Do you cringe at the thought of seeing a dentist? If you have had a negative experience with the dentist, don’t let it stop you from receiving the care you need to keep your smile healthy. It’s important to visit the dentist when you can, so here are a few ways to manage your dental anxiety.
Do Your Research
An experienced and compassionate dentist can walk you through receiving treatments, helping to alleviate anxiety. Great dentists take the time to listen to your concerns and clearly explain any treatment recommendations. In cases of severe anxiety or phobia, sedation is often available.
Before choosing a dentist, follow these steps:
- Explore your dental options by checking reviews and comments about the dental professionals in your area.
- Check their website to see if they cater to those who suffer from dental phobias.
- Call them and ask directly how they approach patients with anxiety and if their practice offers any sedation options.
- Ask friends and family if they know a compassionate dentist.
Sedation Dentistry
If you need more than compassion and skill, be sure that your new dentist offers sedation. The following three choices are commonly available.
Nitrous oxide is a light sedative that is effective at making dental care seem much less frightening. It is administered through a mask before treatment starts and begins to work almost immediately. With nitrous, you are still alert during the treatments, and its effects do not linger, so you should be fine to drive yourself home.
Oral Sedation is a medication that is taken with water to relax you. With oral sedation, you may even fall asleep during the treatment. The drowsiness can linger so you will need to arrange for transportation home after your visit.
I.V. Sedation is highly effective for those with severe dental phobias. It is delivered directly into your bloodstream and is fast-acting. Many people don’t even remember their dental treatment. Patients will need to arrange for transportation home.
Denture and Implant Center of Fresno Offers Sedation and Compassionate Dental Care
Our dentists generously accommodate fearful patients and offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and I.V. Sedation in Fresno for patients who are afraid of dental care.
Call us today to find out how we can make receiving dental care stress-free and positive.