Dentist in Hialeah Gardens, FL – RGD Dental – Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Anxiety & Fear Management
Dental Anxiety & Fear Management
Anxiety, fear, or tension brought on by a visit to the dentist is called “dental anxiety.” If you have a fear of dentists, you may put off or even forego necessary dental care. Causes of dental anxiety include the dentist’s office itself, as well as the presence of needles and drills.
A dental phobia is diagnosed when dental anxiety is so severe that it prevents sufferers from seeking necessary dental care. Anxiety about seeing the dentist can be exacerbated by certain mental health issues, such as generalized anxiety disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a history of head or neck trauma. Anxiety disorders may be more common in those who simultaneously suffer from ailments including depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia.
Symptoms of dental anxiety
Those who have a dental phobia may go through the following.
- Sweating
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia) or palpitations
- Low blood pressure and probable fainting (syncope); outward displays of discomfort (such as sobbing, withdrawal, or humor/aggression); and so on.
It might be difficult for some persons with dental anxiety to endure any dental treatment, from basic cleanings to more involved procedures.
How to treat dental phobia or anxiety?
There are several methods for assisting those with dental anxiety or phobia. It is essential to inform the dentist if you feel any dental anxiety. The dentist can design a management strategy for your specific anxiety triggers if you disclose them openly.
- Relative pain relief (happy gas): Nitrous oxide, sometimes known as laughing gas or happy gas, can assist patients in relaxing during dental procedures. You are equipped with a mask and breathe in a combination of oxygen and nitrous oxide. It takes impact within minutes and rapidly goes off. You will feel calm while awake. You can converse with the dentist and hear what they say, but you may only recall some things once the appointment is complete. The calm sensation produced by nitrous gas sedation is highly pleasant for the majority of individuals. Individuals occasionally dislike the sensation it produces, and alternative solutions might be sought.
- Anti-anxiety medications (oral anxiolytic tablets): Anxiolytic (anxiolytic) oral medicines (such as temazepam) are occasionally administered by dentists and physicians to assist nervous individuals in relaxing. A single, tiny, short-acting dosage is often administered one hour before a dental session. Medication should only be administered after consultation with a dentist or physician. You cannot safely drive under the influence of sedative medicine; therefore, you will need someone to accompany you to and from your dentist appointment.
- Conscious sedation: Sedation with intravenous infusion is administered through an arm or hand vein. Dental sedation (a dentist with specialized training in sedation) or an anesthetist administers intravenous (IV) sedation. The process can be carried out at a hospital or a dentist's office using specialized equipment. The effects of IV sedation (sometimes called twilight sedation) are similar to those of a light slumber while allowing the patient to respond to vocal commands. Aftercare symptoms include sleepiness and sickness. Following intravenous sedation, you must have someone else drive you home.
Getting to deal with Dental Anxiety with us!
Children and adults alike may have anxiety while visiting the dentist, but it is possible to overcome this fear and benefit from routine checkups. Inquire about sedation options with our dentist. You may get through sessions with less anxiety if you watch TV beforehand, bring a companion, or try an alternative treatment like hypnosis.