments. Maybe you are filled with fear when you see the dental instruments.

Whatever is causing your anxiety (and you may not be exactly sure what IS causing the anxiety), there are a few ways to ease your stress. First, the dentist you choose makes a huge difference. If going to the dentist makes you nervous, then it is important to find a gentle, compassionate dentist you is sympathetic to your feelings. A good dentist will try to make the whole experience less stressful for you. Another way to reduce your anxiety is to communicate with your dentist and know beforehand what the procedure entails. If you know exactly what the dentist is doing, you may feel more in control and less panicked. There are also breathing techniques that may help you relax.

But for some people, breathing deeply and focusing on background music just doesn’t cut it. If you struggle with dental anxiety or phobia, and it is keeping you from seeking the dental treatment you need, you may want to consider I.V. sedation. Under sedation, you won’t feel any pain or discomfort. Some patients sleep soundly through the procedure, while others will be slightly awake, However, you will not be aware of what is happening, and you won’t remember anything.

I.V. sedation makes it possible for people struggling with dental anxiety to get the dental care they need.

To learn more about I.V. sedation dentistry in Odenton, MD, click here.