I’m Scared of the Dentist!

This past weekend I attended the Star of the South Dental Meeting in Houston to update some continuing education.  One of the classes I attended was a renewal course required when a dentist elects to offer oral sedation for anxious patients in his/her office.  Dr. John Chandler, myself and several other dentists from around the state sat in for the latest updates in sedation dentistry.  I know there are several dentists in town that offer different methods of relaxing the anxious patient, so I thought I would review some of them for you if you fit into the “scared of the dentist” category.

I would like to think that going to the dentist is in the “top 10” list of fun things to do, but the truth of the matter is that studies show 25 million Americans don’t go to the dentist because of fear and anxiety.  Numerous alternatives are available to make your visit as comfortable as possible.

New amenities in a calming environment

Many dental offices help create a calming environment that reduces anxiety.  In the treatment rooms several offer televisions, headphones, pillows and blankets, aromatherapy and even virtual reality glasses that allow patients to watch movies while being treated.  In many instances, these “distractions” are all that is needed.

Inhalation Sedation

Nitrous oxide, commonly called “laughing gas”, is utilized on patients of all ages.  Few side effects are associated with its use.  Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and inhaled through a small mask.  Its effects wear off soon after the nitrous oxide is removed.  It will provide a light level of sedation that is adequate for many anxious patients.   

Oral Conscious Sedation

The renewal course we attended related to oral conscious sedation.  For those patients who are very nervous, consideration should be given to oral conscious sedation.  Anti-anxiety agents or sedatives are utilized to provide a deeper level of sedation.  Oral medications in the form of pills or liquid are taken by the patient in the dental office approximately an hour before the appointment.  The medication will make a patient feel drowsy and often will induce sleep.  With this type of sedation, the patient is still responsive and will breathe on their own.  A variety of medications are used depending upon the desired effect.  Oral sedation is an excellent alternative, but levels of sedation can vary from patient to patient and the patient must have someone drive them to and from the appointment.  New guidelines instituted by the state began requiring certification and guidelines for patient monitoring for dentists offering enteral (oral) sedation approximately six years ago. 

Intravenous Sedation

Intravenous sedation involves the introduction of medication into a vein.  A patient will achieve a relaxed, sedated state very rapidly.  This is still a conscious sedation (not general anesthesia) as the patient is still breathing and swallowing on their own.  To provide intravenous sedation, a dentist must acquire additional advanced training and a different special permit is required.  Typically, oral surgeons, periodontists or general dentists who do a lot of surgery are the practitioners who seek this level of certification.

Understanding the range of choices that are available to relieve anxiety and discomfort makes a person a well-informed dental consumer.  Patients can help by discussing their fears and concerns openly and honestly with their dentist.  If not addressed, dental anxiety can lead to unnecessary oral health problems which inevitably lead to more advanced and involved treatment needs.  Who knows, maybe dentistry will make that “top 10” list someday!

Need help with a dental question?  Contact me through our web site at www.drscottlogan.com in the “Contact Us” section if I can assist in any way.