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Do you find yourself reluctant to go to the dentist even for routine dental care? Are you often nervous or stressed about your up-coming visit? If this is the case, you are not alone. In a recent survey by the American Association of Endodontists, results indicated that approximately 80 percent of American adults fear the dentist. Though a common fear, it is vital to overcome your fears in order to maintain healthy teeth and gums. People suffering from dental anxiety have a higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss because they generally avoid going to the dentist, thus going undiagnosed and missing out on early treatment. Neglecting your dental care can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes. What is Dental Anxiety? Some people experience a fear so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. Dental anxiety is common with up to 15 percent of Americans avoiding the dentist due to fear. For those who suffer from dental anxiety, the following strategies can help calm your fears and allow you to visit the dentist for much needed dental care: * Communicate with your dentist.
* "Talk" with your hands.
* Get distracted.
* Take a break if needed.
* Ask about sedation dentistry. Studies have proven that the most important factor in overcoming dental anxiety is good dentist-patient communication. Communication is a crucial factor for relieving dental anxiety and phobia. Openly express your concerns with your dentist, as this will allow them to adapt the treatment to your personal needs.
It is natural for people to feel some level of anxiety when visiting a dentist, but when your anxiety is preventing you from receiving routine care, it is essential that you speak with your dentist to help overcome your anxiety. Establishing trust and keeping patients informed throughout a visit to the dentist helps to calm dental anxiety. Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide allows people to feel less apprehensive during treatment. This is one of the most commonly used sedatives administered by a dentist during treatment to calm nerves. The goal of using nitrous oxide is to eliminate dental anxiety, making you more comfortable while your dentist is able to effectively and efficiently complete your treatment. Nitrous oxide may be recommended to fearful patients for simple tooth extractions, root canals, dental inlays, oral surgery and other various options. Anti-Anxiety Medicine Anti-anxiety medicine, or oral sedation, involves no needles. You can simply take a pill that helps you feel calmer and sometimes drowsy during your dental treatment. You will remain conscious with the ability to communicate and respond throughout your procedure. Oral sedation is more frequently used for many anxious dental patients and is proven to work extremely well in calming nerves. If you are hesitant to change the appearance of your smile because you are afraid or anxious about undergoing complicated procedures, sedation dentistry can help make you feel comfortable and relaxed during your treatment, allowing you to achieve the smile you have always desired. Contact your dentist in Lauderhill today to discuss sedation dentistry and how it can help calm your fears.
Dr. Robert Getz, dentist Lauderhill, is a solo practitioner who opened his own practice in 1976. For 35 years, his practice maintains focus in cosmetics, implants, and a pain-free experience. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the University Of Detroit School Of Dentistry. Dr. Getz provides services in dental implants, dental veneers, and zoom whitening in Lauderhill, among other services.
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