Regular trips to your local family dentist are vital for your health and wellbeing. Failure to see an oral health specialist for long periods of time may lead to gum disease and tooth decay, and can even exacerbate the risk of certain cancers, heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions.Of course, some of us have a significant fear of going to the dentist – whether this is the result of an early traumatic experience or because of another phobia.Fortunately, dental care has moved on significantly when it comes to matters of pain relief and patient comfort – so there is no reason to be afraid or concerned in the lead up to your appointment. However, if you are feeling extremely anxious,specialist dentists that deal with nervous patients sometimes offer the option of sedation or sleep dentistry.
What is Sedation or Sleep Dentistry?
For some people, a visit to the dentist is likely to cause significant mental distress and fear. This may be the case for individuals who have a phobia or for those with certain mental health conditions.In cases of this kind, the option of Oral Conscious Sedation is available. Patients are provided with a comfortable pillow and blanket, and can then take a safe dose of Triazolam orally. If you have a complex medical history, your dentist will always check with your doctor before administering.This safe drug works swiftly and leaves the body quickly and with reduced after effects. Your appointment may feel as if it has gone very quickly, and you’ll be left with little to no memory of it.
During procedures, you’ll still be able to open and close your mouth and bite down during dental procedures, but you’ll experience a significant reduction in anxiety and tension.As well as being ideal for individuals who are distressed by the thought of going to the dentist, this form of sedation is great for helping patients through longer, more complex or more invasive appointments and procedures.With the help of Triazolam, you may be able to have more treatments in one “sitting” than you would without sedation.
Relaxation Techniques
If you’re looking for something more natural, relaxation techniques can be very effective. Controlled breathing is key to making you feel relaxed. Start by taking a big deep breath. Hold it for a couple of seconds and let it out slowly. Do this over and over until you feel your muscles are relaxed and your heart-rate as slowed down. Progressive muscle relaxation is also very effective. This involves tensing and relaxing the different muscle groups in rotation. Listening to music and bringing along your favorite blanket to your appointment will also help to ease your anxiety and make you feel much more at ease.
Dentist phobia is a very real condition and it affects millions of people around the world. If you’re struggling, try the techniques and treatments above for a much more relaxed and enjoyable visit to your next dentist appointment.