|
Do you feel nervous or anxious when thinking about going to the dentist? With advances in dentistry, diagnosis and treatment is easier and more comfortable than ever before. If you feel anxious about going to the dentist it is important to share your anxiety with your dentist in Elmhurst. Getting your concerns out in the open will let your dentist adapt the treatment to your individual needs. Your dentist works with you to reduce your anxiety before you even step foot in the dental office. You are not alone: fear of the dentist is common and treatable. Before Your Visit When you make your appointment, your dentist's office staff will tell you what to expect and answer any questions you might have in order to make you more comfortable during your visit. Next, make sure to relax. When you are nervous, some people tend to hold their breath which decreases oxygen levels and increases feelings of panic. Focus on breathing regularly and slowly. Additionally, you should: * Eat high-protein foods in order to produce a calming effect. Sugary foods tend to have a reverse effect on your mood.
* Skip caffeine, as it can make you more anxious if consumed.
* Most importantly, communicate with your dentist by using hand signals to inform your dentist that you are uncomfortable. It is important to talk to your dentist about your specific fears as they will be able to accommodate your needs appropriately. The best defense against anxiety is knowledge. Sedation Dentistry: Medications to Help You Relax Your dentist can prescribe and administer medications to help you relax during the appointment. Talk to your dentist about your concerns and ask him about the possibility of using dental sedation. Sedation dentistry involves the use of medications to allow you to relax during a dental visit or procedure. Sedation is not pain medication, so you may still require local anesthesia, depending on the treatment needed. There are a variety of sedation dentistry methods, including: * Inhaled sedation - Nitrous oxide, often referred to as laughing gas, helps to ease anxiety and is inhaled by patients which induce relaxation.
* Intravenous (IV) sedation - provided by dentists with specialized training in IV sedation.
* Oral sedatives - Medications administered by mouth. Sedation dentistry is used to provide a relaxing and anxiety-free experience for certain people receiving dental treatment. Oral sedation dentistry is now the most common technique used in the United States and Canada to ease patient fears. Benefits of Sedation Dentistry for Anxiety Relief A major benefit of sedation dentistry is that people often feel as if their dental procedure only lasts a few minutes, when it might have taken hours to perform. Complex procedures such as smile makeovers or extensive rebuilding procedures that normally require multiple visits can often be performed in fewer appointments. If you are hesitant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious, sedation dentistry can make you feel comfortable during the treatment process and help you achieve the smile you have always desired. If you suffer from anxiety or fear of the dentist, it is important to talk to your dentist about available options for relieving your anxiety. With advancements in dentistry, you no longer need to fear going to the dentist for treatment. Talk to your dentist in Elmhurst today for more information on how you can relieve your anxiety.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Hinsdale, Lombard and Elmhurst dentist, Dr. William DeWitt. Dr. DeWitt, dentist in Hinsdale, was honored to become a clinical professor of Endodontics at Loyola, contributing and co-authoring articles during his 17 years of teaching. DeWitt Family Dentistry offers services in root canal therapy, crowns, bridges, implants and Invisalign.
|
