What comes to mind when you think about going to the dentist? An unpleasant rumble in your stomach associated with fear or anxiety? This is common. A recent survey and study of adults, published in Medicina, investigated the prevalence of dental anxiety and showed that it is widespread in all age groups.
According to the paper, dental anxiety also “represents a significant barrier to maintaining appropriate oral hygiene habits and achieving favorable oral health outcomes.” This is why it’s essential to dispel myths about sedation dentistry, a crucial tool in addressing dental anxiety and providing people with the dental care they need.
Some common myths include:
- Sedation dentistry is only for major procedures
- That you’ll be unconscious during the procedure
- Sedation is dangerous and has serious side effects
- Only extremely anxious people need sedation
- You can never drive home or go back to work after sedation
Let’s dig in.
Five Myths About Sedation Dentistry in Paducah, KY
Myth #1: It’s only for major procedures
Putting off dental care due to fear or anxiety is bad for your oral health. Ignoring dental issues can lead to worse dental issues. This includes foregoing simpler procedures, such as preventive dental care.
It’s important to tell your dentist if you’re avoiding a procedure due to anxiety, even if it’s not something significant like an implant. There are several types of sedation dentistry, and at Smile Station, we can help match the appropriate kind to your needs.
Myth #2: You’ll be totally unconscious
At Smile Station, we offer both nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation. Both of these forms of sedation leave you conscious to different degrees. Laughing gas will help you relax quickly, but you’ll remain conscious and able to communicate. It leaves your system once the mask is removed.
Oral conscious sedation is a bit heavier than laughing gas and involves taking one or more pills around an hour before your appointment. You’ll be conscious, but some patients report feeling as if they’re sleeping.
Myth #3: Sedation is dangerous and has serious side effects
Any medical procedure involves risk. Sedation dentistry can be dangerous in instances of pregnancy, allergy, drug interaction, or if the dentist is not adequately trained and licensed. This is why Dr. Bridges will go over your medical history with you before scheduling a sedation dentistry appointment, ensuring that you are carefully monitored during your procedure.
Having noted the risks, sedation dentistry is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed, trained dentist and has been used successfully for many patients over the years. In fact, “A survey of dentists in the United States and Canada has revealed that 75.7% regularly use conscious sedation in practice.”
Myth #4: Only people with extreme anxiety need sedation
Sedation dentistry can also help manage gag reflexes and alleviate discomfort during lengthy procedures. This can help turn what might be two procedures into one.
People with less than extreme anxiety about dental procedures can also be avoidant. Anyone who is putting off or avoiding a needed dental procedure might want to consider sedation dentistry. At Smile Station, the last thing we want is for dental issues to become worse because of anxiety.
Myth #5: You always need a driver and can’t go back to work
Patients who get nitrous oxide (laughing gas) during their procedure can drive home or back to work after close monitoring to ensure that the effects have worn off. As soon as the mask is removed, nitrous oxide begins clearing from your system.
Is Anxiety Holding You Back From Getting Dental Work? Let Us Help
If you’ve been ignoring tooth pain or putting off needed preventative care because of dental fear, please give us a call. We’d love to discuss dental sedation with you and help you determine how to make your dental appointment as stress-free as possible.