How to Ease Dental Anxiety
While we’d love to think that everyone looks forward to going to the dentist, we know that dental work like root canals, fillings, and veneer placements can feel downright scary. In fact, more than a third of Americans fear getting dental treatment. And in extreme cases, this anxiety may cause patients to put off getting oral care, which can make problems worse over time. But here’s the good news: There are ways to make uncomfortable procedures feel more manageable, including the use of sedation to ease dental anxiety.
What Is Dental Sedation?
The goal of sedation dentistry is to help patients feel more relaxed during otherwise stressful dental procedures. During sedation, your dentist will use drugs or chemicals to help ease your feelings of anxiety throughout your procedure.
Unlike general anesthesia, patients undergoing sedation dentistry are usually awake. However, they won’t feel pain from the procedure, nor will they remember what happened during the procedure when it’s over.
Patients may benefit from sedation dentistry if they have:
- A lengthy procedure
- A fear of drills, needles, or other equipment
- A fear of the dentist
- Very sensitive teeth
Using Laughing Gas to Ease Dental Anxiety
Your dentist will advise you on the right kind of sedation dentistry for you. Keep in mind that the recommended sedation may vary depending on the procedure you’re getting.
One of the most common and least invasive types of sedation is nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. This sedative is a chemical that you inhale through a mask just a few minutes before your dental procedure. This gas acts quickly to make you feel calm and, as the name implies, happy and light-headed. Your dentist will keep the mask on throughout your procedure and may adjust the dosage to make sure you continue to stay calm. After your procedure, your care team will switch your mask so you breathe oxygen and flush the laughing gas out of your system.
According to the American Dental Association, laughing gas is a safe and effective method of managing anxiety for most patients. Many patients prefer laughing gas because the sedation doesn’t last long after the procedure and they are able to return to their normal activities – including driving home – almost immediately.
Other forms of sedation include:
- Oral medication, such as diazepam
- IV sedation
- General anesthesia (for long procedures or severe anxiety)
Other Ways to Ease Dental Anxiety
While sedation dentistry can help lower your dental anxiety during your procedure, other techniques can help before you even head to the dentist’s office:
- Bring a friend. Have someone with you before the procedure to help calm your nerves.
- Distract yourself. Read a book, listen to music, or stream a show while you are waiting.
- Practice relaxation techniques. Try deep breathing or meditation to slow your heart rate ahead of your procedure.
Most importantly, speak with your dentist about your procedure. Understanding what to expect – including if sedation is an option – can help ease anxious feelings heading into the day!
Make Your Next Dental Visit a Breeze
Don’t let fear of the dentist keep you from getting the care you need. Request an appointment now to learn how sedation dentistry can help. Our care team is here to help answer any questions and make your dental visit as stress-free as possible.