€Dental phobia€ sounds dramatic as a chilling Hitchcock movie, but it is actually very common. An estimated 75 percent of adults in the United States suffer some level of dental fear €" from mild unease prior to an appointment, to a debilitating anxiety that brings on a cold sweat panic attack at the though of simply walking into a dental office. Dental phobia keeps many patients from much-needed restorative procedures and even routine check-ups and cleanings. It becomes a detrimental cycle, as their oral condition worsens from lack of professional care.

Phobias are usually considered an irrational fear, however dental phobia can stem from valid sources. Of course, a previous bad experience in the chair will influence how a patient anticipates future visits. Patients may have deep-seated concerns with needles, anesthetic, pain, dying, trust, or personal closeness. They may think obsessively about their teeth, germs, and overall health. None of it is crazy €" it just needs to be managed effectively to maintain oral wellness. Sedation dentistry is a great solution.

Sedation dentistry employs pharmacologicals to relax a patient, induce a sense of calm, and reduce tendency to gag. Typically there are three methods:

Oral sedation €" The patient is prescribed a pill to take the night before a dental appointment. You take another about a half hour before visiting the dentist. It's called conscious sedation because you are drowsy but still awake throughout the procedure. You can respond to conversation, swallow, and walk around if necessary (use the restroom). It simply reduces anxiety so that you are comfortable and the dentist may complete necessary work efficiently. Oral sedation is not a pain-killer, so injected anesthetic may be necessary for some treatments, and you will need a ride to and from your appointment. Most patients are left with only a foggy recollection of the visit.

Inhalation sedation €" You probably know this nitrous oxide method as €sweet air€ or €laughing gas.€ You simply breathe the medication in through a mask over the nose and/or mouth. Again, this is conscious sedation €" you'll feel happy and relaxed but you will not be asleep. A big benefit of nitrous oxide is that is wears off within a few minutes after the flow is stopped. You'll be alert and able to go on with your normal routine, unless it is used in combination with oral sedation.

Intravenous sedation €" This is general anesthesia through an IV drip. It's good for the patient who wants no recollection whatsoever of the procedure or for extensive dental work that would otherwise require several visits. Your dentist may have an anesthesiologist administer the sedation.

Dental professionals are required to take extra training and obtain certification in order to provide sedation dentistry. Throughout a treatment under sedation, the dentist will monitor your condition and adjust the dosage as necessary.

Sedation dentistry isn't right for every patient or every procedure. An ethical dentist will consider your individual emotional and health situation before advising sedation. But, where appropriate, sedation dentistry can get a reluctant patient back on the track to good oral health, overall wellness, and a beautiful smile.