Many patients avoid seeing the dentist twice yearly for check-ups and cleanings because they fear the dentist. In fact, around 36 percent of people have a fear of the dentist, 12 percent have extreme fear, and three percent completely avoid going to the dentist altogether.
For some, going to the dentist recalls an unpleasant childhood experience. Others are uncomfortable with the intimate nature of a dental visit or fear pain.
Sedation dentistry can help. At Park Place Dental in Barrie, ON, we recommend sedation dentistry for patients who feel dental anxiety to encourage them to come in to get the dental care they need.
How Sedation Dentistry Can Help People with Dental Anxiety
Most people don’t enjoy going to the dentist but still visit the dentist twice yearly for routine check-ups. When dental anxiety is so severe that people avoid seeing the dentist, this can result in poor oral health, which impacts overall health. Sedation dentistry can help.
Some people suffer from health conditions that make sitting still for short periods challenging, so sitting in a dental chair can be problematic. Sedation dentistry allows these patients to sit still and get the treatment they need.
Others worry about feeling pain while undergoing dental treatment. Sedation dentistry ensures that they can have a comfortable, pain-free experience in the dental chair.
Sedation Dentistry Is a Safe Choice
For many reasons, sedation dentistry is a viable choice for many patients.
#1 Allows for More Work in Fewer Visits
If you need more than one dental procedure or lengthy treatment, sedation dentistry can ensure your comfort throughout. You will save time by getting everything you need at once, and the dentist can perform the procedures more efficiently.
#2 Minimizes Gag Reflex
Sedation can help control the gag reflex, which can be overly sensitive in some patients.
#3 Improves Quality of Care
Sedation allows the patient to remain still, enabling the dentist to perform their work with greater precision and care.
#4 Accessibility for Patients with Special Needs
For patients with physical or intellectual disabilities that may make standard dental procedures difficult, sedation dentistry can provide a means to receive necessary dental care safely and comfortably.
#5 Decreases Dental Anxiety for Future Visits
If you avoid going to the dentist because of dental anxiety, sedation dentistry can improve your experience. When people avoid visiting the dentist, their oral health deteriorates, negatively impacting their overall well-being.
#6 Eases Treatment for Elderly Patients
Sedation dentistry allows elderly patients to sit comfortably for long periods and complete needed treatments.
#7 Efficient for Complex Dental Issues
For patients undergoing complex or multiple dental treatments, sedation dentistry allows these to be performed with minimal discomfort and movement.
Types of Sedation Dentistry Available in Barrie
At our Barrie, ON, dental clinic, we offer our patients multiple sedation dentistry options, such as:
Nitrous oxide—This gas is breathed in, much like oxygen, and provides patients with instant relaxation. It is a mild level of dental sedation.
Intravenous sedation— IV sedation is a deep level of sedation delivered directly into the bloodstream for patients with debilitating anxiety, so patients feel deeply relaxed.
At Park Place Dental, Dr. Joo is liscensed and trained to provide IV sedation here at our Barrie, ON, dental clinic. Your comfort is our primary goal, so please talk with one of our dentists if you feel you would benefit from sedation dentistry.
Need More Information?
If you want to talk to one of our dental professionals about your options for sedation dentistry, please don’t hesitate to call. Dental anxiety shouldn’t keep you from getting the dental treatment you need. Call us today at (705) 728-9922.
