I’m Afraid of the Dentist. Is Sedation Dentistry Right for Me?

In a brightly lit dental office, a male dentist in a white lab coat discusses treatment with a male patient seated in a dental chair, under a backdrop featuring a computer monitor displaying information about Botox and dermal fillers.
In a brightly lit dental office, a male dentist in a white lab coat discusses treatment with a male patient seated in a dental chair, under a backdrop featuring a computer monitor displaying information about Botox and dermal fillers.

Being afraid of the dentist is something with which many adults struggle. It often leads patients to not schedule their regular dental visits for years until they have unbearable pain and need to come in. Or, whenever that regular appointment comes around, anxiety and fear can begin to build surrounding the idea of visiting the dentist. If this describes you, at Twin Dental we can help through the use of Sedation Dentistry. Read the article below to find out about Sedation Dentistry and how we can help you have an anxiety-free visit each and every time you come in.

What is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation Dentistry is a technique in which the dentist uses medication to help patients relax while at the dentist. There are multiple levels of sedation that can be achieved through the administration of a sedative. At Twin Dental, we offer multiple sedation techniques so your visit can be free of anxiety and fear.

Who Can Benefit from Sedation Dentistry?

Anyone who has anxiety or fear of the dentist at any level can benefit from this technique. From getting uncomfortable butterflies in your stomach at your appointment to fully avoiding the dentist at all costs, sedation dentistry can help ease your anxiety and help you relax during treatment. Not only can it relax you while you’re at the dentist, but it can also calm you as you prepare to come in, since you’ll know you’ll be medically relaxed by professionally administered medication. As a whole, Sedation Dentistry can make the entire process of going to the dentist stress-free for our patients.

What are the Levels of Sedation Dentistry?

The three types of sedation we provide at Twin Dental include the following: sublingual sedation (deep sedation), oral sedation (moderate sedation), and nitrous oxide (minimal sedation). Each type of sedative provides a different level of sedation, so you can personalize your trip to the dentist, doing what works best for you at each visit. Sublingual sedation is similar to sedation by IV, minus the needle in the arm. With this type of sedation, patients sleep peacefully through all of their procedures, often not remembering any of the visit upon awakening.

If you opt for oral sedation, we’ll give you a prescription to take before coming in for your visit. This will help you relax in the chair so you can have a stress-free visit. We can also provide nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas.” This technique gives you a relaxed feeling as the dentist completes your procedure. Twin Dental does not provide general anesthesia, since that requires the administration of an intubation tube down the throat, causing the teeth to be inaccessible.

Can Sedation Dentistry Help with My Fear of the Dentist?

Yes! We allow our patients to determine what level of sedation they need to feel comfortable and unafraid at our office. If you experience a lot of fear at the dentist, a higher level of sedation can be chosen so you sleep while your procedure takes place. For slight anxiety, you can choose either the laughing gas or the oral sedative to take the edge off. Our staff at Twin Dental can help you decide what would be best for you before you come to your appointment.

Why Should I Go to the Dentist Even Though I’m Scared?

Fear of the dentist is common, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit your dentist regularly. The health of your mouth can change drastically over a short period of time, and it’s important that your teeth and gums are monitored by a professional. When you go to the dentist, your dental team is doing much more than simply cleaning your teeth. They’re checking for abnormalities in your gums, cheeks, and tongue, measuring the recession of your gums, and making sure your jaw is properly aligned and functioning well. Regular visits to the dentist can help catch dental issues, mouth diseases and cancer in their early stages, as well as keep your teeth and gums healthy and cavity-free. Here at Twin Dental, we strive to make the trip anxiety-free so you don’t have to dread it.

We know how important regular visits to the dentist can be for our patients’ health and we want to ensure you feel anxiety-free and comfortable in our office. At Twin Dental, our team is happy to help you through your fear and anxiety with our sedation dentistry in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our knowledgeable and capable staff will guide you each step of the way to ensure you have a great visit. Call us today at 513.987.9392, email us at [email protected], or visit our website at www.twindental.com for more information.

 

Share Article
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email