Can Sedation Dentistry Help Manage Your Anxiety?

Dental anxiety is a real condition that keeps countless people from scheduling the necessary treatments and services they need because of the emotional turmoil that comes with stepping into the office of their dentist in Midland. Whether your palms get sweaty, heart starts racing, or you just want to dip out of the office as soon as possible, these feelings can have a huge impact on your life outside of your dentist’s office. Read on to learn how sedation dentistry can help you feel more relaxed as you get the services you need.

How Common Is Dental Anxiety?

Dental anxiety impacts people of all ages and from every type of background. Several studies all over the world have been conducted to determine just how common this condition is, but researchers in America estimate that about 36 percent of the population experiences anxiety or fear of the dentist. Some signs and symptoms of dental anxiety include:

• Sweating
• Racing heartbeat or palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Visible distress, crying, or feeling of panic
• Use of humor or aggression to hide feelings of anxiety

How Can Anxiety Impact Your Oral Health?

It’s not uncommon for people who are experiencing dental anxiety to miss or cancel their dental appointments because they view it as a potentially traumatic event. Even something as simple as a checkup and cleaning may not get done due to fear, anxiety, or worry.

Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist in Midland will likely result in small problems, such as cavities, developing into dental diseases or potentially permanent damage, like tooth loss. These issues often require emergency care or costly invasive treatments, which is why it’s recommended to avoid them by visiting the dentist for a professional checkup and cleaning every six months.

During these semi-annual appointments, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth, take X-rays, and conduct a quick oral cancer screening to ensure that there are no serious issues lingering beneath the surface. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, they’ll be able to diagnose the issue and quickly treat it. When oral issues such as gum disease are left undiagnosed, they can travel to other areas of the body, such as your respiratory system, and cause other serious medical conditions.

Can Sedation Dentistry Help Overcome Your Anxiety?

It can be hard to overcome mild or extreme anxiety caused by the thought of visiting the dentist, which is why another option you could choose is sedation dentistry. Depending on the severity of your anxiety, your dentist may recommend nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation. These will allow you to feel relaxed, worry-free, and comfortable throughout your procedure, so you won’t have to worry about having a traumatic experience.

The first step towards making your dental appointment less anxiety-inducing is to speak with your dentist about how sedation dentistry can help you feel more comfortable receiving the care you need. With these techniques, you’ll be able to improve your oral health and preserve your smile, so you can continue enjoying it for years to come.

About the Author

Dr. Laura Philipps has over two decades of experience helping her patients with dental anxiety get their oral health back on track. She wants to empower each patient that walks through her doors, which is why she regularly completes advanced dental training in a variety of specialties. She always puts her patients’ comfort first, which is why she offers multiple forms of sedation dentistry. For questions about sedation dentistry techniques, visit her website or call 432-570-4433.