Does the idea of going to the dentist make you queasy? Have you put off going to the dentist for years because you're haunted by childhood memories of going to the dentist? You may be suffering from dental phobia, and you aren't alone.
Up to 50% of Americans actually put off scheduling dental work because they have a fear of going to the dentist.
For many people it's a fear of needles that keep them from going to the dentist for routine checkups and regular dental cleanings.
For others, it's the loud noises of the drills, pain, or even having someone touch their mouths, that makes them afraid.
The good news is, going to the dentist doesn't have to be painful.
In fact, in can be pain free, thanks to sedation dentistry, also known as "sleep dentistry.
" Sleep dentistry involves using anesthesia, either oral, or intravenous, to sedate the patient prior to dental procedures.
An anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia and is present to monitor the patient throughout the procedure, while the dentist performs routine dental work such as cleanings, cavity checks, extractions, fillings, or root canals, if needed.
When the dentist is finished performing the procedures, the patient wakes up shortly after.
Like anyone who's been administered general anesthesia, the patient will feel groggy afterwards, but the grogginess will subside.
It's always best to have someone accompany you to your appointment, or pick you up afterwards so that you don't have to worry about driving while the anesthesia wears off.
An alternative to anesthesia is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
Unlike general anesthesia, the patient is not completely sedated during the procedure; rather the patent is very relaxed and sleepy.
Patients will still be awake, and can notify their dentist if they are experiencing pain or discomfort at any time during the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is typically the preferred choice of sleep dentists.
Another alternative to anesthesia, is taking a prescribed oral sedative, including Valium, diazepam, or Halcion.
Typically your dentist will advise you to take the medication prior to your visit so when you are there, you are already relaxed.
If a patient opts to go this route, he or she must wait 24 hours before operating a motor vehicle or machinery.
Sleep dentistry is gaining more and more popularity in dental practices across the United States.
You can find a sleep dentist in your area by browsing the web and searching for a 'sleep dentist' or 'sedation dentist.
'
Up to 50% of Americans actually put off scheduling dental work because they have a fear of going to the dentist.
For many people it's a fear of needles that keep them from going to the dentist for routine checkups and regular dental cleanings.
For others, it's the loud noises of the drills, pain, or even having someone touch their mouths, that makes them afraid.
The good news is, going to the dentist doesn't have to be painful.
In fact, in can be pain free, thanks to sedation dentistry, also known as "sleep dentistry.
" Sleep dentistry involves using anesthesia, either oral, or intravenous, to sedate the patient prior to dental procedures.
An anesthesiologist administers the anesthesia and is present to monitor the patient throughout the procedure, while the dentist performs routine dental work such as cleanings, cavity checks, extractions, fillings, or root canals, if needed.
When the dentist is finished performing the procedures, the patient wakes up shortly after.
Like anyone who's been administered general anesthesia, the patient will feel groggy afterwards, but the grogginess will subside.
It's always best to have someone accompany you to your appointment, or pick you up afterwards so that you don't have to worry about driving while the anesthesia wears off.
An alternative to anesthesia is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
Unlike general anesthesia, the patient is not completely sedated during the procedure; rather the patent is very relaxed and sleepy.
Patients will still be awake, and can notify their dentist if they are experiencing pain or discomfort at any time during the procedure.
Nitrous oxide is typically the preferred choice of sleep dentists.
Another alternative to anesthesia, is taking a prescribed oral sedative, including Valium, diazepam, or Halcion.
Typically your dentist will advise you to take the medication prior to your visit so when you are there, you are already relaxed.
If a patient opts to go this route, he or she must wait 24 hours before operating a motor vehicle or machinery.
Sleep dentistry is gaining more and more popularity in dental practices across the United States.
You can find a sleep dentist in your area by browsing the web and searching for a 'sleep dentist' or 'sedation dentist.
'