Everything You Should Know About Dental Phobia

Believe it or not, dental phobia is far more common than you think. Almost 75% of adults in the United States claim to have some level of anxiety when it comes to visiting the dentist. In fact, some people have a fear so strongly that it’s considered a dental phobia. No matter how fearful you are, there are ways to make your experience far more comfortable. Sedation dentistry is an excellent tool to ease your nerves and allow you to get the care you need. Read on to learn more about dental phobia and how your sedation dentist can help.  

What Are the Signs of Dental Phobia?

Because each person is unique, everyone’s body reacts differently to stressful situations. While some people can manage their nerves just enough to get through a dental appointment, others will routinely miss these visits. There are many common symptoms that patients with dental phobia experience, including:

• Sweating
• Tachycardia (racing heartbeat) or heart palpitations
• Low blood pressure
• Fainting
• Visual signs of panic

What Causes Dental Phobia?

A person may develop a dental phobia for many reasons. Some of those include:

• Traumatic experience at the dentist
• Previous head or neck trauma
• Fear of loss of control
• Trust issues
• Generalized anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Obsessive- compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Anxiety associated with other conditions (i.e., claustrophobia or agoraphobia)

How Sedation Dentistry Can Help

You may think that relieving anxiety is much easier said than done. Well, sedation dentistry has proven to help patients feel at ease almost instantly. It involves the use of drugs to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience. There are several methods to choose from, such as:

• Nitrous Oxide: Also known as laughing gas, this sedative is administered through a nasal mask. It’ll help patients enter a euphoric state of relaxation. Nitrous oxide is a great option for patients with mild dental anxiety. Plus, the effects wear off almost as quickly as they start to take effect!
• Oral Conscious Sedation: About an hour before your appointment, you’ll take a prescribed pill. By the time you get to the dental office, you should feel completely relaxed. However, you’ll still be conscious enough to communicate with your dentist if needed.
• IV Sedation: This is intended for patients who are undergoing a complex procedure or have severe dental phobia. Although you will be awake, you’ll also feel incredibly relaxed. Rest assured – your dental team will monitor your vitals throughout your appointment.

Dental phobia doesn’t have to prevent you from getting the care you need. By taking the right steps to manage your fear, you can maintain a healthy smile for life!

About the Practice

At Cordini Periodontics, we strive to help each patient maintain optimal oral health. Our team will always go above and beyond to ensure you feel satisfied with every visit. To learn more about how we can help you manage your dental phobia, visit our website or call (502) 425-5010.