Dental Anxiety and Sedation Dentistry

Published: 10/17/2016

Practically no one likes going to the dentist, but if you have a paralyzing fear that prevents you from getting in the chair, you may have a condition called dental anxiety. Dental anxiety may seem like a high hurdle to overcome, but those who avoid the dentist because they are afraid or anxious run the risk of serious dental problems and complications. If you suffer from dental anxiety in Thousand Oaks, CA consider seeing a dentist who can provide sedation and other treatments to help you get through treatment with minimal suffering.

What Is Dental Sedation?

Sedation dentistry is one of the most reliable treatments for helping you relax during dental procedures. In this process, the patient is treated with medication to help them manage anxiety while being treated by the dentist. There are various degrees of sedation available, from mild sedation in which the patient is still awake but given medication to help them relax, to general anesthesia under which the patient is completely asleep. In general, dentists recommend patients undergo the lowest level of sedation that is necessary to maintain their comfort.

How Else Can Dental Anxiety Be Treated?

If you are wary of sedation or want additional methods available to help you relax before a dental procedure, there are several options you can try. Bring a friend or loved one with you to the dentist’s office. If you explain the situation beforehand, your companion should be allowed to accompany you while your dental procedure is being performed. Some dentists specialize in treating patients with dental anxiety and their offices may have special features such as soothing music or white noise to help patients relax. These methods can be used in conjunction with dental sedation to achieve a pain-free visit to the dentist.

Dr. Jacqueline Subka specializes in dental anxiety in Thousand Oaks, CA. To find out what options you have to combat your anxiety, call her office today at 844-791-7187.