More than 40 million Americans do not go to the dentist due to anxiety and fear. Thankfully, you can get rid of these crippling feelings while receiving top-quality dental work by visiting a Houston sedation dentist. Dental anxiety is more common than you think. It includes any stress one feels when present in a dental setting. While this may seem minor, it can lead to delays and the cancellation of dental appointments. But there are ways to overcome your anxiety. And a sedation dentist at Lovett Dental Pasadena can help.

child with houston sedation dentistWhat Can Sedation Dentistry Do?

Your dentist can use specialized medication to help you relax. This practice is dubbed “sleep dentistry,” but patients are commonly awake except for those who need anesthesia. There are different sedation levels, which include general anesthesia and deep, minimal, and moderate sedation.

All sedation types require a local anesthetic or numbing medication for the mouth’s part where the dentist is working. This helps to relieve pain and discomfort. The types of sedation include:

  • Inhaled sedation (minimal)
  • IV sedation (moderate)
  • Oral sedation
  • General anesthesia

How Dental Anxiety Is Detrimental for Your Oral Health

When one avoids going to the dentist, it can worsen dental problems. Before you deal with dental anxiety, you first have to know what signs to look for, which include:

  • Palpitations
  • Crying
  • Sweating
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fainting
  • Aggression

To prevent dental complications, it is important to have regular checkups, dental cleanings, and x-rays. These procedures will help your dentist detect early dental problems like tooth decay. This way, the treatments will be less invasive and simpler.

Many people think most diseases magically appear. However, the majority of oral issues develop because of lifestyle choices. A visit to your dentist can also teach you how to take care of your oral health and offer whitening solutions to keep your pearly whites looking amazing.

How Can You Avoid Dental Anxiety?

Before you can determine how to reduce your fear, you first have to determine what causes it. Is it a previous traumatic dental experience, fear of needles, post-traumatic stress disorder, general anxiety, or loss of control? If the drill sound bothers you, bring a pair of earphones so you can listen to some relaxing music.

Before your dental appointment, select what you drink and eat carefully. As much as possible, avoid caffeine and sugary treats. Instead, load up on foods that are high in protein.
When choosing a dentist, look for favorable reviews. Ask your relatives and friends for recommendations. When you visit someone highly recommended, you can develop trust easily.

Discuss your fears with your dentist, so they can be more understanding and change their treatments depending on your preferences and needs. During any dental procedure, focus on your breathing. People tend to get more nervous when they hold their breath since it reduces the amount of oxygen that enters the body. Slow and regular breathing is key. If you don’t breathe properly, it may cause panic.

If you feel extremely uncomfortable, use hand signals. You cannot communicate with words, so this is a viable way to tell your dentist if you need a break. And don’t worry; your dentist will be understanding.

There’s No Need to Fear with Sedation Dentistry

Dental anxiety can affect people regardless of their age and occupation. However, this is a fear that’s easy to overcome. When you visit a sedation dentist, keep in mind that their goal is to care for you and your dental health. And this personalized care will help alleviate your fears in the future. The result will be excellent oral health. If you want to learn more about how a sedation dentist can help, visit Lovett Dental Pasadena today, or call 281-998-8800 to book your next appointment.