Tackling Dentophobia with Sedation Dentistry

If you have a dental appointment coming up, you may be feeling a bit of anxiety about it. This anxiety isn’t uncommon. Approximately 36% of people experience some dental anxiety, also referred to as dentophobia, before an appointment. In some cases, this phobia can stop you from seeking essential dental care. 

While your dentophobia can prevent you from attending regular dental appointments, sedation dentistry can make it much easier to maintain a healthy smile. If you have dealt with pre-appointment anxiety in the past, keep reading to learn how sedation dentistry can make this process much easier. 

What is Dentophobia?

As mentioned above, dentophobia is a fear of going to the dentist. While dentophobia isn’t uncommon, the cause of this anxiety can stem from a variety of reasons, including: 

• Past traumatic dental experiences
• Fear of needles or the sound of dental instruments
• A strong gag reflex or sensitivity to oral pain
• Anxiety about the loss of control

These fears often prevent dental patients from seeking necessary dental care, putting their oral health at risk. In addition to the fear of going to the dentist, patients who are experiencing dentophobia may also experience the following symptoms:

• Lightheadedness and dizziness
• Nausea
• Excessive sweating
• Upset stomach
• Heart palpitations

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is a great way to begin tackling your dentophobia. This technique uses sedatives to help patients calm their nerves throughout their dental appointments. It is a safe, effective option tailored to each patient’s level of anxiety and the complexity of their essential treatment. The most common forms of sedation dentistry include: 

• Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas): This is the most well-known form of sedation dentistry. With this option, a sedative is inhaled through a mask, providing a calming effect that wears off about 5 to 10 minutes after administration ends. 
• Oral Sedation: Before your upcoming dental appointment, you may be prescribed an oral medication to take, which will induce moderate relaxation. 
• IV Sedation: Administered directly into the bloodstream, this sedation option offers deeper relaxation and often causes patients to have little to no memory of the procedure. 
• General Anesthesia: This treatment is reserved for the most complex cases and renders a patient completely unconscious. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Right for You? 

If you’ve dealt with dentophobia in the past, sedation dentistry is a great way to improve some of your symptoms. There are several great reasons why you may want to consider this treatment, including:

• Reducing Anxiety: Sedation calms your nerves, helping you feel at ease before and during your appointment. 
• Minimizing Physical Discomfort: If sensitivity or a strong gag reflex triggers your anxiety, sedation can alleviate these issues.
• Creating Positive Experiences: Over time, the use of sedation can help patients develop more positive associations with dental visits.
• Enabling Comprehensive Care: With reduced anxiety, patients are more likely to complete necessary treatments, avoiding prolonged dental problems.

Even with all of these benefits, you may wonder whether sedation dentistry is the right choice for you to address your dentophobia. Sedation dentistry is best for individuals who:

• Have extreme dental phobias
• Require extensive and complex dental work
• Have a low pain tolerance or sensitive teeth
• Experience difficulty sitting still for long periods

Other Ways to Quell Anxiety Before a Dental Appointment

While sedation dentistry is a great way for some patients to address their pre-appointment dentophobia, it isn’t for everyone. Some patients may be weary of seeking sedation dentistry for general dental appointments, like dental cleanings, and prefer other options. Some other great ways to address your anxiety before and during your dental appointment include: 

• Bring a Distraction: If you have the ability to, consider bringing music, a movie, or a podcast to listen to throughout your appointment. These distractions give you something to focus on while your dental team performs the necessary services. 
• Practice Mindfulness: Before going to your appointment, consider practicing meditation and breathing exercises. Once you’re at your appointment, these exercises can help slow your heart rate and reduce anxiety. 
• Bring a Friend or Family Member: If you have someone who can come with you to your upcoming appointment, this may be a good option to prevent dentophobia. Their support throughout your appointment can help you remain calm. 
• Choose Low-Stress Times: Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of your dentist’s office is what causes stress. Talk to your dental office about when they are the slowest, and schedule an appointment during this downtime. 

Helping You Overcome Dental Anxiety

If dentophobia has kept you from seeking dental care, sedation dentistry can help you take that first crucial step toward better oral health. A consultation with your dentist will allow them to assess your needs and recommend the best sedation option for your situation. For individuals in Salt Lake City looking for support through dental anxiety, turn to Avenues Dentistry for support.

Since 1962, our team has provided the most reliable and compassionate dental care to patients across Northern Utah. Whether you’re experiencing dental anxiety or need the support of an expert team, we are the perfect choice for you. When you’re ready to schedule an appointment with our team, don’t hesitate to contact us for support.