Many people are somewhat apprehensive when they visit the dentist but it’s something they can manage and live with. However, for some, their anxiety is so intense that they avoid going to the dentist all together and don’t seek dental care until their pain is no longer manageable. If this sounds like you, you may suffer from dental anxiety or phobia.
We don’t want fear or anxiety to prevent you from getting the dental care you deserve. That’s why Dr. Munro offers sedation dentistry at his practice in Pembroke. Sedation can help patients manage their anxiety so they can more easily get the dental care they need for a healthy smile.
What is Dental Anxiety?
Usually described as an excessive fear of visiting the dentist, dental anxiety can range from a feeling of unease to fear of the unknown. A more intense feeling of fear or dread is usually classified as dental phobia. This anxiety and fear are most commonly triggered by:
- Remembering bad past experiences from visiting the dentist
- Anticipating pain or having a fear of needles
- Feeling a loss of control as others are examining your teeth
- Experiencing embarrassment about the condition of your teeth
How Does Sedation Help Dental Anxiety?
Anxious patients can greatly benefit from sedation dentistry when used as a way to help manage their intense feelings of fear and anxiety. It allows them to remain relaxed throughout their treatments. Depending on the type of sedation used, it can also limit the sense of smell and hearing, helping those who are triggered by the sights and sounds of the dental office. And many patients will have little to no memory of the details of their procedure when deeper forms of sedation are used.
Types of Sedation
Dr. Munro is licensed to offer several types of sedation at Parkview Dental to help his patients overcome anxiety, including:
Nitrous Oxide (aka laughing gas)
This type of sedation is a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen that is inhaled through a mask. The gas is administered throughout your treatment and the effects wear off soon after the mask is removed at the end of your appointment. Nitrous oxide is a good choice for people who suffer from mild to moderate dental anxiety.
Oral Sedation
For oral sedation, you will be prescribed a pill that you take before your appointment so you’ll arrive fully relaxed. The medications put you in a deep state of relaxation and you remain this way throughout your procedure. The effects take a while to wear off, so you’ll need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. Oral sedation is good for managing moderate to intense anxiety.
General Anesthesia
General anesthesia allows you to remain unconscious during your procedure and can be used in certain cases where an invasive surgery is necessary for your dental treatment. This is the strongest form of sedation available and requires a short hospital stay in case you experience any side effects while the effects dissipate. Dr. Munro is one of the only dentists in the Pembroke area who offers general anesthesia with hospital privileges So you can rest assured that if you require general anesthesia you’ll be monitored and remain safe throughout your treatment.
Learn More about Sedation at Parkview Dental
Don’t let fear and anxiety prevent you from getting the dental care you need! Contact Dr. Munro at Parkview Dental today to learn more about how he uses sedation dentistry and how it can benefit you. At our practice, you can rest assured that dental care will go at your pace. We’ll discuss each step of your care with you so you understand what is happening at all times. If you ever feel anxious during a visit to our office, let a member of our caring staff know right away so we can help.