If you thought that it's just kids who get the creeps from visiting the dentist, then you might be surprised to learn that some adults fear the visit too. There are several names given to dental fears. Some of these names range from dental anxiety, odontophobia, dentist phobia, to dentophobia.

Picture this, for many people a visit to the dentist is preceded by mental agony. The mere thought of surgical equipment working against sensitive teeth is enough to make one abandon the procedure altogether. However, you do not need to be afraid of anything as there is a remedy.

How To Handle Dental Fears

If you intend to visit a dentist, it might help to know that there are simple procedures that can be undertaken to ensure that you do not feel anything the whole time. The common name for the process of eliminating these fears is sedation dentistry. For those who fear hypodermic needles or have treatment preferences, there is some good news for you too. There are different sedation options to choose from.

Sedation Dentistry Options

Depending on the procedure and the patient’s level of anxiety, dentists may decide to explore different sedation techniques. In most cases, dentists will work hand in hand with patients when picking the best sedation option. The sedation options may include:

1. a) Oral sedation- This is typically administered by taking a pill about one hour before the procedure. The drug’s effects may range from minimal to moderate. After the medication, the patient may become dazed or may even end up falling asleep. However, after the operation, the patient may be stirred awake by a gentle shake.

1. b) Inhaled sedation- This involves inhaling nitrous oxide - otherwise referred to as “laughing gas.” The gas helps the patient to relax, and the dentist can control the amount of sedation. On the other hand, the effects of the gas wear off pretty fast.

1. c) Intravenous sedation- This one involves the administration of an injection. Since it is received through the vein and into the bloodstream, it works much faster, and the dentist can adjust the sedation levels. You can also read more about the current trends in sedation dentistry

1. d) General anesthesia- In most cases, this involves having an injection in the gum. The injection gives a numbing sensation in the mouth where the dentist is working on. Additionally, the patient remains conscious throughout the procedure.

Depending on the type of dental procedure, as a patient, you may need minimal, moderate, or deep sedation. But in case the patient suffers from extreme anxiety, the dentist may recommend general anesthesia where the patient is unconscious throughout the operation. All in all, you can discuss the best sedation option that will work best for you.

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Written By:

Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer based out of Boston, Mass. She writes most often on health and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading and watching film noir. Say hi on Twitter @EmmaSturgis2

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.

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