Not many people look forward to visiting the dentist. However, if the very thought of your dental appointment makes you feel extremely nervous, you may find it difficult to get the care you need. Thankfully, there are options available to help you sit back and relax during your visits so you can keep your oral health on track. Read on as your Hutchinson sedation dentist shares five signs that sedation dentistry might be an excellent choice for you.
1.) Going to the Dentist Makes You Extremely Anxious
Studies estimate that an astonishing 9-15% of Americans avoid getting the dental care they need out of nervousness. Unfortunately, this can lead to much larger and more painful oral health complications later on. Nitrous oxide is an excellent way to quickly and safely feel more at-ease once you’re sitting in the examination chair. If you find yourself canceling or skipping your appointments, relaxing before your visit with oral conscious sedation may be right for you.
2.) Dental Work Is Typically Painful or Uncomfortable for You
Taking care of your oral health shouldn’t be painful. If local anesthetic alone isn’t usually enough to keep you comfortable, sedation dentistry can help numb both your fears as well as any discomfort you would normally feel. It’s also a great choice for helping patients who have a physical condition that makes sitting in the dentist’s chair uncomfortable.
3.) You Have Sensitivities That Are Triggered During Dental Appointments
Dental appointments may also be anxiety-inducing if you have a sensitive gag reflex or teeth. Sedation dentistry options like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation are a great way to ease these sensitivities so they don’t bother you while your dental team takes care of your smile. It can also be particularly helpful for those who are bothered by the smells and sounds of the dentist’s office.
4.) You Want to Be Sedated, But Not Fully Knocked Out
Dental sedation comes in a variety of degrees. Nitrous oxide is the lightest form of sedation dentistry; it takes effect within moments of being inhaled and wears off just as quickly after your treatment. Oral conscious sedation helps you achieve a deeper level of relaxation, and although you may feel drowsy and not remember your appointment, you’ll remain conscious the entire time. Both are excellent options for those who don’t want too much sedation or are afraid of needles.
5.) You Plan on Having a Long or Complex Procedure
It’s understandable to be a bit nervous about needing a longer, more complex treatment. Perhaps you’re planning on having several issues addressed at once or completing a more invasive treatment. Whatever the case, if you’re planning on spending more time than normal in the dentist’s chair, sedation dentistry can help you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
What’s holding you back from great oral health? Talk to your Hutchinson dentist today to discover if sedation dentistry can help make caring for your smile easy and comfortable!
About the Author
Dr. Grant Ringler has been caring for the smiles of Hutchinson, KS and the surrounding communities since 1988. He is committed to providing the most effective and comfortable treatments available, which is why he completes countless hours of continuing education in an array of advanced topics every year. With a tremendous amount of experience in sedation dentistry and a passion for comfortable, relaxed oral health care, he can help you overcome your dental anxiety and get the happy, healthy smile you deserve! To see if sedation dentistry is right for you, he can be contacted via his website or at (620) 860-0309.