Visiting your Splendid Dental Bellaire dentist and thinking about future dental visits should not cause tremendous anxiety. One of the greatest benefits of living in the developed world is access to anesthesia. For years, fear of the dentist’s drill has caused many people to avoid dental appointments altogether. Avoiding the dentist today means you’ll need even more dental work in the future. Contact Splendid Dental Bellaire by calling 713-244-7797 to determine which type of sedation dentistry is best for you.
Dentophobia is an overwhelming fear of dental appointments. Sometimes the fear is mild and can be overcome through meditation or other relaxation techniques. For more severe cases, your dentist may recommend sedation dentistry.
Understanding Dentophobia
Dental anxiety is increasingly common, judging by the level of academic interest in the subject. More than 350 papers were published in 2017 about dental anxiety, the most ever. Actual estimates of people suffering from dentophobia vary but could be as high as eight to ten percent.
What is the source of fears for people who suffer from dentophobia? It varies widely, but some common feelings include fears of:
- Injections
- Pain
- Drilling
- Lack of control
- Feeling trapped
Research has indicated that survivors of trauma or abuse are also prone to dentophobia. In all cases, utilizing self-help techniques can help, or you may be a candidate for sedation dentistry.
Ways to Overcome Dentophobia
With time and patience, you can learn to overcome dentophobia. The first area to focus on is yourself by developing coping techniques. Here are some suggestions:
- Wear headphones so you can listen to something that will distract and/or relax you.
- Practice meditation with a focus on deep breathing.
- Break the procedures into phases. For example, schedule rest breaks.
- Ask for a show-and-tell with the dentist, where he or she shows the instruments and explaining the procedures.
- Seek therapy from a counselor who can apply the techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy.
Some cases are indeed very extreme, and these techniques may not help much or at all. In that instance, you can discuss with your dentist the possibility of sedation dentistry.
Basics of Sedation Dentistry
You shouldn’t be afraid of asking to be considered for sedation dentistry. According to the American Dental Association, anesthesia has been used in dental procedures since the mid-1800s. Sometimes it’s just the best way to provide the care that you need, especially for someone suffering from dentophobia.
The ADA has deemed the use of sedatives in dentistry to be a safe and effective option for people, as long as they are administered and managed by professionals with the appropriate training and experience.
There are various options to consider in sedation dentistry that run from mild local anesthetics to opiates.
Your dentist will discuss the options with you to find the best solution.
Overcoming Your Dental Fears at Splendid Dental Bellaire
Just about everyone has an understandable wariness of visiting the dentist. For some, the fears can become paralyzing, hitting their peak when they reach a clinical level known as dentophobia. Overcoming these fears takes hard work, but you can count on the team at Splendid Dental Bellaire to help you find the right solution so you can get the dental care you need. We’ll provide compassionate care in a calming environment that integrates your own personal relaxation techniques.
For more severe cases, Splendid Dental Bellaire and its experienced team will also work with you to find a sedating medication to help you through the treatment and overcome your dentophobia. Not all dental care is involved. Splendid Dental Bellaire provides the full range of general dentistry services, such as routine cleanings and exams, as well as specialty services such as periodontal treatment. We’re also there for you in case of a dental emergency. Let us be the provider for all your family’s needs. Contact us today by calling Splendid Dental Bellaire at 713-244-7797 for an appointment.
