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Do you feel anxious before every dentist appointment? Are you sick to your stomach or do you have sweaty palms? If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you should know that there are ways to quell dental anxiety and make your dental experience a lot more tolerable. For some people, the fear of going to the dentist or undergoing a dental procedure is so severe that they lose sleep at night and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. From proper communication to support groups, there are a wide variety of treatments and coping methods for overcoming dental anxiety. Keep your teeth shining bright this fall season by confronting your anxiety. Dental Anxiety and Your Health Sometimes, a person's fear of going to the dentist, or undergoing dental procedures, can be so severe that they may lose sleep at night, and worry excessively about what might happen at the dentist's office. People are anxious about going to the dentist to receive treatment for various reasons. Past experiences shared by family and friends are top sources of anxiety for patients, while other factors that contribute to dental anxiety include: Feeling like the dentist is rushed or is neglecting your concerns
* Anxiety about the effectiveness of local anesthetic
* Anticipation of pain
* Sterile smell of the dentist's office
* Interrupting the normal day's routine
* For children, the first visit is a journey into the unknown A survey performed by the American Association of Endodontists found that 80 percent of adults fear the dentist. More than half of these adults say that their fear is enough to keep them from visiting their dentist for proper dental procedures. Additionally, women and children report more dental anxieties than men and the elderly. Intravenous (IV) Sedation IV sedation is both safe and effective creating such a comfortable experience that most patients may not even remember their visit to the office. IV sedation induces a state of deep relaxation and a feeling of not being bothered about what is going on around you. The onset of action with IV sedation is very rapid and the dosage is carefully tailored to meet your individual needs. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable. If you have a dental phobia or a strong gag reflex, it is effective to allow you to have dental care. With IV sedation, you remain conscious through the process, which allows for an easier procedure because your dentist is able to communicate with you. You just won't have much memory of having been at the dentist. It is important to talk with your dentist regarding your dental fears and the methods available to reduce pain and anxieties. With proper planning and consultation, your dentist will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan, including the use of sedation methods to manage any concerns you have. Contact your dentist in Hollywood, FL today if you suffer from dental anxiety or phobia. The use of sedation dentistry will help to successfully treat your dental anxiety while performing treatment to maintain your dental health. No longer do you need to avoid going to the dentist due to fear or anxiety.
Dr. Tammy Rojas is a solo practitioner and board certified periodontist in Hollywood, FL. She has been in the field of dentistry for over 15 years, beginning as a dental assistant at the age of 15. Dr. Rojas, dentist in Hollywood, FL, earned her dental degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston.
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